The Strauss Company is shutting its mythological Elite Instant Coffee factory in Tzfas and moving the production to some its plants abroad located in Brazil, Vietnam and Germany.

There are actually two Strauss coffee factories in Tzfas, one in the city center and the second in the industrial area. The reason given is “environmental considerations” with Strauss explaining the manufacturing of coffee in the heart of residential areas poses potential environmental and safety hazards, pointing out there are many kindergartens in the area as well.

Strauss adds that not a single member of the 50 person production line will be without employment, explaining each employee will be offered another job in the company in line with one’s capabilities. The closure is expected to take a number of months.

The company’s ground Turkish and freeze dried coffees will continue being manufactured in Israel. Strauss stresses the taste of their coffee products will not change in any way and the product will still say “made in Israel” which is permitted under local law since blending and other components of production will remain in Israel.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)