Kosher Industry News

Passover Season ’07 in Full Swing as Some Delivery Problems Surface

New York... The Passover season has arrived for retailers all over the world but some in this country are experiencing delays in receiving product, a kosher food distributor told KosherToday. Some deadlines for shipments to supermarket warehouses were not met and are causing some problems in “finalizing the set.” With three weeks left until the first Seder night, retailers are hoping that these problems are resolved quickly and are still forecasting record sales, particularly because of many new “exciting” items, Israeli products, and traditional foods used on the holidays. Most chains already released their FSI’s in the Jewish and other media with such brands as Kedem, Osem, Manischewitz, Rokeach, and Macabee appearing most often. Sales of hand-made Shmura Matzoh are well ahead of last year, sources say. Consumers will have many more choices of Matzoh this year including several new brands from abroad. Most groceries have already opened their special Passover aisles. Notable amongst some of the new items on shelves are Gluten-Free and Sugar-Free items as the industry pays more attention to the health concerns of customers for the Passover holiday. One Brooklyn store carried no less than 8 different sugar-free bars of chocolate as well as several brands of dietetic candies. It also appears that kids will benefit from many new snack items, both from local manufacturers and from Israel, as well as several new Cholov Yisroel ice cream products from Klein’s.

Permission give by koshertoday.com to republish

<-- Return to Jewish Recipes

Kosher Wine Tasting Grows in Popularity This Passover Season

New York…

Tasting kosher wines for Passover has become so popular that it is no longer reserved for some occasional special events. In Washington DC, the Universalist National Memorial Church, a liberal Christian group, held a kosher wine tasting where the proceeds went to an extreme leftist-oriented synagogue. Some of the wines that were showcased included the 2005 Alfasi Cabernet Sauvignon and Alfasi Merlot from Chile, Abarbanel’s Cabernet Sauvignon from France, several Barkan, Dalton and other wines from Israel, the 2005 Bartenura Moscato from Italy and the 2003 Hagafen Merlot and 2004 Hagafen Pinot Noir from the US. Wine tasting events cut across all lines in Judaism. It has become as popular in Reform temples as it is in Orthodox synagogues. Royal Wine, which held its own wine tasting in Lower Manhattan in late February, is promoting these wine tastings, profiling some of the wines that it either produces or imports, including Baron Herzog Chardonnay 2005, Baron Herzog Late Harvest Chenin Blanc 2004, Baron Herzog Old Vine Red Zinfandel 2004, Binyamina Yogev Cab-Merlot 2005, Carmel Di Moscato 2006, Carmel PC Cabernet 2004, Carmel Appellation Petit Syrah 2004, Carmel Shaal Gewürztraminer 2005, Casa da Corca Reserve 2005, Opinioni Verdetto (Umbria Rosso) 2003, Rothberg Cellars CS 2004, and Yatir Sauvignon Blanc 2005. In some synagogues the tastings are a prelude to actual wine sales while in others it has become as popular an activity as the Sunday morning breakfast and the fundraisers for Israel Bonds.

Permission give by koshertoday.com to republish

<-- Return to Jewish Recipes

Kosher Wine Tasting Grows in Popularity This Passover Season

New York…

Tasting kosher wines for Passover has become so popular that it is no longer reserved for some occasional special events. In Washington DC, the Universalist National Memorial Church, a liberal Christian group, held a kosher wine tasting where the proceeds went to an extreme leftist-oriented synagogue. Some of the wines that were showcased included the 2005 Alfasi Cabernet Sauvignon and Alfasi Merlot from Chile, Abarbanel’s Cabernet Sauvignon from France, several Barkan, Dalton and other wines from Israel, the 2005 Bartenura Moscato from Italy and the 2003 Hagafen Merlot and 2004 Hagafen Pinot Noir from the US. Wine tasting events cut across all lines in Judaism. It has become as popular in Reform temples as it is in Orthodox synagogues. Royal Wine, which held its own wine tasting in Lower Manhattan in late February, is promoting these wine tastings, profiling some of the wines that it either produces or imports, including Baron Herzog Chardonnay 2005, Baron Herzog Late Harvest Chenin Blanc 2004, Baron Herzog Old Vine Red Zinfandel 2004, Binyamina Yogev Cab-Merlot 2005, Carmel Di Moscato 2006, Carmel PC Cabernet 2004, Carmel Appellation Petit Syrah 2004, Carmel Shaal Gewürztraminer 2005, Casa da Corca Reserve 2005, Opinioni Verdetto (Umbria Rosso) 2003, Rothberg Cellars CS 2004, and Yatir Sauvignon Blanc 2005. In some synagogues the tastings are a prelude to actual wine sales while in others it has become as popular an activity as the Sunday morning breakfast and the fundraisers for Israel Bonds.

Permission give by koshertoday.com to republish

<-- Return to Jewish Recipes

Cost of Living for Kosher Consumers Rises

New York…

A recent survey by the American Jewish Committee shows that American Jews need $25,000-$35,000 a year to be spent solely on what it termed “intensive Jewish experiences” – defined as synagogue membership, Jewish Center membership, Jewish day school and camp experiences, Federation donations and kosher food. Industry sources say that on average the cost of kosher food has risen by approximately 10% over the last year, and this does not include the cost of kosher foods for Passover. In Israel, the average Israeli family had to lay out an extra $175 for food in 2006 compared to 2005, according to figures released yesterday by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) and the Agriculture Ministry's agricultural planning authority. While the consumer price index actually fell 0.1% last year, prices for the fresh agricultural products category rose 7.3% and the price of all foods climbed by 5.1%. The fresh agricultural products category includes fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, unprocessed meat, chicken, fish, milk and other dairy products, eggs and honey. These are the grocery staples consumed by every Israeli household for which demand is constant. Therefore, a sharp price increase in this category primarily hurts middle- and low-income families.

Coffee and Tea No Longer an Automatic for Passover

New York...

There was a time when you could buy unflavored and caffeinated coffee for Passover without worrying about a special kosher designation for the holiday. But according to Rabbi Shmuel Singer of the Orthodox Union, that is no longer true. “Our position in former years in regard to coffee had been similar to tea,” wrote Rabbi Singer. “We maintained that all regular coffee, that is unflavored and not decaffeinated, is acceptable for Pesach without supervision. This is no longer true. Some coffee companies add maltodextrin, which is either chametz or kitniyos, to instant coffee. As a result this coffee is not kosher for Passover. Only coffee bearing an OU-P symbol or brands listed in the gray area of the Passover Directory should be used. Both Folger's and Taster's Choice instant coffee remain acceptable. Other brands should be checked in the (OU Passover) Directory. Ground coffee remains acceptable from any source as long as it is unflavored and not decaffeinated.” As a result, people who may have regular instant coffee, that is unflavored and not decaffeinated, from last year that is another brand besides Folger's or Taster's Choice, should not use it for Pesach.

Portland Jewish Community Set to Welcome New Kosher Option

Portland, OR…

The Portland Jewish community is buzzing with excitement with the imminent launch of a new kosher meat cutting facility at the Albertsons supermarket in the Beaverton-Hillsdale area in time for Passover. The store, which is located in the Jewish neighborhood in the city, has a kosher deli and kosher bakery under the supervision of the local Vaad Hakashrus. According to Yakov M. Yarmove, Corporate Category Manager, Ethnic Marketing and Specialty Foods of SuperValu, “until now, that store has only carried pre-packed kosher meat and poultry.” Yarmove added: “This is very exciting, as it will be the only full-service ‘kosher butcher’ in the State of Oregon.” The addition of the kosher meat cutting facility will offer residents a huge Passover selection of both foods and wines. Jewish community leaders are particularly excited since Portland is a smaller Jewish community, where a true one-stop kosher store is integral to the Jewish community.

Permission give by koshertoday.com to republish

<-- Return to Jewish Recipes

Met Council Provides Kosher Food to 60,000 Families

New York…

The number of Jewish poor in New York’s Jewish community is approaching 300,000 people, according to Willie Rapfogel, the executive director of the Metropolitan Coordinating Council on Jewish Poverty. Working closely with the Food Bank for New York and City Harvest, Met Council will provide kosher for Passover food to over 60,000 families this Passover season. Met Council’s kosher for Passover package contains matzah, poultry, gefilte fish, tuna, fish, mayonnaise, grape juice, cooking oil, borscht, canned beets and carrots, macaroons, canned fruit, potatoes, onions, oranges, and apples. Met Council will also coordinate community seders for over 2,000 isolated seniors and others without family. In addition to Met Council, numerous other smaller agencies will also be providing food packages and organizing community seders.

News from Israel

More Competition in US from Overseas Dairy Producers

Jerusalem… It is no secret that Israeli dairy producers have their eye on a significant presence in the US kosher market. Tnuva has already made its move with the introduction of many of its products on supermarket shelves. The Israel Dairy Board is also moving forcefully to increase the presence of Israeli dairy products. G. Willi-Food, which recently acquired Laish Imports, is the latest to eye the US kosher dairy market. Willi, through its Gold Frost subsidiary, is planning to introduce many new dairy products to the US kosher market. Its supplier, Arla Foods, is a major European producer of dairy products. It already has approval from US authorities to import non-kosher Lurpak butter and Brie and Camembert cheeses into the US on behalf of unrelated third parties. Arla has now allocated a portion of its existing import licenses to kosher Lurpak butter and Brie and Camembert cheeses for distribution by Gold Frost. These products will be produced according to Gold Frost's kosher instructions at Arla's factory in Denmark, and Gold Frost will purchase the products directly from the factory in Denmark or from Arla Foods in the US. Shipments of these products to the US may commence once Gold Frost has produced new product labeling in compliance with USDA regulations.

Zvi Williger, President and COO of Willi-Food stated, "We are very excited about this opportunity. Our strategy to bring high-quality kosher dairy products to the US market is moving forward. The agreement with Arla to begin importing kosher dairy products into the US is an indication of the strong growth potential for our product line in this market. We intend to complete final labeling requirements for compliance with USDA regulations in the next few months." In the meantime, Mivtach Shamir Holdings and Apax Partners have signed an agreement to jointly acquire the controlling stake in Tnuva Food Industries Ltd. through an Israeli corporation to be set up for this purpose, in accordance with Apax’s purchase contract with Tnuva. Sources say that the new majority owners are also expected to increase exports to the US.

Permission give by koshertoday.com to republish

<-- Return to Jewish Recipes

Israeli Companies Court Haredi Orthodox Market

Tel Aviv…by Idele Ross…

Charedi (strictly religious) Orthodox households show the biggest increase in household expenditures over the last five years. A market study conducted by AC Nielsen reports an 18% growth in overall spending while the Russian market has increased by a more modest 3% and among the general public, 6%. The survey, reported in the Maariv newspaper, said that an average Haredi household has 5.45 members compared with 2.9 in the Russian and 3.12 in the typical Israeli household. Among Haredi shoppers, food purchases rose by 14% which is why so many companies have begun to create special campaigns and products to meet the needs of this growing niche market.

Permission give by koshertoday.com to republish

<-- Return to Jewish Recipes

Poultry Popular Amongst Israelis

Jerusalem…by Idele Ross…

The Agriculture Ministry and Poultry Board are reporting that Israelis are buying more chicken. In 2006, the average Israeli consumed 38 kilograms up from 37 the year before. The Mazon Israeli Food news website notes the trend also shows a 50 percent growth over the last ten years. Poultry consumption in Israel is higher than in Europe: England and Spain report 23 kilograms are consumed per average consumer whereas in Canada and Australia it is 30 kilograms a year. Americans eat the most chicken, some 42 kilograms a year. Agriculture Ministry officials credit the slow but steady growth to innovation and cost efficiency, which have enabled the prices to be lowered. They also note that for Israelis, especially those who observe kashrut, there are not many alternatives.

Permission give by koshertoday.com to republish

<-- Return to Jewish Recipes

From Here and There, Kosher News

Washington, DC…

Kosher meals were served to some 5,400 delegates attending the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Policy Conference at the Washington Convention Center. Foremost Caterers of Moonachie NJ was the caterer that included some of these numbers: 20,000 plates, 1,300 servers, 25,000 bagels, 125 gallons of sauce for one entrée, 8,000 pounds of ice, and countless refrigeration trucks to store all the food.

New York… To answer questions that frequently arise during the Passover season, when the dietary laws are different and even more stringent from the ones that govern the rest of the year, the Orthodox Union Kosher Department for the second year has made them available on http://www.oupassover.org/.

Alleghany County, NY…Friendship Dairies, long-time producer of many kosher products (OU-Dairy) is to be acquired by Dean Foods for $130 million. The family business has agreed to be purchased by Dean Foods, the nation’s largest processor and distributor of milk, for $130 million, including costs of the acquisition.

Brooklyn, NY… A Gefilte Fish Eating Contest was held last week at the Essex on Coney restaurant in Brooklyn. Borough President Marty Markowitz was the “master of ceremonies.”

Permission give by koshertoday.com to republish

<-- Return to Jewish Recipes

New Product Showcase

New Product Showcase

New Wipease Silver, Chrome & Copper Pre-moisten Wipes
By Eda Kram...

Wipease Silver, Chrome & Copper is a non-toxic, pre-moistened wipe for cleaning silver and other metals. It is gentle enough to use on all antique silver and easy enough to use on the intricate details. Unlike the creams, Wipease Silver, Chrome & Copper will not leave a residue. Wipease Silver, Chrome & Copper is quick and easy to use while being hygienic too. The disposables cloths are impregnated with water based formula especially for silver and other metals and is non-toxic and non-abrasive. It is certified kosher and kosher for Pesach by OK Labs. Wipease Silver, Chrome & Copper is available at stores all over the US as well as the UK

Permission give by koshertoday.com to republish

<-- Return to Jewish Recipes

Kosher Industry News

With an Albertsons Closing, Dallas Jews Make Contingency Plans for Passover and Beyond Dallas…

In the long run, the rapidly growing Jewish community may be better off and even have more kosher food, but for this Passover many of the city’s 60,000 Jews may have to scramble for alternate solutions. An Albertsons which served the growing Jewish community in the North side of Dallas had announced that it would be closing in the beginning of March, just when the buying season for Passover foods begins. The Albertsons was one of several stores that was not part of the SuperValu acquisition and thus part of the reorganization of the new ownership. Albertsons said it would close six more stores in the Dallas-Fort Worth market, for a total of 11 shuttered stores statewide, according to local reports. These stores were said to be “underperforming.” In June, Albertsons was split into three companies. New York firm Cerberus Capital Management formed a private company with 661 stores, including those in Texas.

Jeffrey Schiller, a former president of both Tiferet Israel and Dallas Vaad (Dallas Kosher), said that “it was most disturbing that Albertsons chose to close the store less than one month prior to the Passover holidays.” Schiller also said that Albertsons was always an important part of the 13-year old annual Tiferet Israel Kosher Chili Cook-Off on March 13th. Despite its closing, Albertsons was making arrangements to supply the 1500 pounds of ground meat it makes available every year, but according to Schiller, this year’s supply will be not be fresh but frozen. The event attracted more than 4000 people at Tiferet Israel in 2006. For the time being Jews who live on the North side will have to travel cross-town to the South where a Tom Thumb store (owned by Safeway) has a broad selection of kosher foods, including dairy and meats, albeit not fresh meats as the Albertsons had sold . Although Passover may be a problem, the future appears a bit brighter for Dallas Jews as Tom Thumb has announced that it will be remodeling a store on the North side and install a full kosher store within a store.

Demographic studies show that Dallas has been one of the fastest growing Jewish communities in America. In the past 5 years, say Jewish leaders, the community may have grown by as much as 20,000 with more than 6,000 Jews believed to eat kosher year-round. At least another 5,000 – 6,000 observe kashrus around holiday time, particularly on Passover. In addition to the Tom Thumb stores, there are a number of small independent convenience stores that cater to the kosher market. One store, Milk & Honey, carries many pre-packed goods, including Israeli items. Dallas has 3 kosher restaurants, including 2 meat and one dairy in addition to several kosher caterers. The Jewish Community Center also offers kosher salads and sandwiches.

Orthodox Jews from New York and other cities have been visiting the Dallas Jewish community of late to show their support for the developing Jewish community. Jewish community leaders speak proudly of their gains in such a short period of time.


Permission give by koshertoday.com to republish

<-- Return to Jewish Recipes

“Tzedek Hechsher” Not a Kosher Issue, Many Rabbis Assert

New York…

Reacting to an article in the weekly Forward, “Orthodox Slam Effort To Monitor Conditions at Kosher Factories” (February 9, 2007), many rabbis reached by KosherToday did not consider the new proposed Conservative “Tzedek Hekhsher” to be an issue for kashrus. The Forward piece turned the issue of a proposed new certification on the basis of social issues to be the latest spat between Conservative and Orthodox rabbis. But even the Conservatives said that their proposed new hechsher would not deal with kashrus but rather with working conditions at plants producing kosher. The Conservative position followed an earlier article in the Forward that reported on alleged unsafe working conditions at the Agriprocessors plant in Postville, Iowa, a fact that was later disputed by Rabbi Asher Zeilingold of Minneapolis who traveled to the plant with a Spanish speaking congregant of his. Rabbi Zeilingold certifies the non-glatt kosher meats at the plant.

"It's not that we don't care about those issues, but we rely on the federal government," said Rabbi Menachem Genack, who heads the kashrus division at the Orthodox Union (OU). He noted that agencies such as the Department of Labor and Occupational Safety & Health Administration already keep watch on workers' pay and working conditions. “We don't want to impose more on those companies than is required by law," Genack said. Other rabbis also saw the new certification as more of an oversight on the already considerable protection offered to workers by government.

Many of the kashrus officials felt that a new certification that broadened the definition of kashrus would only lead to more confusion in the marketplace. Rabbi Yosef Wikler, publisher of Kashrus Magazine, told KosherToday that the Tzedek Hekhsher “has nothing to do with kosher certification and standards,” which is why he would not include the certification on his widely heralded annual list of kosher symbols and certification that numbered nearly 750 in 2006. Rabbi Wikler, who lists Conservative and Reform certifications on his list, agreed that the Tzedek Hekhsher would only lead to more confusion for consumers. One rabbi complimented the concern of the Conservatives but suggested that they “first should have visited non-kosher plants “which are basically no different than kosher ones” and in any event should be issuing their hekhsher for any Jewish businessman who employs workers, and not just a meat plant in Iowa.”

Permission give by koshertoday.com to republish


<-- Return to Jewish Recipes

Kosher Weight Loss Programs

Demand Grows for Kosher Weight Loss Programs and Products
By Sarah Cohen... New York, NY…

Demand in the Jewish community for kosher weight loss programs and products follows industry trends, a KosherToday survey found. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention approximately 65% of US citizens are overweight. Obesity has become a growing concern amongst many Jews who keep kosher. While there were no specific sales numbers for kosher weight loss programs and products, the Atlanta Business Chronicles put sales of US Weight Loss programs and products at $34.7 billion annually. The Calorie Control Council’s National Consumer Survey found that 33% of adults, 71 million people, in America are on a diet. While non kosher consumers have various programs such as Jenny Craig and The Zone, as well as a multitude of diet products, there is a new breed of kosher programs that target adherents of the Jewish dietary laws.

Kosher Diet Delivery, a diet delivery program serving the larger New York Area, offers consumers a complete meal plan delivered to their front door. “This program was started in direct response to demand by kosher consumers for a comprehensive diet program,” said Ephraim Zimmerman, General Manager of Kosher Diet Delivery. Zimmerman estimates that approximately 10% of the Kosher Diet Delivery members are non-kosher consumers who “equate kosher with healthier and higher quality foods.” Dr. B’s, a weight loss product retailer, has been offering kosher consumers a wide array of diet products, a medically supervised weight loss program, and a weekly delivery diet program. Dr. B’s products, such as desserts, entrees and side dishes, are low fat, sugar free and generally, low carb. “The need for weight loss products and programs is very high in the Jewish community because of the focus on food during Jewish Holidays,” said Heather Bennett Book, Vice President of Dr. B’s. Says Book: “Our Weight Loss products and programs allow consumers to maintain healthier eating habits.” Melanie Cohen, Weight Watchers Meeting Leader in the New York Area, comments that working in Jewish areas, she has observed an increase in membership enrollment among Jewish consumers in October, following the Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah and in January, following the secular New Year. “Although Weight Watchers offers kosher dairy products, kosher consumers have increasingly been asking for pareve Weight Watchers products,” commented Cohen. One kosher distributor who sells many diet items to the growing program “including home businesses” said his business for diet products increased by “about 18%. in the past 12 months.”

Permission give by koshertoday.com to republish

<-- Return to Jewish Recipes

News from Israel

Israelis Deal with Non-Kosher RealityTel Aviv…
Combined Sources…

While surveys continue to show that the majority of Israelis subscribe to a kosher lifestyle, there is growing evidence of a significant non-kosher Israel. An estimated $1 billion of non-kosher foods are sold in Israel, largely as a result of the large Russian immigration to Israel, including a substantial number of spouses who are not Jewish. Also blamed for the increase is the evolving Israeli culinary habits of younger secular Israelis who are estranged from their parents’ preference for kosher. Many Tel Aviv residents were in an uproar when mini-market super chain AM:PM, a staple of chic secular city life, announced that they were removing any and all non-kosher products from their shelves, focusing particularly on shellfish and meats manufactured by the Mizra Deli. News that non-kosher food was permitted on army bases also created quite a stir and was the subject of discussion in the Knesset. Israeli society always had a number of non-kosher restaurants and night spots, but the growing retail presence is quite new. The Tiv Taam chain is cited as one of those retailers that is building a business from non-kosher Israelis. There is the Mania Deli chain, which caters largely to Eastern European immigrants, but is also trying to cultivate the non-kosher taste buds of young secular Israelis.

While Israelis see the trend to non-kosher as unavoidable, they also point to the astronomical growth of kosher in the country. Said one Israeli food manufacturer: “Non-kosher food is less than 10% of overall food sales in Israel, which is the best indication that kosher still reigns supreme in the holy land.”


Permission give by koshertoday.com to republish

<-- Return to Jewish Recipes

New Products for Passover

More Innovation for 500 New Products this Passover
Passover Survey 2007

New York… Kosher shoppers will once again find a broad array of new kosher foods and wines for Passover (April 3-10). The KosherToday annual survey of new kosher products for the 8-day holiday included several hundred products that were submitted for publication. (Editor’s Note: Products that were obvious duplications or which were received past our deadline are not included in this review. Shoppers should still determine the kosher certification of products, if wines are mevushal and if food products is non-gebrokst.) Although the criteria was that products must be making their debut in 2007, some of the products submitted did receive limited exposure in 2006 and are included in this review. There appeared to be less duplication than in the past, as kosher consumers had demanded in a recent study by Cannondale Associates. Passover shelves will also have many new products from Israel, including an unprecedented array of Matzos, both machine and hand made. Passover sales account for nearly 40% of annual kosher food sales of nearly $11 billion.

There will again be an unprecedented array of new kosher wines to choose from for the Passover Seder. Of note this year will be Zachlawi’s “Traditional 1816 Arak,” considered by many one of the best arak products to be produced anywhere in the world. From Baron Herzog the lineup will include Chardonnay 2005, Red Vine Zinfandel 2004, Late and Harvest Chenin Blanc 2004(California). Other wines from Royal Wines includes Yatir Sauvignon Blanc 2005, Barkan Altitude 720 -2003, Binyamina Yogev Cab-Merlot 2005, Carmel PC Cabernet 2004, Carmel Petit Syrah 2004, Casa di Corca, Carmel Di Moscato 2006, and Opinioni Verdetto 2003. From Golan Heights Winery: Yarden, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 Golan Moscato, 2002 Yarden Merlot, Galil Mountain Merlot, and Yarden Syrah 2002. From Allied Importers USA: Dalton Reserve Shiraz (non mevushal), Dalton Zinfandel is one of the few kosher Zinfandels on the market and the only one from Israel, and The Dalton Estate Shiraz, which, due to a theft 2 years ago was not available for sometime in the US. Also from Israel, the Teperberg Winery, one of the oldest wine families, introduces their line of Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Meritage (Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot-Cabernet Franc), Shiraz and Chardonnay-Sauvignon Blanc.

In foods and related goods, consumers will have several hundred new items to choose from, making Passover feel very festive but in many respects feel like any other day of the year. From HKS: Sparkling PomeGrape Juice and Pomegranate Juice, Gefen Rotelle (Wagon Wheel Wagon Pasta) Non Gebrokts and Cholesterol free, Kineret Frozen Soup Bowls: Vegetable, Potato and Chicken Noodle Soup, Kineret French Fries (zero grams of Trans fat), Kineret Potato Vegetable Poppers & Potato Pizza Poppers, Tivi Valley All Natural Red Peppers, Bartenura Grapeseed Oil (no carbs, no cholesterol or trans fat), Savion Cinnamon flavored Matzo Snacks, Savion Toasted Coconut Marshmallows, Fireman’s Frenzy Sauces & Marinades, Gadilla Snack Hits in Falafel (Onion and Barbeque flavor all in one once bags).

From Israel comes Alei Katif with a new line of baby spinach; Osem has a new line called Shkedia. Other Osem products include Bittersweet Chocolate Coated Coffee Beans, Hazelnuts, Raisins, Bittersweet Chocolate Coated Citrus Peels Gift Box, Bittersweet Chocolate Coated Mix Gift Box, Jordan Almonds, and a mini can of Sliced Green Olives. Wissotzky Green Teas has two new flavors for Pesach, Apples & Cinnamon and Lemon & Honey. From “Kasher V’Sameach” comes a new line of upscale and healthy mixes: English Cake Mixes, Pancake Mix, Blintzes Mix, Chocolate Truffles Mix and Kneidel Mix as well as Coating Crumbs. From Matzot Aviv comes a new tin decorated with a piece of art by Menashe Kadishman. The picture that was chosen is one of Kadishman’s sheep, due to the connection between the sheep and Passover’s sacrifice.

From Manischewitz: Whole Grain Matzo Farfel and Matzo Meal, Italian Herb Coating Crumbs, Family Size Matzo Ball Mix, Manischewitz Sparkling Grape Juice, Concord and Niagara, Blanchard & Blanchard Salad Dressings come in Traditional French and Thousand Island. Mishpacha Kids Apple Juice and Fruit Punch Tetra-Pack, Mishpacha Kids Apple Juice and Fruit Juice, Manischewitz Cereal: Cocoa Magic Crunch, Fruity Magic Cereal and Sunny O’s. Sultan’s Finest Foods is introducing Pure Tunisian Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Snack Factory is a new flavor of Pretzel Crisps, Honey Mustard & Onion. Neshama is introducing new low fat/low carb chicken and turkey sausages. From VIP Foods comes new Kojel jello flavors. From Rue Lafayette a new Apple Sauce in a Pouch. From Quality Frozen Foods, Izzy’s Best fresh chestnuts.

In addition to the many new items listed above, we also received word of numerous new chocolate and snack items as well as cleaning and other Seder related gift items. One distributor said his list for Passover 2007 is well over 21,000 items, certainly a far cry from what was available only a decade ago.


Permission give by koshertoday.com to republish

<-- Return to Jewish Recipes

Feature: Kosher Appliances on the Rise

Popularity of “Kosher” Appliances Rises Dramatically
New York… by Sarah Cohen…

A whole new generation of consumers has emerged for appliances that are certified kosher, shows a survey of several appliance retailers in largely religious Jewish neighborhoods. Retailers say that the kosher appliances are particularly popular with newly married couples and with people remodeling their kitchens. The retailers say that many Orthodox families tend to buy the kosher appliances at this time of the year, in the weeks before Passover. Baltimore based STAR-K kosher certification, an international kosher supervision agency under the leadership of Rabbi Moshe Heinemann, has been in the forefront of certifying appliances as kosher. The kosher status means that modern appliances are more kosher consumer friendly for Shabbat and Jewish holidays (Yomim Tovim). By eliminating problematic features such as lights, icons, tones, and digital displays from appliances, the kosher consumer has more flexibility to use various appliances on Shabbat and Yom Tov, within Rabbinic guidelines, while observing strict Halacha.

Jonah Ottensoser, consulting engineer for STAR-K with extensive knowledge in Halacha, “works as a liaison with Rabbi Heinemann and the appliance companies to ensure that the appliances are user friendly for Shabbat and Yom Tov,” said Rivka Leah Goldman, a spokeswoman at STAR-K for kosher appliances. Ovens, dishwashers, and refrigerators, are just a few appliances that the STAR-K works on with appliance companies to cater to the kosher consumer. One of the main issues that kosher consumers have to deal with is the 12 hour automatic shut off feature that ovens typically have. Halacha permits temperature adjustments to be made for cooking and baking on Yom Tov and therefore Jewish consumers would need an oven that can remain turned on for a two or three day holiday. The STAR-K team has worked with appliance companies to override the automatic shut-off feature and make the oven usable on Yom Tov. Goldman explains that although this feature is commonly referred to as Shabbat Mode in appliance manuals, “it is a misnomer, as Jewish Law only permits cooking and baking on Yom Tov. The month preceding Pesach (Passover) is the most common time when consumers are looking to purchase a kosher oven because of the complicated and strict procedures required to “kasher” an oven for Pesach,” commented Goldman.

Many retailers carry the kosher appliances. The most effective way for kosher consumers to identify these appliances is to visit the STAR-K website (star-k.org) where model numbers of all appliances approved by the STARK-K are listed by appliance category and by company. The website also provides consumers with detailed explanations on how to use the approved appliances in order to follow strict halachic guidelines.


Permission give by koshertoday.com to republish

<-- Return to Jewish Recipes

Kosher Food Industry

Mintel Study Cites Dramatic Increase in New Kosher Products in 2006 to 3,290

Chicago… The number of new food products that were certified kosher in 2006 was 3,290, according to a new report by the Mintel International Group, an international consumer, media and market research firm. According to Marcia Mogolonsky, the chief researcher of a new study on “Sacred Foods and Food Traditions,” the numbers came to light in a cross match with another report that focused on specialty foods. The study showed that in 2000 the number of new kosher products was 211 and has been rising steadily since. These findings would seem to be at odds with previous studies that put the number of new kosher products at about 2,500 annually over the last decade. It also goes against some experts in the kosher market who have speculated that the number of new kosher products has actually declined. They say that most of the large companies have already gone kosher and that there are just not enough smaller and mid-size companies to make up the void. But kosher supervision agencies say that there has been significant line extension by larger companies and that the number of smaller companies opting for the kosher symbol has similarly swelled, a trend which would seem to confirm the latest Mintel findings.

Permission give by koshertoday.com to republish

New Albertson’s Store in Las Vegas Sets New Standards for Kosher

Las Vegas…

A kosher bakery that churns out some 60 different breads, a meat department as big as that of a kosher butcher, a kosher Sushi department that will now offer the fare for the entire city, 20 freezer doors, a huge selection of Israeli products, fresh appetizers, a deli and soups, a huge assortment of kosher wines and all supervised by 3 mashgichim from the Orthodox Union (OU). The Kosher Marketplace is part of the newest Albertsons store on Bicentennial Drive in Henderson, just a short 15-minute ride from McCarran Airport and a stone’s throw from the Strip. The store opened with a great deal of fanfare on January 10th with the participation of many of the national kosher food purveyors. The accolades by both manufacturers and shoppers kept coming for Yakov M. Yarmove, Corporate Category Manager, Ethnic Marketing and Specialty Foods at Albertsons SuperValu, who now considers the Las Vegas store the new standard in his growing network of Kosher Marketplace stores. Brigitte Mizrachi from the California-based Anderson Cheese writes: “I can't believe what you did in the desert. You have your story now of transforming the desert into an oasis. In your case it goes from desert to treasured land of the most desired foods. It was a treat to feel the excitement of the crowds of Jewish and non-Jewish customers who came for the opening.”

Permission give by koshertoday.com to republish

Jews Still Best Customers for “Sacred Foods,” New Study Finds

Chicago…

Jewish shoppers tend to be more committed to “sacred foods” than other groups, according to a new study by the Mintel International Group, an international consumer, media and market research firm. Due to be released at the end of the month, the study surveyed more than 2,000 shoppers in an unprecedented study entitled “Sacred Foods and Food Traditions.” Mintel had previously conducted two studies on the kosher market. Although Jews represent approximately 2% of the population, they represent 4% of the sacred food shoppers, according to chief researcher Marcia Mogolonsky, who had also conducted the two studies on kosher. 7% of the Jewish respondents were in higher income brackets; again well above the national average. Kosher respondents are more likely to bring food to family, friends, or neighbors for sad or serious events than for happy ones. The top two reasons to bring food to someone’s home is an illness or a death. While only 6% of respondents agree that there are certain foods that they do not eat because of their faith, 25% of the Jews said that they avoided certain foods. 13% of the respondents agreed that there are certain foods that they do eat on religious holidays because of their faith but Jews were at 48%. Studies indicated that nearly 70% of America’s 6 million or so Jews participate in at least one seder on Passover. The holiday represents nearly 40% of annual kosher food sales.

The Mintel survey indicated that of people who eat certain food because of their faith during religious holidays, Jews again was the leading group when it came to the importance of passing along food traditions to the next generation.

Permission give by koshertoday.com to republish

Competition to Heat Up After El Al Vows to Observe Shabbat

Atlanta…

Delta Airlines, which renewed its daily flights from Atlanta last year, said it was interested in starting a daily flight from New York to Tel Aviv. This follows an agreement between leaders of the Orthodox Jewish community in Israel and abroad with El Al to keep the airline’s planes out of the sky on Shabbat. This is in addition to increased competition from Continental, which has indicated that it may expand its flight schedule to Tel Aviv from North America by adding a daily non-stop flight from Houston to Tel Aviv. The airline already has two flights a day from Newark. Meanwhile, travel agents say that religious travelers who defected during the unofficial boycott by Orthodox Jews over El Al’s flights on Shabbat following a day long strike at Ben Gurion Airport, are slowly returning. Bookings, they say, by Orthodox Jews on El Al, have dramatically risen. However, the agents say that some of the travelers may very well stick with Continental. Delta may have a huge advantage with a New York-Tel Aviv route because of its popular SkyMiles program. A decision by the airline is expected soon.

Permission give by koshertoday.com to republish

News From Israel

New Bug Free Producer to Enter Kosher Market

Bnei Brak… By Sarah Cohen… In just two weeks, kosher consumers around the world will be able to find a new brand of bug free produce in accordance with Jewish Law, KosherToday has learned. According to kosher dietary laws, insects in any form are forbidden to be ingested. In the new age of “superbugs” where insects have developed immunity to pesticides, producers have been searching for new methods of inspection to comply with halacha. Like Alei Katif, which first established its greenhouses in the Gaza Strip, Pso’Tiv Produce is growing vegetables, fruits and herbs in the controlled environment of a greenhouse. Bodek, a leader in bug-free produce also now has its own greenhouse.

Items such as Romaine and iceberg lettuce, parsley, cilantro, dill, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, and raspberries, all of which are typically subject to infestation will be grown in Pos’Tiv expansive greenhouses using specially designed mesh and other insect deterring devices. “Strict inspections in accordance with Jewish Law are conducted in the greenhouses and the distribution plants,” commented Cliff Charles, Plant Manager for Pos’Tiv Produce. Depending on the stage of growth as well as the type of vegetables, some of the inspections are visual while others will be done by washing a percentage sample of the produce. The produce will be available for retail the week of January 29th in supermarkets around the world. “The success of this project will enable us, for the first time, to offer 100% clean bug-free produce to not only Jewish consumers but also to any other consumer who desires this product in the US and Canada,” said Charles. The entire project enjoys the approval and rabbinical certification of the world’s leading authorities on religious dietary law, including Rabbi Moses Vaya of Bnei Braq in Israel, as well as the Orthodox Union in NYC. Rabbi Lenny Steinberg of the OU is one of the Rabbinic Supervisors of the Pos’Tiv project.

Permission give by koshertoday.com to republish

Food Industry Says Charedim Buying More Health Food

Tel Aviv… by Idele Ross, Chief, KosherToday Israel Bureau

The Manufacturers Association says that more Charedi (fervently orthodox) households in Israel bought healthy food products in 2006. The Association’s survey showed that more than half purchased some kind of healthy food products in the past year while 46% of the households bought more diet products in the past year than in previous years, 31% didn’t change their purchasing patterns and 11% purchased less. The survey showed that 29% of the Orthodox households are now purchasing less ready-made food in comparison with past years. Ynet news reports that the Charedi market in Israel represents some 115,000 families or about 630,000 people. The average family is between 5 and 6 people compared to the average Jewish family which has between 3 and 4 people.

Permission give by koshertoday.com to republish

General Mills Israel Building Complex in Ramle

Tel Aviv… by Idelle Ross, Chief, KosherToday Israel Bureau

General Mills Israel, producers of Pillsbury baked goods and importers of Haagen Dazs ice cream, has announced it has been awarded the government tender for the purchase of several acres in the industrial area of Ramle, outside Tel Aviv, for $1.5 million. The site will be used for the company’s logistic center with the target completion date being 2008. The center will enable the company to grow and develop its products in line with the demands of the local markets. The total investment is expected to reach $3.5 million. General Mills is the world’s sixth largest food manufacturer with branches in more than 50 countries. All Pillsbury Israel products carry kashrut certification.

Permission give by koshertoday.com to republish

Jerusalem Establishments Left With Little Choice But to Go Kosher

Jerusalem…

Major food chains operating in Jerusalem are faced with the dilemma of either adding or upgrading their kosher certification or face loosing a significant body of potential consumers. The city already has a religious mayor and a majority of religious Jews as well as the many religious tourists who visit the city. Sources say that McDonald’s Israel is in discussion with the Rabbinate about upgrading their hechsher and six branches of the Aroma coffee shop chain recently switched to kosher. Many restaurants in the city are also upgrading their hechsher from the standard kosher Rabbinate certification to mehadrin, a more acceptable level to most Charedi Jews. For people who eat kosher there is always the question at point of entry: “Do you have a teuda (certificate)?” What is written on teuda may very well determine if the potential diner stays in the establishment.

Permission give by koshertoday.com to republish

Kosher Food Industry

Retailers Expect Slow Transition to Less Duplication, End to Deep Discounting
New York…

Retailers do not expect an abrupt end to duplication of items, particularly not this coming Passover (April 3-10), a survey of several major retailers indicated. A trailblazing study by Cannondale Associates on the behavior of kosher consumers in the kosher aisle indicated that consumers want less duplication of similar items. Released at last November’s Kosherfest, the study also concluded that shoppers of the kosher aisle wanted more original new items and were not influenced by deep discounting. But the retailers say that while there is a serious effort to introduce many new and innovative items, they do not expect less duplication in the short term. They say that some of the “new” items being marketed for Passover are in fact duplicates of other brands already on shelves in previous years. They also say that basic staples like Matzoh will continue to be “deep-discounted” despite growing competition. One retailer said: “I’ve already heard of more salad dressings, jams, and cookies, none of which is different from other brands I’ve carried over the past few years.” The retailer, however, foresaw “slow change” in years to come.

Permission give by koshertoday.com to republish

Life Enthusiast Adds Kosher Wines to His List

Washington, DC…

The Washington Jewish Week recently profiled Maurie Rosenberg of Silver Springs "a man of many passions,” including sailing, skin diving, and guitar. He also considers himself “an amateur stargazer”. The native Philadelphian recently added kosher wines to his repertoire with a new book “L'Chaim: User's Guide to Kosher Wine 1.0.” "I've been a wine enthusiast for several decades," says Rosenberg, 56. He became a wine enthusiast over the years before beginning to keep kosher in 1990. He hopes his book, with ratings, including what he considers best buys, will create an awareness for consumers and help encourage merchants to offer more and better kosher wines and vineyards to produce a better product. Consumers can drink "wonderful [kosher] wine" for under $15 a bottle, he says. One "starter" wine he recommends is Jeunesse, a Baron Herzog "young cabernet" that sells for $10.

Permission give by koshertoday.com to republish

Kosherfest Best New Dessert Winner Follows Industry Trend

By Sarah Cohen

New York… The results are in for new products of 2006. According to Mintel International, a global market research company, out of 17,779 food products that were introduced in 2006, 3,761 were organic or were described as all natural, the largest growth category of last year. Another category that is enjoying growth is the desserts category, specifically ice cream and candy. The 2006 Kosherfest dessert winners of the New Product Showcase competition were no exception to the industry results. This year’s winner in the Best New Dessert category was Pierre's Naturally Fat Free, Cholesterol Free Peach flavored Sorbet of Pierre’s Ice Cream. An all natural product, the OU pareve sorbet, available in many flavors such as Raspberry, Chocolate, Passion Fruit, Lemon, Strawberry, is a savory naturally fat free, cholesterol free and dairy free sorbet that is just 100 to 140 calories per half cup serving; a Weight Watchers friendly dessert. When developing this product, the Pierre’s team sought “the very best” ingredients and fruit purees from around the globe. Since the Kosherfest win, Pierre’s Sorbet has seen a significant increase in awareness. “The requests for samples have come from small stores to distributors to larger, national grocery chains as well as restaurants, caterers, and institutions,” said John Pimpo, Brand Development Manager of Pierre’s Ice Cream. In keeping with the healthy trend, Pimpo explained that Pierre’s Slender No Sugar Added Reduced Fat Ice Cream, Soft Frozen Yogurt, Pure Fruit Sherbet and Slender Ice Cream Novelties, all fall under the increasingly popular “better for you” category.

Permission give by koshertoday.com to republish