Jerusalem, 28 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s Ministry of Economy is pushing for urgent price supervision on matzah — unleavened bread — products as Passover approaches, citing excessive profitability and rising prices in a highly concentrated market, the ministry announced on Wednesday.
“In light of the findings, Minister [Nir] Barkat instructed the Price Supervisor to contact the Price Committee with a request to urgently consider a recommendation to ministers regarding the imposition of supervision on matzo prices even before the holiday. The goal is to ensure that the price of matzo reflects production costs plus a fair profit only, and to prevent abuse of market concentration,” the ministry said.
In a letter dated January 22, 2026, Acting Price Supervisor Rimona Chen revealed that two companies — Matzos Yehuda and Matzos Rishon LeZion — control 80% of the matzah market. Analysis of data from 2022–2024 shows the companies have achieved unusually high profit margins compared to other public food companies.
Most concerning is that matzah prices have risen substantially and are expected to increase further, despite key input costs moving in the opposite direction. Kosher-for-Passover flour prices, which are under government supervision, dropped 14% last year, with additional reductions planned. Wheat prices have also declined over the examined period.
The bakeries have repeatedly refused to provide complete financial data despite official requests dating back to March 2025, hindering a full cost analysis. The production cost of matzah is estimated at NIS 7.4 ($2.02) for a 2.5 kg package, the ministry said at the time.
Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat warned in December that authorities may also supervise the price of matzah to prevent “unnecessary increases at the expense of the public,” stressing that consumers should not fund “profiteering celebrations” on basic Passover necessities.
Matzah is eaten during the week-long holiday that commemorates the Jewish exodus from Egyptian slavery.
Passover begins on April 1 at sundown.
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