Kosherfest, the world’s largest international kosher food show, was truly a kosher feast! The 2008 Kosherfest took place in Secaucus, N.J., with more than 350 exhibitors.

The kosher market is estimated to be a 14-billion dollar industry and is growing at a phenomenal rate. A recent study by Mintel International showed that 77 per cent of consumers preferred kosher because of the quality, whereas only 16 per cent chose kosher because of religious beliefs. The average kosher consumer is under 40 years of age.

In 2008, there were more than 5,400 new kosher products – more than 13 times the number of products in 2003. There are now some 110,000 items with kosher certification, making it easier for consumers today to find kosher products anywhere in the world. Even the larger chain stores such as Costco are expanding their kosher departments. Seven major hotel chains in the United States have or are installing kosher kitchens.

There was a strong emphasis on health at last year’s show, with more kosher health products on display than ever before. There was an excellent selection of natural, organic, gluten-free, sugar-free and lactose-free products. Gourmet, Passover, Asian and Israeli products were also strongly represented. Soy nut butter was offered as a peanut butter alternative, and many desserts were advertised as trans fat free. Gourmet frozen sushi that can go from the freezer to the table in minutes was a big hit. Many kosher wines and beverages were also prominently featured.

Kosherfest was international in flavour, bringing together kosher food manufacturers, caterers and distributors from more than 28 countries. Attendees hailed from Turkey, South Africa, Italy, Panama, Israel, Los Angeles, Chicago, New Jersey, Toronto and Montreal.  

I met up with Kevin Hopps of Toronto, the previous manager of Sobeys in Thornhill, who was recently appointed the new CEO of Strubs Food Corp., famous for its pickles. Hopps is considered a leading authority on retailing in the kosher market and has worked in this market since he was 16 years old. He received the National Business Leadership Award 2008 from NCSY. In his new position, Hopps remains committed to “provide the best shopping experience for the kosher consumer” and believes that the kosher market will continue to go mainstream and vice versa. For more information about Strubs products, visit www.strubpickles.com.  

Here were some of my favourite food finds at the show, both Canadian and international.

Bagel O’s are yummy prefilled bite-size bagels which come in whole wheat and regular, filled with plain or flavoured cream cheeses. They go from the freezer to the toaster/oven in minutes, have zero trans fat, no added preservatives and are produced in a nut-free facility. They’re distributed by Tastefully Yours Bakers of Toronto. For information contact 1-888-259-6069.

Stacey Kurtz of Toronto, marketing director of Fruit of the Land Products, won the 2008 Fine New Food from Israel Award with Beit Yitzhak’s Pomegranate Spread. This luscious line of organic fruit spreads contains no added sugar, additives, preservatives or food colouring. For more information, contact  www.fruitoftheland.com or 1-877-311-JAMS.

Zoglo’s offered scrumptious samples of its delicious vegetarian products and consumers gobbled them up! The extensive line of healthy vegetarian products includes soy and tofu burgers, vegetable patties, and meatless burgers and wieners. Its Baker’s Choice line of stuffed pastries includes mushroom, potato and spinach fillings. Zoglo’s also produces hors d’oeuvres, crepes, falafel and assorted snacks for both consumers and foodservice. For more information, visit www.zoglos.com.

Bella Baby Foods, a new line of kosher organic frozen baby foods, won for Best New Organic Product. They are frozen in convenient 1.5-ounce packets so that moms can choose exactly how much food and what food combinations are right for their baby. The baby foods contain no artificial flavours, no added sugar or salt and are wheat and gluten free. The unique packaging protects against freezer odour and freezer burn. Central Epicure Food Products will be distributing this line in Canada. For information, contact Michael Nadler at 416-745-4323.

Naturally Norah offers a line of delicious all-natural cake and frosting mixes with no artificial flavours, colours, preservatives or hydrogenated oils. They are dairy free, nut free and soy free. They hope to have their products available in Canada soon. Visit www.naturallynora.com for more information.

Katz’s Gluten Free Bake Shop (http://katzglutenfree.com) was named a new product winner in the best baked goods category for its delicious gluten-free challah dinner rolls. Owner Fradel Katz first developed gluten-free recipes for her family and later expanded into a full-fledged business with a variety of gluten-free breads, rugelach, muffins and other kosher baked goods. They are beginning to distribute their products in Canada. For more information, visit www.katzglutenfree or call 845-782-5307.

Levana Kirschenbaum, cookbook author and cooking teacher, introduced her new line of scrumptious baked goods which included whole grain spelt cakes, cookies, muffins and quick breads. Her products are pareve, low in gluten, high in protein and use natural ingredients. Her new product line was met with rave reviews. Her products are not available in Canada yet, but you can order by calling 718-927-4603 or visiting her website at http://www.levanadesserts.com/order.html.

I discovered a wonderful product, Kolatin Real Kosher Gelatin, which is produced by Glatech. This high quality gelatin is identical to non-kosher gelatin, without the rubbery texture associated with other kosher gelatins. Kolatin is pareve and kosher for Passover. It is currently available for manufacturers and will soon be available for consumers. For information, visit www.koshergelatin.com  or phone 732-364-8700.

Attendees were thrilled to learn that you don’t have to go to Israel to obtain professional training in a kosher cooking school. The Center for Kosher Culinary Arts in Brooklyn offers both professional and recreational cooking classes and has just added Techniques for Healthy Cooking to the curriculum. Visit the website at www.kosherculinaryarts.com or call 718-758-1339.  

Norene Gilletz is a cookbook author, cooking teacher and food consultant. For information, call 416-226-2466 or visit her website at www.gourmania.com.