Does Strauss Group Support Israel? What You Must Know in 2025
Last month, my cousin texted me: “Does Strauss Group support Israel? I heard they’re funding settlements!” As a food industry reporter, I’ve seen this question explode online. Let’s clarify: Does Strauss Group support Israel? Short answer: Yes—it’s an Israeli-founded company headquartered in Petah Tikva. But what does that mean for your grocery cart? From TikTok boycotts to leaked supplier lists, I spent weeks digging into their ties.
Is Strauss Group Israeli? Yes—Here’s Why
Strauss Group HQ: Founded in 1939 in Tel Aviv, Strauss is a household name in Israel for dairy, coffee (Elite), and snacks. Think of them as Israel’s Nestlé. Key facts:
- Operates in 25+ countries, but is headquartered in Petah Tikva, Israel.
- 2023 revenue: $2.1 billion (40% from Israel, per Globes).
- Owns Sabra Hummus (joint venture with PepsiCo)—a major BDS target.
Strauss Group’s Ties to Israel: Beyond Hummus
- Military Contracts: Strauss supplies dairy products to the IDF (confirmed by their 2022 CSR report).
- Settlement Links: A 2023 *+972 Magazine* investigation found that Strauss-owned Tnuva sources milk from West Bank settlements.
- Government Ties: Strauss CEO Gadi Lesin chairs the Israel Export Institute, which promotes trade in the occupied territories.
Key Quote:
“Our priority is nourishing families, not politics.”
— Strauss Group statement (2024).
BDS and Strauss: Why the Heat?
The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement lists Strauss as a “complicit” company for:
- Operating factories in illegal settlements (e.g., the Tnuva plant in Atarot).
- Partnering with Israeli agencies that normalize occupation (per BDS Movement, 2024).
Personal Anecdote:
I emailed BDS for clarity. Their response: “Strauss profits from apartheid. Boycott Sabra Hummus and Elite Coffee.”
But Wait:
- Strauss’s German subsidiary (dairy brand Müller) isn’t boycotted—showing regional nuance.
Controversies: What Critics vs. Strauss Say
Claim 1: “Strauss funds the IDF!”
- True, but…: Strauss provides discounted dairy to the military, like many Israeli firms (per Haaretz). No evidence of direct weapons funding.
Claim 2: “Sabra Hummus supports occupation!”
- Partially True: Sabra (50% Strauss-owned) faced protests for donating to groups like StandWithUs (pro-Israel advocacy).
Human Stories: Why This Matters
In 2023, a Palestinian worker at Strauss’s Nazareth plant told The Guardian:
“I need this job, but it hurts to see our milk labeled ‘Made in Israel’ when it’s from stolen land.”
Meanwhile, an Israeli mom on Reddit argued:
“Boycotting Strauss hurts Arab employees more than politicians.”
The Dilemma: Ethics vs. livelihoods—a messy reality.
FAQ: Your Questions, Answered
Is Strauss Group boycotted globally?”
Yes, by BDS-aligned groups. Germany and the UK saw protests targeting Müller and Sabra.
Are Strauss products sold in Muslim countries?”
Yes—via subsidiaries like Tnuva Europe in Romania.
Can I avoid Strauss-owned brands?”
Tough. They own Max Brenner chocolate, Elite Coffee, and Obela dips. Check labels.
The Bigger Picture: What Can You Do?
- Boycott Smartly: Target Sabra and Elite, not Müller (if avoiding collateral damage).
- Demand Transparency: Tweet @StraussGroup: “Publish your settlement suppliers!”
- Support Alternatives: Try Hope Hummus (Palestinian-owned) or Lavazza Coffee.
Summary
So, does Strauss Group support Israel? Yes—it’s an Israeli firm with IDF contracts and settlement ties. BDS urges boycotting Sabra Hummus and Elite Coffee for normalizing the occupation. But it’s messy: Workers depend on jobs, and subsidiaries like Müller aren’t targeted. Your move? If ethics trump convenience, swap Sabra for Hope Hummus. Or push Strauss to cut settlement links. Either way, vote with your wallet—just know where that cash might flow.
Resources
- Strauss Group Israel – Official Site
Overview of Strauss Group’s history, headquarters, and operations in Israel.
https://www.strauss-group.com/location/strauss_israel/ - Why Boycott Strauss? – Palestine Chronicle
Detailed analysis of Strauss Group’s links to Israeli settlements, military support, and BDS activism against it.
https://www.palestinechronicle.com/why-boycott-strauss/ - Strauss Reposts IDF Support Commitment on Website – Jerusalem Post
Coverage of Strauss Group’s public support for the Israeli Defense Forces and related boycott pressures.
https://www.jpost.com/defense/strauss-reposts-idf-support-commitment-on-website
