Heinz no longer allowed to sell ketchup in Israel

This decision is the result of a lobbying campaign from food manufacturer, Osem, who produce a large quantity of ketchup consumed in Israel. Osem stated that when they tested Heinz’s product, it only contained 21% of tomato concentrate, and not the 61% communicated to consumers. Israeli regulations require that ketchup contains at least 41% of tomato concentrate. Osem controls two thirds of the Israeli ketchup market, leaving Heinz far behind. The company that distributes Heinz in Israel, Diplomat, says that “Obviously, Osem, who has the monopoly, would be delighted to be the only ones selling this product in Israel”.