April 28, 2009

Kosher food sales increasing in US

Sales of kosher foods through grocery stores in the US have increased to over US$200 billion in 2008, up from US$150 billion in 2003, according to a new study.

US consumers who are not followers of Judaism or Islam are largely unaware of the specific qualities that distinguish kosher and halal from conventional foods, said Tatjana Meerman, publisher of the study.

But factors related to safety, quality and accurate labelling should prompt the mainstream consumers to seek out kosher and halal more often, although marketers and third-party certifiers must make a greater effort to educate consumers before that can happen, said Meerman.

The potential customer base for kosher products is large and includes the general US population who are concerned about food safety, as well as the increasing number of people on gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian or other special diets who want clearer food labelling, Meerman said.