World Food Market 2006 featuring the Halal and Kosher Exhibitions takes place at London’s ExCel from 29th-30th November will give visitors plenty of ideas on how to incorporate community foods into their menu planning.
The World Kitchen Live presented by the Craft Guild of Chefs in association with Equip Line, featuring several chefs, will demonstrate just how easy it is to use authentic ingredients in a variety of cuisines. From contemporary Caribbean to East African with a twist, through to the pungent and earthy flavours of Polish cooking, plus Indian, Afro Caribbean, Eastern European, French Mediterranean, Lebanese and Chinese, chefs and caterers will come away with top tips.
In the World Food Market educational programme, Rabbi Jeffrey Brodie, marketing director of Manchester Beth Din, will tell delegates all they need to know about kosher but are afraid to ask.
Meanwhile, speaker Nizar Boga, chief executive of the UK Halal Corporation, will be discussing Halal in a foodservice panel session at World Food Market. He argues: “For Muslim and Jews, dietary requirements are well known by the name of Halal and Kosher. There is no doubt that more and more young people are associating themselves with their beliefs, especially Muslims. Halal meat, food and drink are among the most common beliefs and practices in the UK, EU and the world. In the UK for example, 29% of lamb and mutton is consumed within the 3% Muslim community.
“Chefs should therefore try to exploit this ready market, which is growing fast, but they must insist on properly regulated and authenticated products. People who have religious affiliation look for food among other things for strict compliance. Community food has to have community confidence.
“Caterers must also be trained to practise proper separation between Halal and other foods particularly in its preparation and serving.” He admits that this is not easy to achieve, but a dedicated talk on Halal hygiene in the food sector at World Food Market will give top tips and advice.
“Although Kosher seems to be well regulated, for Muslims, there is sometimes suspicion concerning the regulation of Halal food. The challenge can be overcome by caterers insisting on proof of their authentication through independent auditors operating a recognised Halal Standards.”
Masood Khawaja, president of the Halal Food Authority, who will speaking about the future of the ethnic food market, goes on to says: “Halal food is wholesome, pure and doesn’t contain any toxins. Operators can embrace Halal food because it can be eaten by anyone, including vegetarians, from all religious backgrounds.”
Caterers will get the chance to source a variety of Kosher and Halal certified products. For example, exhibitor Rosie Benshushan, director of Rosie’s Gourmet Products, comments: “Chefs are looking for authentic products made using ingredients that are traceable. Our products are Kosher certified by the London Beth Din (KLBD) and carry the logo, which is now very much in demand as it clearly shows products that are manufactured with all ingredients traceable.” The Kosher certified products have no cheese, no animal products and no fish. While Gallus Trading will be bringing South Africa’s Halal certified cooked ostrich meat to the UK market courtesy of Klein Karoo, the world’s largest Ostrich producer. Low in fat and cholesterol, the meat is cooked to over 98°C and then chilled to 3°C in a few minutes to lock in the flavour, nutrients and tenderness. “We feel certain this excellent product will help fill the gap in supply of this oversold, very popular product,” comments Alistair Ross, director of Gallus Trading. New to the show will be Karoo Lamb Shanks available in two varieties - mint and red wine with rosemary.
For those with a sweet tooth, Forest Tree Foods will be showcasing the latest Haribo confectionery uniquely appropriate for Kosher and Halal consumers. Containing no animal derivatives, they use vegetarian gelatine making them suitable for vegetarians also. Available in a range of flavours and varieties, they include fizzy cola bottles, gummi bears, tropical fruits and zoo animals.
Lucky Country, which was Kosher certified in July of this year, will be introducing its new pineapple, green apple and blackcurrant flavoured soft liquorice. National sales manager for Europe, Dave Leddon, says: “Kosher is a growing market. Our products are perfect for kosher, they are low in fat and liquorice is a healthy treat.”
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