Community Magazine Februafy 2009

I went to the latest Kosherfest show looking to find kosher sweet chili sauce, a niche product in a somewhat obscure category. Surprisingly, I found many more out there than I expected. The 20th annual KosherFest kosher food show – the premier kosher food and beverage trade event serving the retail, food service, manufacturing, and distribution indus- tries – took place at the Meadowlands Exposition Center last November. The show drew vendors from every corner of the globe (including several offering sweet chili sauces) to introduce and promote their brands to over 6,000 prospective buyers. There were also keynote speeches from top chefs and industry professionals includ- ing Jeff Nathan of Abigael’s on Broadway and Menachem Lubinsky, founder of KosherFest. Large vendors such as Osem, Gefen, and Manischewitz were represented, alongside up- and-coming brands such as Prince Tahina and De La Rosa Foods, purveyors of fine oils and vinegars from Italy. Lots of other companies of all types could be found, as well. A number of local community companies were also represented, including established vendors like Setton Farms, purveyors of many unique nut and candy items, and newcomers such as Mr. Wheat’s. Interestingly, among the buyers were many establishments which don’t specifically cater to kosher consumers as many kosher prod- ucts appeal also to health conscious consumers outside the kosher world who value the quality and reliability inherent in kosher products. Lots of new foods and flavors could be found on the show floor, some from established, well known companies, and others from various parts of the globe looking for distributors to carry their items. From pickles, to sauces, to cheeses and fine wines, there was definitely something for everyone. and For those looking to bring new products to the market, agents from a number of kashrut organizations were on hand to explain the pro- cess and how they could help products reach the marketplace with proper kashrut certifications. Also among the vendors were some up and com- ing community businesses which were nurtured by the Sephardic Angel Fund’s “Angel Foods” project, which has helped take many home based food businesses to the next level. My favorite product was the Hot Nosh 24/6 from Kosher Vending Industries. They provide both dairy and meat vending machines which prepare hot meals to order. These can already be found in several universities, hospitals and shopping malls around the Tri-State area, and are making their way to highly trafficked areas throughout the region. But these are no ordinary vending machines – we’re talking freshly cooked Nathan’s hot dogs in one, and pizza, french fries and other delicious dairy items in the other, all cooked to order on the spot. I tried a slice after a high recommendation from a friend, and I can honestly say that it was one of the tastiest slices I had eaten in quite a while. The list of locations can be downloaded from the company’s website, and I have successfully tracked them down while traveling with friends. My only question was how to get one of the machines in my house! For a passive observer like myself, the most enjoyable part was just walking around the show and seeing how many delicious items everyone managed to taste. But for the vendors, eager to sell their products and committed to provide the market with more kosher foods, business was the first priority and the show floor was buzzing with deals in the making. Meanwhile, the producers of the event, Diversified Business Communications, who put together a most professional and enjoyable show, are predicting even more vendors, more kosher innovations and hopefully also, more kosher sweet chili sauces next year. A Feast JoE daNZiGER KosherF 74 Community magazine