More Grocers Prepare for Autumn Jewish Holidays

On the heels of Brooklyn, N.Y.-based Kosher gourmet supermarket Pomegranate’s announced plans to offer new selections and recipes for the High Holidays celebrated by Jewish consumers, other grocers have rolled out their own programs.

For example, natural and organic foods retailer Whole Foods Market has launched a new line of certified kosher chicken and turkey at select U.S. locations in time for the observances.

“Interest in kosher meat continues to grow,” said Theo Weening, global meat buyer for Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods. “We offer a variety of superior chicken and turkey products to our customers for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.”

The products are provided by Kosher Valley, a new certified kosher brand from the Melville, N.Y.-based Hain Celestial Group (Hain Pure Protein), and are certified by Rabbi Yechiel Babad and the Orthodox Union. Kosher Valley’s antibiotic-free kosher line is one of the first of its kind in the United States.

Like all meat sold at Whole Foods, the new Kosher Valley products must meet the retailer’s strict animal welfare standards, which require that all poultry offered in its stores comes from animals that are raised on a vegetarian diet with no antibiotics or added hormones. Kosher Valley poultry products now available at Whole Foods include fresh and frozen whole young turkeys, ground turkey, fresh and frozen chicken, and tray packs of both turkey and chicken.

Meanwhile, on the e-grocer front, Long Island City, N.Y.-based FreshDirect is offering a selection of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur meal packages delivered to customers’ doors. Shoppers can order the holiday dinners online through Sept. 27. Prices start as low as $10 per person.

Rosh Hashanah entrees include 3 Rotisserie Chickens serving four to six, for $99.99; Braised Brisket with Gravy serving six to eight, for $139.99; and Half Standing Rib Roast serving four to six, for $159.99. Consumers can additionally choose from Matzo Ball or Veggie Split Pea Soup. Among the available side dishes are Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Kugel and Glazed Baby Carrots, and such desserts as Honey Cake and Flourless Chocolate Cake are available.

To break the Yom Kippur fast, consumers can choose from either a Smoked Salmon Platter serving 12, for $199.99, or a Smoked Fish Bounty serving 15, for $299.99, with hors d’oeuvres, salad bowls, fruit platters and dessert platters also offered.
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