US: Kosher food sales up to $200 billion

US: Kosher food sales up to $200 billion

Sales of kosher foods through grocery stores has risen to over $200 billion in 2008.
The
increase is from about $150 billion in 2003, showing yearly growth rate
twice that of the overall food market, according to Packaged Facts’ new
study, “Market Trend: Kosher-and Halal-Certified Foods in the US.”
 
“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.

“However, factors related to safety,
quality and ‘truth in labeling’ should prompt these mainstream
consumers to seek out kosher/halal more often, although marketers and
third-party certifiers must make a greater effort to educate consumers

before that can happen,” says Tatjana Meerman, Packaged Facts publisher.

 
Large customer potential

According to Meerman, the potential customer base for such products
is large and includes the large segment of the American population who
are concerned about the safety of the food supply, as well as the
increasing number of people on gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian or
other special diets who want clearer food labelling.

 
Consumers which have been identified by Packaged Facts as
“foodies” are shown to be a positive prospect for kosher/halal
marketers.