The Agriculture Ministry is considering how best to clamp down on the massive profits retailers are making by charging consumers 130%-150% above the price they pay for imported grapes.

An annual review conducted by the ministry found that 2024 retail prices for imported grapes — only made available in late 2025 — were around 153% higher than the import price.

An additional audit conducted in December 2025 and January 2026 found that while the price of a kilogram of imported grapes (including customs duties) was approximately NIS 14 ($4.7), the average consumer price was more than double, at around NIS 32 ($10.7).

The ministry’s director general, Oren Lavi, said the gap reflected a “severe market failure.”

A ministry spokesman said officials were examining ways to curb the huge price differences, for example, by requiring retail chains to disclose their profits and even by returning to a system of price controls.

Moves such as these would require Finance Ministry agreement.

Lavi has also ordered a review of the amounts and timing of import taxes on grapes, which currently stand at NIS 0.95 (32 cents) during the winter months,........

© The Times of Israel