The Strauss family: three generations from a Nahariya dairy farm (1939) to Israel's largest food conglomerate. Richard & Hilde → Michael → Ofra. Strauss Group: NIS 5.69B revenue, 15,000 employees.
Three Generations: From a Nahariya Dairy Farm to Israel's Largest Food Conglomerate
The Strauss family (משפחת שטראוס) built Israel's largest food-and-beverage conglomerate across three generations — from a dairy farm in Nahariya in 1939 to a publicly traded company with 15,000 employees in 20+ countries. The arc tracks the economic history of the state itself: immigrant founders, a second generation that industrialized the business, and a third generation that merged, internationalized, and professionalized it into a global platform.
Generation One: Richard and Hilde Strauss (1939)
Dr. Richard Strauss and Hilde Strauss were German-Jewish immigrants who arrived in Nahariya (נהריה) in 1939 with their son Michael. They settled around a small cabin, grew vegetables, and set up a cowshed with two cows.
Hilde made whipped cream from leftover milk and added it to strawberries picked in the field near their home. The “strawberry delicacy” gained fame across northern Israel. Richard began selling it commercially. The British High Commissioner awarded the Strauss family first prize for their dairy products.
Hilde's next move: she leased an ice factory in Acre (עכו) and established the first ice cream factory, producing a cone called Tilon (טילון) — an idea she had seen in Italy. The Tilon became a household name.
From strawberry cream and ice cones, the Strauss dairy operation grew into one of Israel's leading food producers. The founding story — refugees making cream from leftover milk — remains the origin narrative of a company now worth billions.
Generation Two: Michael Strauss
Michael Strauss, Richard and Hilde's son, served as chairman for decades. He professionalized the operation, expanded beyond dairy into coffee and snacks, and built the management infrastructure that enabled the company's eventual public listing and international expansion.
Michael prepared his eldest daughter, Ofra, for the chairmanship — taking her on night delivery routes as a child, where she helped carry 20-kilogram containers of dairy products. He formally retired in 2001, handing the chair to Ofra, though he remained involved in the business.
Generation Three: Ofra Strauss (2001–Present)
Ofra Strauss (born 1960, Nahariya) became chairwoman in 2001. Her defining move: the 2004 formal merger of Strauss and Elite — combining Strauss's dairy, ice cream, and coffee operations with Elite's chocolate, confectionery, and salty-snack empire. The merger created Strauss-Elite Group (now Strauss Group, TASE: STRS) — Israel's dominant food-and-beverage conglomerate.
Under Ofra, the group expanded into Brazil (via Três Corações, now one of the world's largest coffee operations), Eastern Europe, and the United States (via the Sabra hummus joint venture with PepsiCo). Danone held 20% of the group through the transition. The Max Brenner chocolate café chain launched under her tenure.
Fortune ranked Ofra among the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business (2003–2008). The Financial Times ranked her 12th among the top 50 women in world business (2009).
The Strauss Group Today
Strauss Group (TASE: STRS) operates across five core areas: Strauss Israel (dairy, salads, snacks), Strauss Coffee (Israel, Brazil, Eastern Europe), Sabra-Obela (fresh dips and spreads, JV with PepsiCo), Max Brenner (chocolate cafés), and Strauss Water. Revenue approximately NIS 5.69 billion. Approximately 15,000 employees in 20+ countries.
The family's other members include Ofra's sister Irit and brother Adi (a businessman who founded "Adi's lifestyle"). Ofra's son Tom Strauss co-founded Tailor Brands, a design-tech startup.
Key Facts
Founded: 1939 · Nahariya (נהריה), Israel
Founders: Dr. Richard Strauss and Hilde Strauss (German-Jewish immigrants)
Generation Two: Michael Strauss (chairman, retired 2001)
Generation Three: Ofra Strauss (chairwoman, 2001–present)
Company: Strauss Group (TASE: STRS)
Revenue: ~NIS 5.69 billion
Employees: ~15,000 in 20+ countries
Key merger: Strauss + Elite (2004)
Key subsidiaries: Strauss Coffee / Três Corações · Sabra (PepsiCo JV) · Max Brenner · Strauss Water
Origin product: Whipped cream with strawberries, Nahariya, 1939