Kayco — one of the largest producers and distributors of kosher foods and beverages — is partnering with Whole Foods, to expand the selection of kosher foods available in Whole Foods stores nationwide. More than 50 new items from Kayco have been introduced over the past year.
More and more, consumers are seeking kosher certification as a product attribute. Recognizing this trend, Kayco and Whole Foods curated a range of products, which cater to a wide variety of tastes; they include basic kosher items (cooking wines and broths) and essentials (egg noodles, potato pancake mix and matzo meal), as well as unique, specialty foods. Kayco’s kosher brands include Gefen, Heaven & Earth and Manischewitz.
“Whole Foods was looking for kosher products with a ‘better for you’ focus.” – Harold Weiss
“Whole Foods was looking for kosher products with a ‘better for you’ focus,” Harold Weiss, head of sales at Kayco, told the Journal. According to Weiss, their most popular products include mainstream fare like Kedem organic grape juice, Gefen pickled beets and water chestnuts, as well as new offerings, such as Heaven & Earth Almond Butter Date Bites and Haddar Tahini. Made with Valencia almonds and California dates, the kosher Almond Butter Date Bites have clean and simple ingredients and are individually wrapped. Haddar Tahini has both plain and seasoned varieties.
“The traditional products that were kosher at Whole Foods were matzos, broths, matzo ball mixes, grape juice and other traditional items,” Weiss said. “The new items meet today’s food trends and [are] being received very positively.”
Whether someone has certain dietary requirements or simply likes to elevate their palate by trying new things, with the expanded assortment, there’s something for everyone. They even carry gluten-free kosher products, including gluten-free matzo, broth, candy, cookies, noodles and condiments.
This new opportunity will allow Kayco to further expand their product line. “We are looking at new products from Tuscanini, a kosher brand that is authentically Italian and imported from Italy,” Weiss said. “Stay tuned.”
