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Kosher Today Update

Pesach Issue, 2024

Record Number of New Products for Passover 2024

More than 300 new food items will be on grocery shelves this Passover season, according to the annual pre-Passover report of Lubicom. One category that seems to be growing with each passing Passover is the snack aisle. Where once there were virtually no snacks available for Passover, the snack category continues to explode, according to Menachem Lubinsky, founder, and producer of Kosherfest for 33 years.

"While there were many concerns about supply in time for Passover, miraculously there were no impediments," said Lubinsky. He was referring to the many Passover foods produced in Israel, some of which are manufactured in the areas of conflict in the North and South of Israel. A particular focus was on the many wines that are imported from Israel. There was also concern about potential shipping issues due to the war. "It is a testament of the strength of the kosher market that there are so many new foods and wines for Passover this year," he added. Nearly 40% of an estimated $ 4 billion in kosher sales takes place around Passover time. Passover sales are estimated at $1.75 billion, which includes the lucrative foodservice business.

Amongst the new products to be introduced this year will be many items by Kayco, a major distributor of kosher foods. In general, there will be many new snack items, including.

Genéve -Chocolate Hearts in Dark & White (Dairy), Mini Chocolate Bar in Milk, Dark, & White sold individually or in a 3 pack, Mini Chocolate Sticks 5 Pack in Box, Milk, Dark & White (Kayco) Geneve- Gianduja Chocolate Cubes- Heaven & Earth-Andean Potato Chips, Taffy Ropes, Mini Taffy in Strawberry, Raspberry & Assorted, Hadar Rice Cakes in Unsalted and Himalayan Salt-Hadar- Sea SaltRice Cake Chips- popped not fried, Chocolate Covered Pressed Pretzels, Party Mix (Mix of 3 snacks-Pressed Pretzels, Tortilla Chips and Potato Chips), Honey Pressed Pretzel Multipack, Gluten Free Striped Cookies, Toffees-fruit and sour fruit, Mini Candy Balls in Fruity, Sour Fruit & Peppermint, Fruit Jellies- Berry Berry and Sour Fruit, Manischewitz- Mezonos Cookies in Brownie, Chocolate Chip & Vanilla, Tuscanini - Cinnamon Italian Chestnuts, Gefen- Chocolate Almond Butter Cups, Paskesz - Nibz Chocolaty- crunchy snack has a chocolaty crème, Nibz Fudgy- crunchy snack with fudgy crème, Gummy Magic-Mini Jelly Fish, these fish shaped gummies have all natural colors and contain real fruit juices.

Another category that will have many newbies for Yom Tov is baking including Gefen- Coconut Oil Cooking Spray, Glick's- Avocado Oil Spray, Genéve- Premium Baking Chocolate, Heaven & Earth- Cassava Flour a grain free flour alternative and Organic Coconut Flour. Heaven and Earth-Organic Coconut Sugar and -Organic Coconut Oil, Tonnelli- Avocado Oil, Health Garden- Organic Blue Agave & Raw Agave Low Glycemic sweeteners, Health Garden- Organic Coconut Sugar Health Garden- Xylitol All-Natural Sweetener from Birch or other trees, Xylitol Confection Sugar, and Organic Sugar.

There was a time when there were limited cheese products for Passover, This year there will be some interesting additions. The Cheese Guy - Cranberry Cinnamon Goat Cheese, Cranberry Cheddar Raw Milk, Tilsit, French Brie Double Creme, Gouda (Cholov Yisroel), Stuzzichine Fresh Mozzarella, Mini Burratine and Burrata. Kayco Chevington-Sliced Cheese in Mild Cheddar, Light Cheddar, Double Gloucester & Smoked Cheddar, Cheese Blocks in Mild Cheddar, Light Cheddar, Double Gloucester, Smoked Cheddar, Mature Cheddar & Red Leicester.

Other new products include Manischewitz- Gluten Free Matzo Ball Soup, Grape Seed Oil in bottle and as a spray, BeLeaves- Straight Cut French Fries, Mini Broccoli Florets and Riced Broccoli and Cauliflower; Gefen- Roasted Red Pepper Stripes in Brine, Wonton Chips, Panko Crumbs, Mini Mandel Croutons, Heaven & Earth- Organic Coconut Aminos Beetology- Power Beets- a versatile ingredient that can be used in smoothies, baked goods, sauces and even as natural food coloring, Bowery Mehadrin- Lettuce Baby Butter, Baby Romaine, Crispy Leaf, Spring Mix & Mixed Greens, Tuscanini- Red Wine Vinegar in Red and White, Tomato Juice, Sicilian Sea Salt Flakes, Smoked Salt. Tuscanini- Savory Pepper Jam, Health Garden- Organic Blue Agave Low Glycemic sweeteners, Heinz Ketchup (Non-Kitniot), Heaven and Earth- Grain Free Pasta in Fusilli, Penne, Elbows & Spaghetti, Grain Free Pasta Fusilli in Penne, Elbows & Spaghetti. Benz's now offers Cotton Seed Oil and Marinara Sauce,96 oz under the Batyam brand. The Cheese Guy introduces Fine Pairings -balsamic vinegar 8.45 and 16.9 ounce bottles. Sea Castle- Skinless & Boneless Mackerel Fillets in Pure Olive Oil, Old Williamsburg- Beef Jerky Teriyaki, Smoky Barbeque & Pepper Crusted, Beverages - Heaven & Earth- Strawberry Lemonade, The Absolute Collagen Powder is a powder that can be added to drinks and smoothies. Tuscanini- Grape Juice in Sparkling Moscato and Sparkling Rosé, Wissotzky -Tea Herbal Red Sensation Tea, Herbal Blood Orange, Mandarin Tea & Pure Green Tea, Heaven & Earth Grain Free Hard Taco Shells, Grain Free Soft Tortillas- Free of gluten, soy, nuts, and dairy.

In the freezer, look for Manischewitz- Gluten Free Knishes- Classic New York knish, but with a Passover twist, Matzo Balls, Kineret- French Macarons. There are also items with kitniyot, including Ta'amti- Gluten FreePuff Pastry- Sheets Gluten Free Malawach, Gluten Free Bourekas- in cheese, potato, mushroom and pizza spirals, Heaven and Earth- Gluten Free Brown Rice Pasta Rotini - Penne - Elbows Spaghetti - Linguine.

Many New Wines to Hit Passover Shelves Despite War

Royal Wine Corp., the largest manufacturer, importer, and exporter of kosher wines is introducing many new wines including California, France, Italy, Spain and Israel. According to Jay Buchsbaum, VP of Wine Education at Royal Wine Corp., "There's nothing cookie-cutter about these Passover wines - they are top notch, award winning and distinctive. And, while red wine is traditional for the Passover Seder, it can be a nice Burgundy or a Pinot Noir, or a Cabernet - just as long as it is kosher for Passover." The wines to be introduced list includes the following.

- Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico, world famous winery producing kosher wine for the first time.
- Lovatelli, a new line of fine and affordable Italian wines, including a Salento Primitivo
- Cantina Giuliano, a fully kosher boutique winery, started in 2014 in Tuscany, Italy.
- Many new kosher wines are being imported from South Africa by ESSA and J Folk wineries (among them are Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon and more).
- Bartenura - Flavored Moscatos in cans such as Peach, Lychee, and new Blueberry.
- Château Dauzac Grand Cru Classé and Aurore de Dauzac Margaux '21
- Château Roubine Cru Classé Lion & Dragon Red
- Des Moisans Deau Cognac Privilège
- Herzog Lineage Momentus Rose
- J de Villebois Sancerre Pinot Noir
- Kamisa Winery - Galilee, Israel
- Malbec du Clos Triguedina - Cahors
- Shamay Winery Upper Galilee, Israel
- New Carmel Black Cabernet Sauvignon, Galilée, Israel (SRP $30)
- Brio de Château Cantenac Brown, Margaux

Carmel, Israel's leading winery is introducing many new wines including the USA premier of new Carmel Black, a Signature Luxury brand, February 2024, just in time for the Passover season.

Yiftah Peretz, Chief Winemaker of Carmel Winery, "Our new Carmel Black is meticulously aged for 14 months in French oak barrels. Grown in the Galilee, its climate provides comfortable temperatures which offer excellent conditions for nurturing and enhancing the unique qualities of the grape. Etti Edri, Carmel's Export Manager, "Israel is naturally the historical homeland of kosher wines, and we are excited to introduce our exclusive Carmel Black in the USA in time for Passover."

Programs Hope They Beat Calendar; Israeli Hotel Rebound

Jerusalem... With the war still raging in the North and South, Israeli hotels rebounded significantly, just in time for the upcoming Passover. The hotels are benefiting from a last-minute surge. Many programs in North America are doing extremely well despite the calendar this year which has a protracted Chol Hamoed for vacationing and events. Interestingly, some hotels are reporting doing better than in 2023. The initial stages of Passover planning were enormously impacted by the October 7th Hamas massacre. According to Raphi Bloom (https://www.totallyjewishtravel.com/passover_resorts/) "programs were excited to build on the success of 2023 but for the 8 to 10 weeks following October 7th, virtually nobody in the Jewish world was thinking about taking a vacation or really even enjoying themselves and certainly not considering Passover." Bloom noted that most programs paused any commercial selling for at least 4 to 5 weeks, and it was only towards the beginning of December that programs started to market themselves again.

Programs in countries like Morocco and Dubai were not getting any interest because of the tense situation in that part of the world with some of the programs shifting to Europe. Once people renewed their interest in Passover programs, the USA and Mexico were incredibly popular as well as Europe, especially Greece which is destined to be bigger than ever this year. In Israel, it was still uncertain how many rooms would be available after the "refugees" from the North and South return home.

Inflation Takes Toll this Passover Season: 23% Over Last Year in Some Cases

New York...Despite efforts by some of the kosher supermarkets to hold the line on prices this Passover season, the basket has increased by nearly 23% in some stores with eggs, poultry and meat leading the way. The continued outbreak of bird flu is wreaking havoc on the price of eggs, a major staple for Passover. The price of handmade Matzah has risen by nearly 10% in many cases. Overall, consumers will pay more for Passover foods in every category. Jewish community sources say that inflation is affecting even middle-class families who cannot keep up with soaring inflation, which shows no sign of slowing. One supermarket manager said he has been asked by several of his customers to allow paying for Passover foods over time.

AKO Rabbis Prepare to Tackle Mounting Agenda

Chicago... The annual conference of the Association of Kashrus Organizations (AKO) which used to take place the day after the now closed Kosherfest will take place this year on May 20th in conjunction with the mashgiach conference of the Orthodox Union (OU). The conference to be held at the Delta Hotel in Woodbridge, NJ, will tackle a myriad of emerging issues, according to AKO's Executive Director, Rabbi Sholem Fishbane. .

Gourmet Glatt in Boro Park Gives Way to New Certo Market

Brooklyn... It was located in the landmark Boro Park Retail Market on 39th Street and 13th Avenue. Gourmet Glatt, one of a chain with stores in the Five Towns and Lakewood NJ finally threw in the towel not being able to overcome the competition from the popular KRM Kosher market nearby. The store was purchased by the veteran kosher food executive Mayer Gold who was the manager for the Season's chain of kosher supermarkets. To be called CERTO Market, Mr. Gold hopes to use his vast experience to create a kosher supermarket model that is unique and inviting. "I know what it takes to operate a successful kosher supermarket and Boro Parkers and others will benefit from my experience," Mr. Gold told Kosher Today.

Kosher Meat Supply Endangered by New Regulations

Montreal... Canada's attempt to restrict kosher slaughter by requiring stunning is endangering the supply of kosher meat in Canada to its estimated 500,000 Jews. Two of the most prominent kosher certification agencies in Canada are suing the national government, claiming that recent regulations around animal slaughter are putting the country's kosher industry at risk. The Kashruth Council of Canada and the Jewish Community Council of Montreal, along with the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, say in the suit that the enforcement of guidelines first introduced several years ago has led to a dramatic decline in the domestic production of kosher meat in the country. Sources say that the supply of domestically slaughtered meat is dwindling. They say that a long-standing ban by Montreal rabbis against importing meat may have to be lifted to make up for the restrictions on Shechita. European Jews face this threat regularly and some countries are now relying on imported kosher meat.

New Website to Focus on Kosher Specialty Health Foods

Brooklyn, NY... A new website focusing on specialty health foods is scheduled to be launched early next month. People who require such foods as gluten-free, low carbs, low sodium or sugar free foods will be able to buy these products on a site to be called Ess Gezunt. The new site will also include many features on health and wellbeing.

My Sixth Sense
By Menachem Lubinsky

The item cost $3.19 in a local Miami Beach store. That same item cost $8.49 in a kosher supermarket only 2 miles away. Outrageous, you say, but customers are complaining in many communities that many items are unfairly marked up. A shopper at a local Five Towns supermarket has switched to the new Bingo "as a protest to the outrageously high prices at a popular kosher supermarket nearby." That shopper is not alone as there is evidence that some supermarkets markup items as much as 100% and more. While the supermarkets say that they are being squeezed by higher operating costs and inflation, there is the feeling that the stores are taking advantage of shoppers, especially in these tougher inflationary times.

It is time for some transparency and for the supermarkets to tell consumers why certain prices have to be so high. Until such time shame on those that are unfairly taking advantage of kosher consumers.

Kosher Today Update

February 22, 2024

Kosher Food Industry in US Grew by 10% in 2023, Lubicom Reports

The kosher food industry grew by an average 10% in 2023, according to Menachem Lubinsky, CEO of Lubicom Business Consulting, founder and producer of Kosherfest and publisher of Kosher Today in his 34th annual State of the Kosher Food Industry report. In a national survey, there were some retailers that experienced as much as 18% growth while others realized 6% or less growth. "Obviously those communities with significant natural growth and updated demographics secured much greater increases in sales," he said.

The Lubicom report noted that due to overall increases in prices for ingredients and commodities, consumers were forced to pay as much as 15% higher on some foods in 2023. For example, repeated issues with bird flu in chickens have spiked prices for eggs. Some products were in short supply due to shipping issues from overseas, many attributed to the ongoing wars in the Ukraine and the Middle East.

The trend of opening new mega stores continued in various Jewish communities with at least 6 slated to open in 2024. There are now over 50 stores with at least 15,000 square feet and as much as 50,000 square feet, as part of a trend that began with the Pomegranate Supermarket in Brooklyn in 2008.

Estimated 5,000 New Kosher Products Hit Shelves in 2023; Takeout Grows

Of some 15,000 new food products introduced in the USA in 2023, at least 5000 feature kosher certification. According to Rabbi Moshe Elefant, COO of the Orthodox Union (OU) the majority of new kosher certifications are in the food ingredient market. "Every major company realizes that without kosher certified ingredients they cannot hope to make inroads in the kosher market," Rabbi Elefant said. In fact, the OU certified a record 1850 plants and venues in 2023. Other major kashrus agencies reported similar increased activity in the ingredient sector.

Some retailers in the annual Lubicom survey said that takeout has grown faster than other categories such as dry grocery, refrigerated and frozen and has provided them with healthy margins. One retailer said that his takeout counter is the answer to "What's for dinner tonight," all week long. Takeout is particularly popular before Shabbos with such major sellers as cholent, kugel, kishke, herring. salads and dips. While some $13 billion of food sold in the US is kosher, the kosher market or people who buy kosher year-round is approaching $4 billion.

On-line kosher sales were slow to catch on in the kosher food market, but they have been steadily going up since COVID. The use of door-to-door delivery such as Uber has dramatically increased the food delivery of kosher, both in retail and foodservice.

Royal Wines to Sponsor Redesigned Kosher Food and Wine Experience on February 26th.

Bayonne, NJ... Royal Wines (Kedem) confirmed sponsoring its 18th Annual Kosher Food & Wine Experience(KFWE). The largest producer & distributor of kosher wines & spirits has redesigned the format and venue of its annual event. More than 2,000 bottles of the finest kosher wine and spirits from France, Israel, Italy and elsewhere will be on display and available for tasting. Since forty percent of annual kosher wine sales occur for Passover, the premier industry show has regularly fueled the trends for the Passover, with a wide variety of wine selections.

This year's event on February 26th will take place at the Meadowlands Hilton in NJ, and will have a special focus on wines from Israel, whiskey & Tequila, and the Herzog Portfolio from its winery in Oxnard, California. According to Royal Wines, kosher wine consumption in the US is outpacing general market consumption by more than 100%.

AKO Conference Scheduled for May 20th.

The annual AKO (Association of Kashrus Organizations) Conference will take place on May 20th in New Jersey. This is the one-day conference that used to be held the day after Kosherfest. The event will take place on the second day of the annual Orthodox Union (OU) mashgiach Conference. AKO will have both joint and independent sessions on May 20th and will have the opportunity to meet many of the OU RC's and Mashgichim.

AKO has of late placed a great deal of emphasis on upgrading the standards of the rapidly expanding kosher foodservice business. A few weeks ago, it sent out a survey asking members to list the three leading factors that differentiate and define a top-level foodservice hashgacha versus one that is subpar. AKO is planning various forums to come up with universally accepted standards for foodservice kashrus applicants.

Passover Programs Play Catch-Up Following October 7th

The initial stages of Passover planning were enormously impacted by the October 7th Hamas massacre. According to Raphi Bloom (www.totallyjewishtravel.com) "programs were excited to build on the success of 2023 but for the 8 to 10 weeks following October 7th, virtually nobody in the Jewish world was thinking about taking a vacation or really even enjoying themselves and certainly not considering Passover." Bloom noted that most programs paused any commercial selling for at least 4 to 5 weeks, and it was only towards the beginning of December that programs started to market themselves again.

Programs in countries like Morocco and Dubai were not getting any interest because of the tense situation in that part of the world with some of the programs shifting to Europe. Once people renewed their interest in Passover programs, the USA and Mexico were incredibly popular as well as Europe, especially Greece which is destined to be bigger than ever this year. In Israel, it was still uncertain how many rooms would be available after the "refugees" from the North and South return home.

The Passover program industry has shown itself to be incredibly resilient. In addition, this year many programs are donating a portion of their profits to Israeli related charities and also either hosting Israeli families at reduced rates or ensuring that Israeli entertainers are given top billing. Whilst there were a small number of programs who didn't run this year because they didn't take the risk in early October, totally just travel.com is still featuring over 130 Passover programs around the world which is more than any other website and "we are continuing to see ever-increasing levels of traffic for people coming to source Passover programs."

Many New Wines to be Introduced for Passover

Bayonne, NJ... Royal Wines is introducing top quality wines from some of the finest wine producing regions including California, France, Italy, Spain, and Israel for the upcoming Passover holiday. While forty percent of annual kosher wine sales occur for the Passover holiday, sales of kosher wine and spirits have been growing significantly throughout the rest of the year.

According to Jay Buchsbaum, VP of Wine Education at Royal Wine Corp., "There's no cookie-cutter about these Passover wines - they are top notch, award winning and distinctive. And, while red wine is traditional for the Passover Seder, it can be a nice Burgundy or a Pinot Noir, or a Cabernet - just as long as it is kosher for Passover. There are dozens to choose from. And, just to be clear, our portfolio consists of acclaimed wines that just happen to be kosher, recognized for our quality and value."

The wines include Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico, Lovatelli, a new line of fine and affordable Italian wines, Cantina Giuliano, South African wines, Bartenura - Flavored Moscatos in cans such as Peach, Lychee, and new Blueberry, Château Dauzac Grand Cru Classé and Aurore de Dauzac Margaux '21, Chateau Roubine Cru Classé Lion & Dragon Red, Des Moisans Deau Cognac Privilege, Herzog Lineage Momentus Rose, J de Villebois Sancerre Pinot Noir, Kamisa Wines, Malbec du Clos Triguedina - Cahors, Shamay Winery, New Carmel Black Cabernet Sauvignon, Brio de Château Cantenac Brown, Margaux.

War in Gaza Does Not Impede Passover Shipments

Tel Aviv... The war in Gaza did not adversely affect kosher for Passover food shipments to the US, according to kosher food sources. American Jews rely heavily on foods and wines produced in Israel and despite some labor shortages, virtually all shipments arrived in US ports or by air in time for the upcoming Passover holiday season. Several manufacturing plants are located in the South and North of Israel that were subject to heavy rocket bombardment. The shipments were not affected because most were already underway late last year.

In general, the US kosher market is dominated by domestically produced foods with some exceptions for such products as Matzoh, crackers, chocolates, wines, and some snack items, particularly for Passover.

Inflation Threatens Kosher Prices in 2024

Inflation continues to haunt the kosher food industry and is expected to continue to rise in 2024. An annual Lubicom report on the state of the kosher food industry that due to overall increases in prices for ingredients and commodities, consumers were forced to pay as much as 15% higher on some goods. For example, repeated issues with bird flu in chickens have spiked prices for eggs, so important for kosher consumers. Some products were in short supply due to shipping issues from overseas, many attributed to the ongoing wars in the Ukraine and the Middle East.

Fats and oils had the largest average price increase by 9 % between 2022 and 2023, followed by sugar and sweets (8.7 percent), cereals and bakery products (8.4 percent), and processed fruits and vegetables (8.0 percent). Retailers said that consumers were often not aware of the effect of overall market increases that are forcing kosher retailers to pass along increases to consumers. The sharply increased price of kosher meats has had a major effect on kosher including restaurants, which continued to open at an impressive rate in 2023. In 2023, prices increased for two categories tracked by USDA, cattle by 22% and wholesale beef by 13.5%. These costs were in addition to the increased costs of kosher.

New Website to Focus on Kosher Specialty Health Foods

My Sixth Sense By Menachem Lubinsky
The Debate is Over: Too Many Supermarkets is Good for Kosher

A grocery consultant posted that too many supermarkets are not that good for a community. He argued that while it creates competition, it doesn't allow customers to become comfortable with one. In talking to many retailers in the kosher market, they point to the constantly expanding mega kosher supermarkets in many communities. Some customers are happy with such an expansion and learn the plusses and minuses of each store. Others simply become loyal to one simply because they become familiar with a store and its layout. Familiarity is a key reason many settle on a given store. Others like a particular section such as takeout or seafood.

One customer shops for takeout in one store and meats in another. Online purchasing is also a major factor nowadays. My analysis of the data shows that the expansion of the big supermarkets has had a major impact on the growth of kosher. With some 60 such supermarkets (with at least 15,000 square feet) throughout the US, the debate may already have been decided.

Kosher Today Update

May 23, 2023

A Holiday for Many Categories Boon for Supermarkets

Pomona, NY... Idi's basket at the huge Evergreen Kosher Supermarket was full of diverse products for the upcoming holiday of Shavous (May 26-27). She quipped that this was a holiday "where everything goes." She seemed to explain the packages of blintzes and several different flavored cheesecakes for her traditional Shavous dairy meal in addition to her regular meat meals for the holiday and Shabbos. Kosher supermarket executives say that shoppers have been buying cheesecake products in record numbers but as much as they are selling the ready-made cheesecakes, they are also selling a great deal of farmer cheese and other baking products for the many people who are baking cheesecakes at home. Kosher.com features 40 Shavous recipes in under 30 minutes and many other kosher sites offer a plethora of dairy recipes including many fish delicacies. Since Shavous falls on a Friday and Shabbos this year, Idi also purchased many traditional prepared foods for Shabbos. She particularly likes potato kugel and cholent. There is no respite for the supermarket managers as they are already preparing for the summer season.

Concern Mounts about Unauthorized Kosher Symbols Overseas

Teaneck, NJ... Unauthorized kosher symbols have plagued the kosher food industry for decades. Kosher sources say that the expansion of kosher manufacturing in countries like China and India are compounding the problem. The website Kashrut.com illustrated some of the fraudulent uses, particularly in India. Publisher Arlene Mathes-Scharf, showed images of eight symbols-many of which are generic logos, but upon a closer look resemble the Teaneck, N.J.-based kosher certifier, Kof-K. According to Kashrut.com, these 'bogus' kosher symbols are some of the ones offered by companies, many in Asia particularly India that sell 'certification' services. One rabbi told Kosher Today that he is concerned that these symbols will be accepted by some of the box scores "who really don't differentiate between kosher symbols." Kosher authorities have long urged kosher consumers to investigate kosher symbols that seem suspicious. Consumers often call kosher agencies about suspicious-looking symbols.

Wines for Shavuos a Refreshing Development

Bayonne NJ... It has been common to highlight special wines for Rosh Hashanah and Passover, particularly because the two holidays fall in different seasons. Gabriel Geller of Royal Wine/Kedem, says that while the common belief is that Passover is the holiday of Spring, "the truth is, spring weather is at its peak on Shavuos." He says that it is a great time to pop some great white, rosé, and lighter reds that make a better pairing with fish, cheesecake, pasta, etc. His favorite Shavous wines include Château Genlaire, White, Bordeaux, 2021, Yamas, Xynisteri, Cyprus, 2021, Ido Lewinsohn's, (the famous Master of Wine and Technical Director of Barkan and Segal wineries in Israel). Tabor Adama, Barbera Rosé, 2021(Israel):, the Tabor Adama Rosé is a perfect example of a rosé that has retained its vibrant fruit. Tura, Mountain Vista, Pinot Noir, 2021, Herzog, Lineage, Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County, 2022:

Israelis Fret at Higher Prices for Bread as Battle Against Inflation Intensifies

Tel Aviv... Israelis shopping for the holiday of Shavuos received the latest jolt from the steady dose of higher prices, a 5% increase for the price of bread. The Finance Ministry's prices committee approved the bakeries' request, even though Economy Minister Nir Barkat opposed the move. The bakeries say they have been hit by steadily rising prices for flour and other ingredients. While there have been increases of late on a whole host of products, the increase for bread hit Israelis hard. The price of standard loaf of dark bread went up from NIS 6.7 ($1.84) to NIS 8.3 ($2.27), and the price of white bread rose from NIS 5.2 ($1.42) to NIS 6.1 ($1.67). The government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been under attack for allowing food companies to increase prices without offering specific explanations. In fact, the government has now requested some of the large food manufacturers to explain the reasoning behind their price increases.

Several Kosher Food Shows for Consumers Planned

Secaucus NJ... The growing popularity of kosher foods has inspired two new consumer shows in June. The JFood Show will take place at the New Jersey Expo Center, June 13-14 while a show called Kosher Palooza 2023 will take place at the Meadowlands Exposition Center on June 28th. Unlike the 33-year-old Kosherfest trade show, these two new shows are billed as consumer shows. In recent years, the most successful kosher events were the Kosher Food and Wine Experience (KFWE) in several cities sponsored by the Royal Wine Corp./Kedem. One kosher food executive praised the heightened interest by consumers but added: "With several dozen huge kosher supermarkets in different parts of the country, consumers can simply walk into one of these stores and check out thousands of kosher food items." Most of these stores are more than 10,000 square feet and some as much as 50,000 square feet providing for huge space to display kosher items. The trade show, Kosherfest has been a driving force in the growth of kosher for more than three decades.

AKO Plans Convention and Provides Other Updates

Chicago... The Association of Kashrus Organizations (AKO) is planning its annual Vaadim Convention in Montreal, Canada on July 16-18. In its latest update AKO also posted an opportunity in Savannah, where Kosher Savannah provides kosher supervision for facilities in Northern Florida, Southeast Georgia, and much of South Carolina. They also serve as mashgichim for all the major kashrus agencies. Kosher Savannah is looking for a manager for the agency. AKO has also been in talks with the ) NYS Kosher Law Enforcement of the NYS Dept of Agriculture and Markets "who have always been very helpful in enforcing non-kosher and/or illegal kosher logos being sold in NY State." The agency recently issued a letter that read: "I am pleased to share that the Department has finalized an online tool to allow the acceptance of registrations from establishments that offer Kosher foods as well as certifiers of this food. This tool is linked below and will be posted publicly on the Department website shortly. https://arcg.is/1G8nDz0. Please feel free to re-register yourselves or organizations to ensure that your current registrations are up to date. To the extent that you can share with the establishments that you are certifying within NYS, or firms that distribute Kosher foods into New York, we would also be grateful for your assistance to ensure our registrations are updated.

New Product Showcase... by Eda Kram
New Confectionary Items from Nature's Garden

Totowa, NJ - Cibo Vita Inc., makers of the Nature's Garden brand of snack foods, introduces a new line of confectionery items . Two of its newest and innovative products, sold in recyclable packaging, include: Nature's Garden Oat Milk Chocolate Covered Strawberry Almonds (strawberry-dusted oat milk chocolate almonds featuring the finest Fino de Aroma cocoa from Colombia), wrapped around a premium almond with a delicate strawberry finish. 100% plant-based and vegan. Nature's Garden Probiotic Strawberry Yoggies a yogurt-coated, real fruit strawberry morsels are infused with Probiotics through a patented microencapsulation delivery system. Yoggies contain 3 grams of fiber per serving and 2 billion live Probiotic cultures. Cibo Vita's R&D team has created a unique item launching an untapped category in snacking. Kosher certified under the OK and Dairy. For more information visit: https://naturesgarden.net/

Kosher Today Update

Pesach 2023

From the Editor

Passover programs at destinations all over the world were highly successful despite a last minute canceled program in Atlantic City...Passover Program debacle: a lesson to pay by credit card and to take out travel insurance, experts say... Demographics and staying home contribute to record Passover sales...How a changed kosher landscape pivoted record sales for Passover in the US... Whole Foods to introduce permanent kosher sets, Kosher Today learns... Supermarket executive Rami Levy predicts falling grocery prices in Israel, particularly his private label items...In My Sixth Sense, I discuss how I had a Passover with mixed blessing...Eda Kram-Steinberg in her Hollywood Insider shares her experience on Passover at a PGA Golf Resort. In her New Product Showcase she covers new gourmet round cheese in assorted flavors. Menachem Lubinsky
Editor

Passover Programs Highly Successful Despite One High Profile Failure

London..."Passover program vacations were almost certainly back to pre-covid levels" said Raphi Bloom, co-founder of the popular kosher travel website www.totallyjewishtravel.com . "The overwhelming majority were completed and successful," he said. Despite the highly successful Passover season, the buzz was about the last-minute cancellation of a program at the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City NJ run by Heshi Goldstein of the Aryeh Hospitality Group which left an undetermined number of would-be vacationers stranded. Mr. Goldstein claims that he was the victim of a scam that routed a wire payment he was to make to Claridge to an unknown account. But at the moment, Aryeh did not refund the money, nor has it indicated when the money would be returned.

Mr. Bloom noted that his site "carried advertising for 126 Passover programs which is only slightly down from our peak of 140 in 2018/19. "The majority of operators had sold 99% of their rooms by early March. "This welcome return to large-scale kosher travel is already translating into increased programs and demand for kosher Shavuot, Summer and Sukkot programs." Amongst the highly successful programs were VIP Tours in Playa del Carmen, Mexico with more than 1100 rooms, Al Kanfei Nesharim in Stamford Conn (with catering by Chop a Nosh), several in Morocco, Turkey, Vietnam, Las Vegas, Dubai, Kosherica in the Bahamas, Aussie Kosher and Kesher Tours - Israel in Thailand and several in many countries in Europe. More than 30,000 Passover vacationers spent Passover in Orlando, slightly less than in 2022. Israeli hotels reported near 90% capacity.

Doni Schwartz of www.MyJewishListings.com said that the addition of many new programs made it that much more difficult for established programs to fill up early. He also attributed slower bookings to the uncertainty in the economy. "Yet, there were many newbies who went to programs for the first time." He predicts that next Passover will see bookings at record proportions.

2023 Lesson: Pay by Credit Card and Include Cancel Anytime Travel Insurance

New York...For the many guests who were scheduled to spend Passover at the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City , the major concern now is to retrieve the money they paid for the canceled program. Most are skeptical that the controversial operator Heshie Goldstein is either capable or willing to refund the funds. Mr. Goldstein has a history of leaving his creditors hanging and his recent past includes at least one personal bankruptcy. Travel experts say that the only secure protection is to pay by credit card since most banks will refund money paid for canceled programs, albeit some have maximum limits of $10,000, which in some cases would dictate using multiple credit cards.

Experts like Doni Schwartz (MyJewishListings.com) and Rafi Bloom (TotallyJewishTravel.com) even urge people to avoid making reservations with programs that do not accept credit cards. Said Mr. Bloom: "It is certainly worth paying the additional percentage points just to be secure." But Mr. Schwartz says many programs are reticent about accepting credit cards because customers can easily challenge the charge even unsatisfied with a mundane detail. Instead, Schwartz counsels taking out Cancel Anytime Travel Insurance which would cover the cancellation of a program. "It is certainly worth the extra cost to protect your money," he says. Schwartz is considering offering travel insurance next year in addition to including comparative pricing tables on his site. The experts say that scouring social media can often provide much information prior to booking.

Demographics and Staying Home Contribute to Record Passover Sales

Cedarhurst, NY...The traffic at the Gourmet Glatt store here and in Woodmere seemed to indicate that more people "stayed home" this Passover, according to Howie Klagsbrun who manages the Gourmet Glatt stores. The same pattern was seen at the chain's other stores in Boro Park and Lakewood NJ. This sentiment was shared by Malkie Levine, manager of the Evergreen stores in Monsey, Pomona, and Lakewood and by several other kosher independents around the country. The rapidly expanding Grove supermarkets in South Florida carried a large variety of Passover items as did independent stores in Baltimore, Cleveland, and Detroit. "It just so happens that most of the kosher independent supermarkets are in growth communities like Lakewood and Monsey," said Mr. Klagsbrun. The executives noted that there were few shortages of essential products as manufacturers planned better than in the past. There were slightly fewer new products as so many new items were already introduced in the past few years. Yet, Kayco introduced many new items including vegie croutons, and tortilla chips, "Many manufacturers are still gun shy about producing new products in the post-Covid era and sticking to their tried and proven items," said Charles Herzog of Kayco. Manischewitz, now owned by Kayco (Kedem) had many new products, a far cry from its traditional matzoh and macaroons.

A Changed Kosher Landscape Pivots Record Sales for Passover in the US

Detroit... Alan Gale, a frequent contributor to Kosher Today, noticed significant changes to the way supermarkets in suburban Detroit treat Passover. While supermarkets in the rest of the country saw strong sales on Passover, it was not so in suburban Detroit.. Gale reports that "nary a store is distributing Maxwell House haggadot," once a required booklet in every store in a Jewish community. Large retailers like Kroger and Meijer focused less on Passover but kosher experts say that it was due to a change in distributors. Supermarkets in major cities did extremely well on Passover, according to Harold Weiss of Kayco whose brands like Gefen, Manischewitz and Heaven and Earth dotted shelves in many of these stores.

Passover sales were also strong in the large Orthodox Jewish communities like Monsey and Lakewood. New large independent kosher stores are scheduled to open in both communities adding to the already large number of kosher supermarkets. There are more than 50 large kosher supermarkets of 15,000 square feet or more, mostly in New York City, Long Island, Monsey, Lakewood, NJ, Passaic NJ, Baltimore, Cleveland, Hollywood, Boca Raton, and Miami. Major supermarket chains still play an important role in many large communities like Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, and elsewhere. Clearly, the kosher landscape today is a mix of the kosher independents and major supermarkets. Passover sales were also strong in many box stores such as Wal-Mart and Costco.

Whole Foods to Introduce Permanent Kosher Sets

Austin, TX...Kosher Today has learned that Whole Foods is preparing to launch a major kosher initiative. Sources told Kosher Today that Whole Foods will be introducing 4ft. sets of kosher food products in many of their stores. Whole Foods has already been working with such kosher distributors as Kayco to stock kosher foods. One source told Kosher Today that it "is a tribute to the industry that Whole Foods considers the kosher products wholesome and healthy." An average Whole Foods store carries many kosher certified products with a focus on health. In its new initiative, Whole Foods hopes to attract more kosher shoppers to its stores. In 1980, Whole Foods was born as a natural foods store. In 2017, Amazon acquired it for about 14 billion dollars. By 2017, Whole Foods already had over $16 billion in revenues.

Supermarket Executive Predicts Falling Grocery Prices in Israel

Modi 'in...One of Israel's most important supermarket owners predicts that prices of grocery will fall in 2023. Rami Levy and other owners of major supermarkets have been the targets of consumer complaints over the high cost of the kosher foods in Israeli supermarkets. But in an interview with Globes, the prestigious Israeli business publication, Levy explained his company's strong financial position, and downplayed the significance of the entry of foreign supermarkets, particularly the French chain Carrefour. "We believe that in 2023 we will see a rise in our sales, maybe even in the double-digits. People have less money, and we see them flocking to our chain. Our private label is also getting stronger." It is the private label category that Levy predicts will lead the lower prices in supermarkets.

"Our private label grew stronger when customers realized that its quality is as good as the 'leaders' (the leading products) and is tens of percent cheaper in price. We urge consumers to shop smart, and those who do so at my chain can save considerable amounts.." Today, the chain's private label makes up 25% of sales, and includes a range of more than 5,500 products (not including deli products), including pastas, rice, cereals, poultry and meat products, spreads, spices, oils, snacks and sweets, frozen foods, toiletries, and cleaning products. "{We had} more new customers {this Passover}. People have less money and want to buy at low cost. Our shopping basket has hardly increased in price, compared to last year."

My Sixth Sense...by Menachem Lubinsky
Making the Right Choices for Passover

Stamford Conn...I cannot say that all my choices in planning Passover 2023 turned out as planned but some did. I first booked rooms for my family in a program that was canceled just days before the holiday. We ultimately spent Passover with the Pesach Experience sponsored by Al Kanfei Nesharim at the Armon Hotel in Stamford, Conn. That certainly turned out to be the right choice. The management was superb and so was the cuisine by Chop a Nosh of Cedarhurst. I always knew that Moshe Plaut, the founder of Chop a Nosh, was a class act so much so that two of my daughters were married in Marina del Ray where he provided the kosher catering.

The Pesach Experience certainly made the right choice in choosing Chop a Nosh and they in turn made the right choice in selecting Avrumi Deutsch as their executive chef. Chef Deutsch is now the executive chef at the luxurious Brightstone Hall in Passaic NJ. The food was plentiful, scrumptious, and beautifully presented. Every meal was a culinary experience. My grandchildren had a blast with the exceptional entertainment. Even a fire in the parking lot which resulted in a 5 AM wakeup call on the last day did not dampen what was a true Passover Experience. Kudos to the management, Barry Wechsler, Avrumi Flam, and Chani Goldstein!

The Hollywood Insider...by Eda Kram-Steinberg
A Passover Experience Worth Sharing

West Palm Beach, Florida...Being the wife of a mashgiach (kosher supervisor) has its challenges. Your husband will be working late nights, weekends and sometimes holidays. However, there are times that his work pays off and the family reaps the benefits. When my husband asked if I wanted to give up cleaning and cooking for Passover this year to go on a program, my response was an unequivocal yes! My family got to enjoy Passover like no other we had ever experienced. The Kosherica program was in cooperation with Leisure Time Tours Passover Program at the PGA Golf Resort and Spa. The hotel was reserved entirely for their Passover program in West Palm Beach.

Kosherica and Leisure Tours delivered a program and 18-hole experience. Brothers Robert & Scott Seidman, managers of Foremost Caterers and his team worked in collaboration with the resort's award-winning culinary team to coordinate an outstanding gourmet cuisine under the Glatt Kosher supervision of International Kosher Mehadrin, Rabbi Berel Simpser Rav Hamchshir. Five-star meals were served at the seder and throughout the holiday with main dishes such as duck, veal, prime rib, lamb and a bbq in the afternoons.

The Willy Wonka themed candy room was designed with antiques purchased at auctions and every candy and snack imaginable that can be eaten during Passover. Included in this room was a sushi station using quinoa instead of rice. The program also offered a Tea Room with pastries, ice cream and desserts for all ages and fun activities for the children at the day camp. Our days were filled with fascinating lectures by scholars in residence during the holiday as well as star-studded entertainment including comedians, hypnotists, and live bands during chol hamoed. Whether it was in the dining room, tea rooms, or poolside barbecue, Kosherica and PGA delivered a memorable experience.

New Product Showcase...by Eda Kram-Steinberg
Gourmet Round Cheese in Assorted Flavors from Tnuva USA

New York...Tnuva USA introduced a brand-new series of fine-quality round cheeses in six exciting, gourmet flavors. Like all Tnuva products, the new cheeses are cholov Yisroel, under the strict supervision of the Vaadat Mehadrin. Each cheese has a different flavor adventure, and there are even some in light versions. The Kaas Cheery Cheese is a mild, semisoft Dutch-style cheese with pieces of real cherries, while the Muenster, also made with real cherries, is slightly more full-bodied. The Swiss cheese with Habanero is made with real pieces of Habanero peppers. It also comes to light for those who are interested in restricting their fat intake. Additional flavor sensations: Light Muenster cheese, made with real apple and cinnamon, and Hickory-smoked Edam cheese, which is prepared in a professional smoker with hickory wood. Use the new hard cheeses to dress up your cheese board, or to discover exciting new flavor combinations in your favorite cheese dishes. Eaten straight out of the package, melted on a bagel, or used as a topping on your pizza or pasta, each cheese flavor is sure to bring a new flavor adventure! The new round cheeses join Tnuva's long list of top-quality cheese and dairy products, all of which have become a part of daily Jewish family life. For more information visit: https://tnuvausa.com/