All about Kosher
Why Kosher ?
As consumers place increasing importance on health, transparency, and quality, kosher-certified products are gaining strong momentum across global food markets. One of the key drivers behind this growth is rising demand for foods that are perceived as clean-label, allergen-aware, and carefully produced. Kosher certification provides reassurance to consumers seeking premium products that meet high standards of food safety, quality control, and dietary compliance. In addition, the growing popularity of natural and gluten-free food options further enhances the commercial appeal of kosher-certified products.
This trend is clearly reflected in market performance. The global kosher foods market is projected to grow from USD 44.40 billion in 2025 to USD 82.55 billion by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%. This sustained expansion is being driven by increased consumer awareness of dietary laws, stricter expectations around food safety, and a growing preference for products that meet recognised international quality standards. Kosher certification is increasingly viewed not only as a religious requirement, but as a trusted symbol of product integrity and consistency.
Beyond health considerations, modern consumers are actively choosing brands that prioritise ethical sourcing and responsible production. Kosher certification aligns naturally with these expectations, offering a structured and transparent framework that supports traceability and accountability throughout the supply chain. As a result, kosher-certified products continue to appeal to a wider audience, extending well beyond traditional kosher consumers.
Expanding Consumer Reach Through Kosher Certification
Kosher certification also enables brands to access a broader and growing consumer base. Rising Jewish and Muslim populations worldwide are driving sustained demand for certified products. As kosher dietary standards closely align with halal principles, kosher-certified foods are widely accepted by Muslim consumers, particularly in regions where access to halal-certified products may be limited.
By achieving kosher certification, manufacturers and retailers can unlock new market opportunities, strengthen consumer confidence, and enhance brand credibility. In an increasingly competitive global food landscape, kosher certification is not simply a compliance measure—it is a strategic commercial tool that supports premium positioning, market expansion, and long-term business growth.
What is Kosher ?
Kosher means fit, genuine or correct. When it comes to Kosher food we generally use the word Kosher to mean 'fit for consumption' for those adhering to Jewish dietary laws. Any product that a company wishes to be deemed as kosher would need a thorough check of all its ingredients, manufacturing procedures and utilities to ensure they are of Kosher standards. To identify if everything is ok, an in- depth audit of the manufacturing plant would be necessary. This applies to ingredients, additives, finished products and production lines.
Meat:
As written in the Torah (Jewish Bible) only specific animals are Kosher, those with split hooves and that chew the cud. The most common are bulls, cows, sheep and goats. Besides for the actual specie, there is a specific way of slaughtering cattle to make them fit for consumption.
Poultry:
As with meat, there are also a specific type of bird that is considered kosher, the typical birds are chickens, geese, duck and turkeys. Poultry also requires slaughtering in a specific way to make them fit for consumption.
Due to the complexity of Jewish law, any product or derivative of either meat or poultry in it, will only be considered kosher if it came with a reliable kosher certificate.
Dairy:
All kosher dairy products must be derived from kosher animals. There are two standards of kosher dairy, products with supervised milking known as Cholov Yisroel and products with unsupervised milking known as Cholov Stam.
All cheese products require full time production supervision.
Parev:
For a product to be considered parev, it must not contain or have in it, any derivative of either meat or milk or share production lines or utilities of either meat or milk.
Fish:
Only fish with fins and scales are Kosher according to Jewish Law. Common such fish are, Salmon, Carp, species of Tuna (not all), Sole and Mackerel. All fish products require supervision to ensure kosher fish if being used. Fish is deemed as parev.
Insects:
All insects are considered not Kosher whether alive or dead. A thorough inspection and clearance of infestation must be done.
Why MK Kosher ?
When considering Kosher certification there are many factors one has to take in mind. Being recognised as a premier kosher certifying agency, accepted by all other worldwide kosher agencies, consumers and trusted by other manufacturers are the most important aspects.
The Manchester Beis Din Kosher certification services otherwise recognised by the reputable MK logo was established over a century ago. The MK is a division of Manchester Beth Din ltd - Badatz Manchester which has the most acclaimed recognition in Europe, the USA and Israel.
Brand names such as Kellogg's, Heinz, Renshaw, Swizzels Matlow are all MK certified bearing witness to our company.
The MK is transparent, honest and devoted to your requirements.
Kosher certification has it's challenges and can be complex at times - having a kosher agency who has extensive experience in dealing with such matters is very important. The MK's dedicated team are extremely understanding, practical and eager to help you in your journey to Kosher certification. The MK believes in building a close relationship between the company and itself, ensuring we are fully aware of the needs and responsibilities every company expects.
An agency with extensive knowledge in the manufacturing processes of all food types, including flavours, enzymes, oils, dairy ingredients, and of course finished retail products, must also be taken into account when choosing Kosher certification.
When it comes to the certification fee the MK has always had the policy of growing with the company - the MK will always take into consideration the size of the company and the type of product being certified and offers very competitive pricing.
Lastly, having a product certified, but unknown to the public, is something one must always be concerned about. The Manchester Beis Din Kosher certification services promotes all kosher certified MK products through the website, social media, trade shows and the like ensuring every certified product gets the exposure expected by the manufactures.
Take a look at our Kosher Booklet to understand the process a little more
