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.
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Friday, January 19, 2007
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.”
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Sunday, January 14, 2007
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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