Russell Brown, commercial consultant at the Kashrut Division, told FoodManufacture.co.uk that more widespread finished-product certification in the UK is being driven by a growing perception that kosher is a sign of quality and an assurance of better food safety inspection, which is independent from the government.
Dairy-free
Another factor behind the rise in popularity of kosher foods included the assurance of its status as being dairy-free and therefore suitable for the vegan diets or for lactose intolerant consumers, he said.
Perceptions of Kosher certification appealing only to Jewish consumers are changing fast, Brown added.
Earlier this year, David Busse, KLBD’s technical sales manager of raw materials and ingredients said the body had added 100 new companies to its register every year for the past three years.
“The whole field of Kosher certification has blossomed out of recognition. It’s a perception that Kosher food is more healthy,” he said.
Although it was difficult to measure precisely the increase in demand for Kosher products, Brown said that the number of exhibitors selling Kosher-certified produce at leading trade show Anuga indicated its growing popularity in Europe. About 15% of exhibitors had a kosher product on offer at the last Anuga Show; significantly up on the previous event.
Also, more than 60% of exhibitors at this autumn’s trade show Food Ingredients Europe (FIE) 2011, to take place north of Paris, are expected to have Kosher certified products.
Global market
Kosher certification of ingredients remains ahead of finished products due to the global nature of the market, said Brown.
In America, about 40% of all products are kosher certified.
KLBD certifies a wide range of ingredients including oils, flavourings, amino acids, resins, flour wheat, barley, malt and rice plus finished products such as Ryvita, Mars Bars, Bendicks chocolate and Drambuie.
In addition, the Kashrut Division certifies more than 100 caterers, bakeries, restaurants, food manufacturers, delis and shops, while supervising about 3000 catered events per year, and certifying nearly 700 factories worldwide.