Israeli Cheese: Better Than European

A partnership between Israel’s Tnuva Food Industries Ltd. and China’s Bright Dairy & Food Co. is nearly finalized.

When the deal is signed, the Chinese company will export Tnuva cheeses to their growing market, who already have a taste for Israeli dairy products: “The flavor of cheese in Israel is different from Europe,” said Ke Li, the deputy general manager of Bright Food.

“And it is better, in my opinion.”

Right you are, Ms. Li. Everyone knows that Israel’s dairy can’t be beat, which could have something to do with the Israeli cow, which has the largest milk yield in the world.

This deal would be massively profitable for Israel’s Apax Partners, who purchased Tnuva for less than $4 billion NIS, and are on track to sell it for $9 billion NIS when the sale to Bright Food is finalized.

Some have taken issue with selling the Israeli business to a Chinese company, but both sides hope to alleviate concerns through transparency, as Bright Food recently opened their doors to Israeli business leaders and reporters for a tour.

“We already have a partnership with Israel. Our representatives travel to Israel 3-4 times each year,” Li stated, enthusiastic about the upcoming sale.

“Tnuva is a great food company. Many of its products are suitable for the Chinese market, and if the deal is finalized, we will be able to import Tnuva cheeses to China,” Li added.