Food Industry News & Insights

STAR-K’s Spring 2025 technical guidance explains why vinegar sourcing requires a review of production inputs and equipment history. Alcohol used in fermentation can come from different raw materials, while nutrients, other ingredients and processing arrangements also matter to kosher supervision. For buyers developing antipasti, dressings or ingredient blends, Cosmo’s interpretation is to identify the exact vinegar behind the specification and connect it to the manufacturer, supplying site and applicable certification records. A familiar ingredient name or acidity specification does not establish kosher status. This is a technical Insight based on earlier guidance, rather than a new certification announcement.

Food Business News reports that Daiya Foods is introducing snackable cheesecake bites with a dark chocolate coating in original, strawberry and chocolate varieties. The report identifies the company with plant-based and dairy-free products. For international buyers, the launch offers a reference for portion format and assortment design, while leaving practical sourcing questions to be checked separately. Cosmo’s buyer interpretation is to review the exact recipe, allergens, storage and serving instructions, pack configuration and distribution performance before assessing a comparable project. Plant-based or dairy-free positioning does not by itself establish kosher or pareve status, or confirm export availability for a particular item.

FoodNavigator examines pandan’s growing visibility in drinks, bakery and desserts, while reporting that most product innovation using the ingredient remains in Asia. The article describes powdered, liquid and whole-leaf uses, alongside its distinctive aroma and green colour. For buyers developing a dessert or bakery range, those formats deserve separate specifications and production trials. Cosmo’s buyer interpretation is to compare ingredient composition, flavour strength, colour performance and handling requirements before selecting a supplier. A trend story can help frame a development brief, but the proposed recipe, processing conditions and destination-market labelling still need to be checked for the exact product.

Italianfood.net reports that French authorities removed six products from display at SIAL Paris following checks by the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium. The reporting describes disputed cheese names and preparations presented as containing Parmesan without the authentic PDO ingredient. For international buyers, the practical issue extends beyond a cheese counter: ingredient descriptions, supplier records and finished-product artwork need to tell the same story. Cosmo’s buyer interpretation is to verify the exact cheese and its supporting documents before approving a recipe or label, then review naming requirements for the intended market. Familiar terminology alone is insufficient evidence of origin.

Food Business News reports that Del Monte Foods North America is introducing two canned-vegetable products: ranch-flavoured whole kernel corn and Italian-inspired vinaigrette cut green beans. The corn was developed with Hidden Valley Ranch, and the products are available through US retailers. For international buyers, the launch shows how seasonings can give familiar pantry vegetables a different role in a meal. Cosmo’s buyer interpretation is to assess recipe performance, ingredient declarations and market-specific wording together, while confirming export availability and commercial terms directly rather than assuming that a US retail launch creates an international sourcing offer.

Food Affairs reports that Witor’s has launched Rondò pralines in hazelnut, caramel and raspberry versions for the autumn-winter season. The range pairs milk or dark chocolate shells with soft fillings and is offered in compact bags through grocery retailers and the brand’s online shop. Cosmo’s buyer interpretation is to assess each combination as a separate sourcing item: filling composition, allergens, storage conditions and pack economics can differ across an assortment. International buyers should confirm the exact specification, export availability, case format and remaining shelf life before turning a domestic launch into a purchasing plan.