Histadrut survey: 78% of Israelis do not agree with the food manufacturers that price increases are inevitable

In a special survey by the Histadrut Consumer Authority, 78% of Israelis do not agree with the food manufacturers’ claim that price increases are inevitable. Moreover, 9 out of 10 Israelis have changed their consumption habits to one degree or another. CEO of the Histadrut Consumer Authority, attorney Yaron Levinson: “Consumers must buy in an informed and wise manner, and prefer substitute products to save on expenses.”

71% of Israelis think (to a very large extent and to a large extent) that boycotting products or imposing sanctions on companies that raised prices contributes to the fight against the cost of living. Only 3% think that this does not contribute at all to the struggle.

This is according to a special survey of the Histadrut Consumer Authority through the Geocartography Institute. The survey, conducted in the second week of September, was conducted among 503 respondents, a representative sample of the population in Israel.

The survey also shows that 78% disagree with the food manufacturers’ claim that price increases are inevitable.

58% will (always/often) avoid buying products from companies that raise prices. Only 4% will not refrain from buying.

About 88% of the respondents changed their consumption habits to one degree or another following the struggle with the cost of living – 41% changed to a great extent and very much, 32% changed their consumption habits to a moderate level, 14% to a small degree. Only 12% did not change at all.

63% always/often compare prices between retail chains. 76% always/often prepare a shopping list in advance.

44% always/often split their shopping into different stores to benefit from all the offers.

38% always/often bargain with service providers or sellers before purchasing.

77% always/often check the purchase invoice to make sure there are no mistakes. 62% postpone large purchases for periods of sales. 81% always/often check the credit details.

30% of those who buy replacement products for products that have become more expensive are more satisfied with them compared to the previous ones. 47% are as satisfied as the original products.

64% bought replacement food products, 10% replacement cleaning materials, and 7% clothing and footwear.

32% of those who are members of customer clubs use their benefits much more following the price increases. 20% use a little more.

48% use the clubs for benefits for movies, shows, and plays. 41% for cafes and restaurants. 25% for children’s attractions, 16% for vacations in Israel.

33% said they would reduce their shopping for the holidays to a large/very large extent due to the price increases in the economy.

How do consumers choose their main food chain? 73% according to low prices. 61% are looking for attractive promotions, 43% for a wide range of products, and 41% for geographical proximity.

The CEO of the Histadrut Consumer Authority, attorney Yaron Levinson: “Unfortunately, there are companies that ride the ‘wave’ of price increases and take advantage of the opportunity to raise prices disproportionately. It’s not just that 78% of the respondents do not accept the claim of the manufacturing companies that the price increase is ‘inevitable’ 71% of respondents believe that boycotting the products of the companies that raised prices contributes to the fight against the cost of living, and this is the appropriate consumer response to these companies. The survey findings show that Israeli consumers are using more and more tools to make informed purchases. This is a welcome trend that, if continued, will contribute to the fight against the cost of living.”