Turkish-Israeli Tensions: Israeli Consumers Unaware of Turkish-Origin Products in Supermarkets

In the wake of escalating tensions between Turkey and Israel, a growing number of Israeli consumers are expressing concern about unwittingly purchasing products with Turkish origins. While the import of certain goods like tomatoes and vegetables from Turkey has been halted, many popular international brands continue to manufacture products in Turkish factories, raising eyebrows among Israeli shoppers.

Popular Brands with Turkish-Made Products:

• Pampers (Procter & Gamble): Diapers, including Baby Dry and Premium Cold, are produced in Turkey.
• Unilever: Some Dove shampoo, soap, Hellmann's mayonnaise, vermicelli noodles, and Lipton tea are manufactured in Istanbul or Gebze.
• Strauss Ice Cream (Unilever): Mini Magnum ice cream cones and Mestigum bottle are produced in Turkey.
• Colgate Palmolive: Some products, including palmoliv hand and body soaps, are imported from Turkey.
• Godiva Chocolate: Despite being a Belgian brand, it is owned by a Turkish corporation since 2007 and produced in Istanbul.
• Starkist Tuna: Some tuna products, including tuna salads and Starkist Mix to Go, come from Turkey.

Private Label Products: Major supermarket chains like Shufersal and Rami Levy import various private label products from Turkey, including olive oil, mineral water, flakes, sunflower oil, and pasta.

Dried Fruits: Shufersal stands out by indicating the country of origin for dried figs, organic raisins, and dried apricots, all of which are imported from Turkey.

Israeli Importers and Companies Respond: Despite growing concerns among consumers, Israeli importers and companies have expressed no intention to stop importing from Turkey. They argue that the import of non-agricultural products, such as chocolate and soap, does not pose a threat to national interests.

Trade Volume and Outlook: Israel-Turkey trade, valued at $9.1 billion, remains robust. Trade experts believe that business will continue as usual, emphasizing the resilience of trade relations over political tensions. However, there is speculation about potential boycotts from the Turkish side.

Consumer and Trade Perspectives: Amir Shani, Vice President of the Association of Chambers of Commerce, asserts that trade is stronger than politics, predicting that trade will prevail. He notes a marginal decrease, if any, in trade with Turkey, emphasizing the business-minded approach of trade professionals.

Despite the strained political climate, Israeli importers are maintaining a "business as usual" stance, while the possibility of a consumer-led boycott from the Turkish side remains uncertain. The situation highlights the intricate dynamics between political tensions and the practicalities of international trade.