In light of the cartel which apparently took place between
matzoh manufacturers last year, the authorities are
currently continuing their investigations, in order to
prevent a cartel in matzoh prices this Pesach.
Monday 9 Nisan it was reported that the Enforcement
Department of the Restraint of Trade Authority demanded that
the large chains -- Super-Sal, Co-op, Blue Square and Club-
Market -- provide information about the matzoh market.
The Restraint of Trade Authority asked for details regarding
existing agreements between them and the matzoh
manufacturers in the country, as well as for the prices at
which the chains purchase matzos, the prices of the matzoh
manufacturers and the discount rates for the chains. The
food market chains transferred this information to the
Authority this week and the data is being examined.
Last year, the Authority conducted an investigation of a
suspected cartel between manufacturers. It also thought that
such a cartel had been in effect in previous years too. Last
year, suspicions with respect to the existence of covert
arrangements among most of the matzoh manufacturers and the
flour mills regarding the prices of matzos for the public
was investigated.
In the wake of the results of last year's investigation, the
head of the Restraint of Trade Authority asked the Court for
a temporary order preventing the cartel this year, in order
to prevent immediate financial damage to matzoh consumers.
The order was issued, and thereby a price rise which the
cartel would have caused was prevented. The investigation of
the matzoh manufacturers ended with a recommendation that
indictments be presented against those involved in the
affair. The issue is currently being investigated by the
Legal Department of the Authority.
