Sources inform ''Globes'' that there is a shortage of Tnuva Food Industries Ltd. Emek and Gilboa yellow cheeses at retailers. Stocks at some stores have completely run out, even though packages of the two cheeses have a six-month shelf life. Prices for both cheeses are government controlled, making them the cheapest cheeses on the market.
The shortage of raw milk continues, although a top retailer says that the situation is improving, and that the shortage will be over by the end of the month. "There has been a shortage at Tnuva for several days. The company has apparently needed time to recover from the holidays, when there were few work days" said Mega VP trade Gershon Weisman. Shortages are also affecting Shufersal Ltd. (TASE:SAE), Rami Levy Chain Stores Hashikma Marketing 2006 Ltd. (TASE:RMLI), and other supermarket chains.
Another retailer said that the Tnuva was still struggling to meet orders, and that there was a shortage of Emek yellow cheese. A different retailer said that there had been no rise in demand in the past month, and had Tnuva prepared in advance, it could have prevented the cheese shortage.
Tnuva said in response, "Tnuva's production of yellow cheeses (Emek, Gush Halav, Gilboa, etc.) has been 7% higher this year than last year. We're operating at full capacity, 24 hours a day at all dairies with full staff and reinforcements. The few work days during the holidays, and higher demand in recent months has sometimes resulted in incomplete deliveries of some products. Tnuva prioritizes the production of basic goods and price-controlled products, and is utilizing its full production capacity."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on October 16, 2012
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