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Madagascar was an important trading post, connecting ports of the Indian ocean to Africa for trade. Later it became a French Colony. Today Madagascar is one of the most diverse countries in the World. More popularly known for the Cananga Tree and the sweet essence derived from its flowers. Today Madagascar is the World’s largest producers of Vanilla, Cloves and Ylang Ylang which are exported around the world. In addition to producing other spices such as Cinnamon, Pepper corns, ginger. Madagascar is also known for its fine gems including Sapphires.

Over the past decade the demand for Kosher Certification has increased dramatically. The Kosher market has been growing at an annual rate of 15% for the past several years and products bearing Kosher Certification continue to outsell both Organic and All Natural. In order to keep up with demand and as Companies in North America and Europe look to new sources of Ingredients, they increasingly turn to developing countries such as Madagascar for new sources.

Recently the Royal Atlantic Group and their facility in Madagascar gained Kosher Certification through Kosher Check. Royal Atlantic Group is a leading supplier of Essential Oils such as Clove Leaf Oil, Cinnamon Oil or Ylang Ylang. They needed to get a Globally Accepted Kosher Certification such as Kosher Check in order to sell to manufacturers throughout North America. As Food exports continue to increase in Madagascar and throughout the African continent, many food manufacturers are now turning to agencies such as Kosher Check to assist them in gaining Kosher Certification.

Kosher Check is a globally accepted Kosher Certification, providing Kosher supervision on five continents to food manufacturers such as Merck Pharmaceuticals, TATA, Kerry Foods, Kemin Bioscience, Post Food Group, Scoular Company to name a few. Gaining Kosher Certification through Kosher Check can help increase sales as well as potential private label business.

Please be advised that the following Western Family brand products bear an unauthorized BCK logo and are not certified kosher by The Orthodox Rabbinical Council of BC.

Frozen Chopped Spinach
Frozen Berry Blend
Frozen Dark Fruit Blend
Frozen Bite Sized Blend
Frozen Blackberries

Corrective measures are being implemented.

With Passover just around the corner, the Kosher Check 2016 Passover Guide is now here. Copies are also available from local Kosher Stores and Synagogues. As always we are here to answer your questions.

Vietnam, the largest producer of Cashews in the World annually produces a quarter of the world’s cashew crop. Vietnam is also the World’s largest producer of Black Pepper and second largest exporter of Rice and Coffee.

Maybe not so well known as Vietnamese Cashews are the Tropical Fruits grown in Vietnam. The Hot Tropical Climate and abundant rainfall in Vietnam are ideal growing conditions for a variety of fruit which, are among the most diverse to be found anywhere. The most common fruit found in Vietnam includes Coconut, Banana, Pineapple, Mango, Guava, Durian, Mangosteen and Dragon Fruit to name a few. In northern Vietnam and central highland areas, where the temperature is cooler with four separate seasons, farmers also grow temperate fruits such as apple, strawberry, cherry, grape, peach, or pear, making the collection of fruits in Vietnam an extremely rich one. As demand for these products continues to increase, more and more Fruit Juice, Canned Fruit, Dried Fruit and Fruit Puree producers in Vietnam will continue to turn to Kosher Certification to assist them in opening new markets.

Over the past decade the demand for Kosher Certification has increased dramatically. The Kosher market has been growing at an annual rate of 15% for the past several years and products bearing Kosher Certification continue to outsell both Organic and All Natural. In order to keep up with demand and as Companies in North America and Europe look to new sources of Ingredients, they increasingly turn to Asian countries such as Vietnam for new sources.

Recently Tien Giang Vegetables and Fruit Stock Company, located in Tien Giang Province gained Kosher Certification through Kosher Check. Tien Giang Vegetables and Fruit Stock Company, is a leading producer of Canned Fruits, Vegetables, Frozen Fruit, Concentrates and Purees. They wanted to be able to export product around the world and needed a Kosher Certification like Kosher Check that is Globally Accepted. As Food exports continue to increase in Vietnam, many Vietnamese food manufacturers are now turning to agencies such as Kosher Check to assist them in gaining Kosher Certification.

Kosher Check is a globally accepted Kosher Certification, providing Kosher supervision on five continents to food manufacturers such as Merck Pharmaceuticals, Kerry Foods, Kemin Bioscience, Golden Boy Foods, Scoular Company to name a few. Gaining Kosher Certification through Kosher Check can help increase sales as well as potential private label business.

The Coconut, rich in protein has long been a staple of Philippine cooking. The Philippines is the second largest producer of Coconuts in the World. Coconuts account for over 25% of agricultural produce in the Philippines. The Coconut Tree is often referred to as the Tree of Life because of the endless list of products and by-products derived from it, such as its meat, oil, shell and trunk. Over the last several years Coconut products such as Coconut Milk, Coconut Oil, Coconut Flour and Coconut Water have become very popular in North America and Europe. Mainly due to the health benefits associated with Coconuts and Coconut by-products such as it being high in dietary fiber and its low glycemic index.

This has lead many manufacturers of Coconut Products in the Philippines to seek Kosher Certification. Recently Andy Albao Enterprises a leading Coconut producer in the Philippines achieved Kosher Certification through Kosher Check. Andy Albao Enterprises commenced operations in 2007. Recently Andy Albao Enterprises expanded their processing facility in the Philippines and immediately decided to gain Kosher Certification through Kosher Check, in order to meet customer demands. In addition to producing Coconut Oil, Coconut Milk and Desiccated Coconut, Andy Albao also produces a variety of Cacao products and spreads. Andy Albao sells product around the world to customers in Australia, the UK, as well as throughout North America. It was because of customer demand that Andy Albao decided to gain Kosher Certification. As more and more food manufacturers in the Philippines look to increase sales and export to North America, Europe and beyond, many are turning to Kosher Certification to assist them in opening new doors.

Kosher Check is a globally accepted Kosher Certification, providing Kosher supervision on five continents to food manufacturers such as Kerry Foods, Kemin Bioscience, Merck, Legumex Walker to name a few. Kosher Check has proudly provided Kosher Certification to food manufacturers in the Philippines for over twenty-five years. Gaining Kosher Certification through Kosher Check can help increase sales as well as potential private label business.

Ceylon Cinnamon, called Cinnamomum Zaylanicum originates from the Island of Sri Lanka (Formerly Ceylon) and has been a staple of Sri Lankan cooking for centuries. The sweet and spicy taste of Cinnamon has been used for medicinal purposes for the last two thousand years. Ceylon Cinnamon has been more researched for medicinal purposes than any other variety of Cinnamon. It has proven to help kill or slow down the growth of bacteria, can help treat viral or fungal infections and is a proven anti-oxidant. Sri Lanka is the forth largest producer of Cinnamon around and world. Sri Lanka also produces 80%-90% of the total Cinnamomum Zaylanicum variety produced worldwide.

Due to its varied uses and applications, many manufacturers of Cinnamon Products in Sri Lanka have turned to Kosher Certification. Recently G.P. De Silva and Sons a leading producer in Sri Lanka achieved Kosher Certification through Kosher Check. Mr. G.P. De Silva started to trade in Cinnamon in 1942, over the years he grew and expanded his operations. Over the next 70 years G.P De Silva and Sons expanded their business and started shipping Cinnamon and other spices to many countries around the world. Recently they expanded their operation to include Cinnamon Oil. Within a short time of gaining Kosher Certification, G.P De Silva has noticed a difference. As more and more Sri Lankan food manufacturers look to increase sales and export to North America, Europe and beyond, many are turning to Kosher Certification to assist them in opening new doors.

Kosher Check is a globally accepted Kosher Certification, providing Kosher supervision on five continents to food manufacturers such as Kerry Foods, Kemin Bioscience, Merck, Legumex Walker to name a few. Gaining Kosher Certification through Kosher Check can help increase sales as well as potential private label business.

India has the World's second largest population, third largest economy and is the World's second largest producer of food next to China. AC Nielsen recently named India as a hotspot for food manufacturers, food producers and food ingredient professionals and the country is now becoming an integral part of the global food ingredient network. India is the World’s largest producer of Bananas, Mangoes, Guavas, Mangosteens and Papayas. Not to mention spices such as chillies and dried peppers. India is also the Worlds second largest producer of Rice, Sugar Cane, Tea, Cashews and such staples as Onions and Potatoes. Given this trend, India has become one of the most important destinations for food investment, with the food industry growing at an annual rate of 17%. As demand continues to increase, more and more food manufacturers in India continue to turn to Kosher Certification to assist them in opening new markets.

Recently Fruzyme Biotech located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu rgained Kosher Certification through Kosher Check. Fruzyme Biotech, a leading producer of Papain, Papain Enzyme and related products wanted to be able to export product around the world and needed a Kosher Certification like Kosher Check that is Globally Accepted. As Food exports continue to increase in India, many Indian food manufacturers like Fruyzme are now turning to agencies such as Kosher Check to assist them in gaining Kosher Certification.

Kosher Check is a globally accepted Kosher Certification, providing Kosher supervision on five continents to food manufacturers such as Merck Pharmaceuticals, Kerry Foods, Kemin Bioscience, Golden Boy Foods, Legumex Walker to name a few. Gaining Kosher Certification through Kosher Check can help increase sales as well as potential private label business.

Hidden on a small farm South of Lethbridge Alberta, two young brothers J.R and Dawson Wikkerink have built a company that is fast becoming one of Western Canada’s fastest growing Non-Dairy Ice Cream Brands. It started back in 2010, Joseph had already joined the Wikkerink family from his native Haiti and was settling into family life in Southern Alberta. Meanwhile his brother David was still stuck in Haiti when the earthquake struck. Forced from his home to live in a tent and while homeless developed cholera.

Meanwhile back in Lethbridge, J.R. had recently celebrated his birthday and was given an Ice Cream Maker as a gift. J.R. had started making Coconut Milk Ice Cream for his younger brother Dawson who was lactose Intolerant. He started using coconut milk because it gave a rich texture and mainly because it was not an allergen. J.R. was convinced that there must be something he could do to help his adopted brother David in Haiti who was still at the orphanage. “I wanted to do something to help the orphanage” says J.R. He used the money from the profits he raised to send money back to Joseph and David’s orphanage. Today Screamin Brothers donates 5% of their net profit to various children’s charities including BC’S Children’s Hospital.

Initially J.R. and Dawson started selling to family and friends, then they started selling at the local Farmers market, where they sold out every time they bought their frozen treats. With a shortage of Dairy free Ice Cream J.R. and Dawson heard many comments about how much a product like theirs is needed in the marketplace. They moved from a small ice cream maker to a larger ice cream maker to keep up with demand. This was Dawson’s idea “to make it bigger so we can help more children” Within a short space of time Grocery stores were asking if they could carry it.

The increase in production has created challenges for the Wikkerink family farm in southern Alberta. What used to be a beef and poultry operation has become a Dairy Free Frozen Dessert plant, with parents Wayne and Ann Wikkerink taking on roles to assist the boys. When asked how did you come up with your name, the boys answer “because David and Joseph like to scream”

Today over 200 retail stores across Canada sell Screamin Brothers Dairy Free Desserts. They are available in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec. Including leading supermarkets such as Coopers Market, Thrifty’s and Save on Foods.

To watch the boys presentation on Dragon's Den scroll to the 35 minute mark.

Kosher Check is a globally accepted Kosher Certification and provides Kosher Certification to companies throughout the Province of Alberta. Alberta is home to two of Canada’s largest cities – Calgary and Edmonton. With a continually expanding energy sector, a massive beef industry, and an important grain industry, Alberta is a national economic leader. Kosher Check can help assist companies tap into that explosive economic growth. Kosher Check provides Kosher Certification to leading manufacturers across the province including Bakemark Ingredients, Sunny Boy Foods, Lucerne Foods, Rock Ridge Dairy and Screamin Brothers.

Purdy’s Chocolates is a major Canadian Chocolatier, producing a line of premium chocolates including Truffles, Hazelnut Hedgehogs, Creams, Caramels, Filled Chocolates and more.

In the fall of 2013 Purdy’s Chocolates received the seal of approval from Kosher Check for their Chocolate Bars and Novelty line of Chocolate. After receiving many phone calls and enquiries from the Kosher Consumer regarding Purdy’s other Chocolate products. Kosher Check worked on a strategy with Purdy’s to make some of their premium chocolates such as their signature Hedgehogs Kosher certified. We are pleased to announce that today, many of the products for sale in Purdy’s Stores are Kosher Certified. We know the Kosher Certification of these products will be greeted with much excitement and will continue to work with Purdys on increasing their range of Kosher certified products.

Purdy's Chocolates are available for purchase through their vast network of stores located throughout Ontario including stores located in Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Hillcrest Shopping Centre in Richmond Hill and Vaughan Mills. In Edmonton at the West Edmonton Mall. In Calgary at the Southcentre Mall and Chinook Mall. In Vancouver at Oakridge Mall. For more information regarding store locations, please visit www.purdys.com

Kosher Check is a globally accepted Kosher Certification, providing Kosher supervision on five continents to food manufacturers such as Merck, Kerry Foods, Kemin Bioscience, Golden Boy Foods, Legumex Walker to name a few. Gaining Kosher Certification through Kosher Check can help increase sales as well as potential private label business.

Please be advised that Yogurt Covered Pretzels and Granola sold by Inno Specialty Foods contain dairy (Not Cholov Yisroel) as indicated in the ingredient list but the dairy designation has been inadvertently omitted from the label. Corrective measures are being implemented and consumers finding this product are asked to contact Kosher Check at (604) 731-1803.

Recently, I have received many emails and phone calls regarding the Kosher Status of Frozen Yoghurt and Ice Cream Stores in Vancouver. At present there are no Kosher Certified Ice Cream/ Frozen Yogurt stores, however there are some that claim to be Kosher.

Since these establishments are not certified and there is no Mashgiach visiting the store on a regular basis there can be many issues. Typically the store will purchase a prepared Ice Cream or yogurt base. This base will contain various ingredients including, milk, milk powder, stabilizers, thickening agents, cultures and possibly other ingredients including gelatin. Once they receive this, they will mix it with a flavour. E.g. Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla etc. to make the final product. Flavours are very highly kosher sensitive items. Typically a flavour company that is Kosher Certified will employ a full time Mashgiach or have someone that will visit them 3-4 times a week. The reason for this is because they produce Kosher as well as non-kosher flavours. Natural flavours can be extracted from animals or plants and artificial flavours are extracted from chemicals and other ingredients. For many years we certified a flavour company in Greater Vancouver that produced kosher flavours as well as Non-Kosher flavours such as a Strawberry flavour from Cochineal (an insect) .

When you as a customer visit the store, it can be very reassuring that the staff hand you a thick binder showing you all of the Kosher Certificates for their ingredients. However unless you have a deep understanding of the halacha’s of kashrus and check each ingredient, you will not actually know if they are kosher or not. Because the store is not certified, they are not bound by any legal agreements or surprise inspections by a Mashgiach. The only word you have that the ingredients are kosher is that of the store attendant. In addition the Kosher Certificates that they showed you, may no longer be valid or they could have since changed to a non-kosher supplier.

There is also the concept of Maris Ayin. If someone sees a Frum Jew going into or purchasing something such as Ice Cream from an uncertified store, they may unknowingly feel that everything is kosher and decide to purchase an Ice Cream with non-Kosher toppings. Even if you as the customer find out that it is no longer kosher, the person who saw you there may unknowingly still be going assuming it is kosher because he saw you there.

The ideal situation would be to have a Kosher certified Ice Cream/ Frozen Yogurt store. Until that opportunity arises I recommend not patronising these establishments. If we continue to take our families there, they will have no reason to obtain Kosher Certification. I would also suggest giving feedback to the particular companies via letters, emails, facebook etc. suggesting that they get Kosher Certification.

Richard Wood
Kosher Check Kosher Certification

STEM is a leading Egyptian company which cultivates and exports herbs and Spices. The company is quite distinguished with the privilege of having its roots down to 1950s; where the owners had been granted the advantage of being cultivators having their own apt lands for cultivating herbs, spices and other agricultural products.

Today Stem sells product around the World. This recently lead them to contact Kosher Check. A Globally recognized Kosher Certification Agency to take care of their Kosher needs.