Kosher Market in Numbers

In recent years' demand for kosher certified products has increased dramatically. A quartz article, 2015, identified that less than 2% of the USA's population is Jewish yet 41% of the country's packaged food is kosher.

In 2009, the kosher industry was estimated to be worth around $17 billion, with an annual growth rate of around 15% and in 2010 the New York Times claimed it was one of the hottest food trends.

The kosher food market encompasses almost every segment of the food and drink industry from ingredients including chemicals, baking products to processed food & beverages and food packaging. In addition some vitamins and over the counter (OTC) pharmaceuticals are kosher certified. Almost all major manufacturers produce at least some food products that bear the kosher symbol, including Mars, Tate & Lyle, Cadbury's and Unilever.

Kosher certification can support changes and trends in the food and beverage industry, particularly continued demand for clean and clear labelling and greater transparency. The kosher logo can:

  • Help simplify the label. The kosher logo is an easy way to identify the absence of certain ingredients for example meat, fish and dairy which is important for those with allergies or following a particular diet e.g. vegetarian.
  • Reassure consumers about the safety and manufacturing processes as it highlights that the product has been independently checked by a reputable organisation.
  • Highlights honesty and transparency. The kosher logo is a guarantee of honesty. It assures consumers that a company is being honest about the ingredients and processes they are using in the products.

The kosher logo was found by Mintel, 2014, to be the leading claim on new products in North America, at 41% nearly twice as much as the ubiquitous claim of gluten-free. This provides a good indication of growth areas and the direction in which the market is headed.

Kosher products also featured as a trend theme at Anuga 2015. According to Innova Market Insights new products with a kosher claim increased by 38% in 2013 from 2012 and a further 21% from 2014 to 2013. This highlights the significant market potential for kosher certification.

Innova Market Insights also segmented kosher product launches in 2014 by region and by category.

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