Filipino exporters are encouraged to penetrate the huge opportunities offered by the global kosher food market, including the United States, Canada, and Israel.
“If you are exporting to them already, you can find out how you can also capture the kosher market because these are already established kosher markets. And then there are emerging kosher markets to be aware of so you can check them out,” Tonette Salazar, Country Manager at Star K, said in a webinar organized by the Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau.
Salazar said other top global kosher markets are France, Britain, Germany, Russia, Argentina, Australia, and Brazil.
She said coconut derivatives are in demand in the kosher marketplace.
Salazar said food exporters can determine first if they produce kosher certified products in the Philippines.
“You have spices, you have tropical processed products which are mango, and you have cake decorations, banana chips, sugar products, frozen products, sauces, jams, carrageenan flour, biodiesel soap noodles, flavors, ube which is an upcoming very fast growing product in demand even in the kosher market,” she added.
To capture the market, Salazar advised exporters to obtain kosher certification.
“There are more than 1,000 kosher certifiers globally. Do not base your choice on price alone but acceptability among big kosher buyers and consumers in U.S., Europe, and Israel. Research and inquire,” she said.
Salazar said announced and unannounced visits range from one to six times or more a year depending on complexity of production.
“Some facilities and production require constant presence of a rabbi which can hike up the cost. Depending on (the) certifying agency, rates can vary,” she said.
Salazar said if a kosher certifier has a lot of clients in an area, exporters can save money as they do not have to pay for the exclusive flights and accommodations of the rabbis. – Press release
