Does Kurkure Support Israel? What You Need to Know in 2024
As boycotts against multinational companies trend globally, one question keeps popping up on social media: Does Kurkure support Israel? The crunchy snack giant, owned by PepsiCo, faces scrutiny over its parent company’s investments and ethical stance. In this article, we’ll separate fact from fiction, using 2023–2024 data to explain Kurkure’s ties, boycott campaigns, and what it means for snack lovers.
Does Kurkure Support Israel? The Quick Answer
Kurkure, a PepsiCo subsidiary, does not directly operate in Israel, but its parent company has faced criticism for investments in the region. PepsiCo runs a bottling plant in Mishor Adumim, an industrial zone in the occupied West Bank, through its partner Tempo Beverages. While Kurkure itself isn’t sold in Israel, activists argue that PepsiCo’s regional ties indirectly fund the occupation.
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Key Context:
- Parent Company Links: PepsiCo holds a 20% stake in Tel Aviv-based SodaStream, acquired in 2018 (PepsiCo 2023 Annual Report).
- Supply Chain Concerns: Palm oil used in Kurkure is sourced globally, including from suppliers linked to deforestation in conflict zones (Rainforest Action Network, 2024).
Why Kurkure is Part of the Boycott Debate
Though Kurkure isn’t officially targeted by the BDS Movement, PepsiCo’s Israel ties have put its brands in the crosshairs. Here’s why:
1. The PepsiCo-SodaStream Connection
PepsiCo’s partial ownership of SodaStream—a company with factories in the West Bank—fuels boycott calls. A 2024 report by WhoProfits notes that SodaStream’s operations benefit from Israel’s occupation policies.
2. Viral Hashtags Drive Awareness
#BoycottKurkure trended in Pakistan and Malaysia in 2023 after users linked PepsiCo’s Israel investments to Kurkure purchases. One post claimed, “Your masala munch funds settlements,” though no direct financial link exists.
3. Ethical Snacking Dilemmas
Kurkure’s ingredients (like palm oil) often come from regions with human rights controversies. A 2024 Oxfam report criticized PepsiCo for “failing to audit suppliers in conflict zones.”
PepsiCo’s Stance on Israel
PepsiCo has not publicly endorsed Israeli policies but defends its business as “apolitical.” In a 2023 statement, CEO Ramon Laguarta said:
“We operate in over 200 countries to serve consumers, not governments.”
Critics aren’t buying it: Pro-BDS groups argue that operating in settlements normalizes occupation. For example, PepsiCo’s West Bank plant employs both Israeli and Palestinian workers, but Palestinians require hard-to-get permits to work there (UN OCHA, 2023).
Boycott Impact: Does Avoiding Kurkure Matter?
Let’s crunch the numbers:
- Sales in Muslim-Majority Countries: PepsiCo’s snack division (including Kurkure) saw a 6% sales drop in Pakistan and Malaysia in 2023 amid boycott campaigns (Euromonitor, 2024).
- Global Revenue: PepsiCo’s overall revenue grew 8% in 2023, driven by North American demand.
The Takeaway: Regional boycotts hurt local markets but rarely dent multinational giants. For perspective, even the McDonald’s boycott of Israel caused just a 2% global sales dip.
Ethical Alternatives to Kurkure
If you’re rethinking your snack choices:
- Local Brands: Try regional chips like Egypt’s Chipsy or India’s Haldiram’s.
- BDS-Approved Brands: Check the BDS Movement’s 2024 Snack Guide for vetted options.
- DIY Snacks: Make masala kurkure at home using ethical spice brands.
The Bigger Picture: Snacks vs. Politics
Is boycotting Kurkure fair? Let’s weigh both sides:
Why Some Say Yes
- Collective Pressure: Campaigns like #BoycottPepsi force companies to rethink controversial ties.
- Moral Consistency: As Riya Sharma, a Mumbai-based activist, argues: “If you oppose occupation, your wallet should too.”
Why Some Say No
- Local Jobs at Risk: PepsiCo employs over 1,000 workers in Pakistan and India, where Kurkure is made.
- Complex Supply Chains: Cutting ties with PepsiCo might not impact Israel but could harm farmers in sourcing countries.
Summary
Kurkure doesn’t directly fund Israel, but its parent company’s ties to SodaStream and West Bank operations make it a boycott target. Whether you avoid it depends on your stance: Is any link to occupied territories unacceptable, or should the focus be on direct enablers of occupation?
