BROOKLYN, NY — Prices for the coveted Shmura (flour watched from planting) Matzohs rose only nominally despite the economy and the steep increases in commodity prices. Most of the bakeries reached by KosherToday said that they were cognizant of the hardship consumers faced in the continuing recession.
Shmura Matzah Prices Rise Ever So Slowly
BROOKLYN, NY — Prices for the coveted Shmura (flour watched from planting) Matzohs rose only nominally despite the economy and the steep increases in commodity prices. Most of the bakeries reached by KosherToday said that they were cognizant of the hardship consumers faced in the continuing recession.
The cheapest box of shmura matzo can be found at D & T Shmura Bakery in Crown Heights for $18.50/lb, a $0.75 increase per pound over 2008 prices.
At Boro Park Matzoh Bakery, a pound went for $19.50, also increased by $0.75. Chareidim Shmura Matzoh Bakery in Boro Park and Kehilath Yakov Matzo Bakery in Williamsburg both offer their product for $21 a pound. This is only $0.50 more than Chareidim charged last year, and $1 more for Kehilath Yakov.
Williamsburg’s Satmar Shmura Hand-Matzoh Bakery sells its standard shmura matzo for $20 a pound, but also has a “heimieshe mayleh” variety that goes for $23.
In New Jersey, the Lakewood Shmura Matzoh Bakery offers matzo made both before and after Purim, for $18 and $20, respectively. Their gluten free oat matzo is pricier, selling for $23 for a half pound.
Standard Gefen and Rokeach handmade round shmura matzos are also both available online for $19.99 a pound.
Joe
These matzah bakeries claim to be “cognizant of the hardship consumers faced ” yet they are charging $20 and up for a pound of matzah…
S.Z.
ude be suprised how much $ these ppl realy make off a pound did u ever notice how many ppl actualy need to be working just for one pound to be made!!! think about it or go check out a matzah factory before u assume such things…i recently checked one out and realized the amount that goes into one matzah and the amount of employees on site itself…dosent leave much $ for the owner!!
Milhouse
And how much should they charge? What would you consider a reasonable price, and why? If they charge your preferred price, who will pay their expenses, let alone provide them with a profit?
bochur
when you pay next to nothing for old russian workers there are not to many expenses
know it all
From the time the wheat was cut….We are talking alot for grain / flour, water needs to be special, equipment, labor, overhead, hashgacha etc..
If YOU want, get a group of askanim together and build a community matza bakery.
lyers
“…Despite rising commodity prices…” . Look at how much prices on wheat rose within last 1,3, 5 years, and how much matzo prices has risen. More importantly, How much wheat goes into 1 oz. of matzo and how much do they charge for this, I am sure that profit margins (revenues – costs, that include labor, overheads and fixed costs) in 300% and up ranges.
What is needed is more competition – MORE MATZO BAKERIES. And I am sure, that with doubling of matzo producers, the matzo prices will be cut in half, if not more. Where in the USA you see something made out of wheat and water costing $10 per 1 oz, not speaking of $18.95 per oz.