Popcorn Zone Receives Kosher Seal Of Approval

Popcorn Zone products now bear the O.R.B. trademark label making Popcorn Zone the most diversified Kosher popcorn store in the world.

Popcorn Zone is proud to announce it has received a coveted seal of approval from the Orthodox Rabbinical Board of Broward and Palm Beach Counties.: last week Popcorn Zone's 30 varieties of their popular Gourmet popcorn, from Cheddar cheese to Caramel to Green Apple to Chocolate as well as such contemporary flavors, such as guacamole, ranch, barbecue, salt 'n vinegar and hot 'n' spicy popcorn was certified Kosher. The approved Popcorn Zone products now bear the O.R.B. trademark label making Popcorn Zone the most diversified Kosher popcorn store in the world.

Kosher products are defined as foods that comply with the laws of kashruth and have been certified by a Rabbinical authority. Bringing Popcorn Zone's kosher Gourmet Popcorn to market took over one year, mainly to develop a real Kosher cheddar cheese for popcorn rather than using a shake on powder which is used by other companies.

"Kosher foods offer a significant growth opportunity for Popcorn Zone," said Sherri Rothberg, Popcorn Zone's founder and co-owner with her husband and son. The 'Kernels' believe this approval reflects their dedication to providing consumers with a wide variety of the highest-quality kosher gourmet popcorn where our customers will continue to receive a high level of customer service. "It was important for me to get the store certified so regardless of whether the person is keeping kosher or not, they can enjoy our gourmet popcorn."

"Once we decided to get our products certified, we called the rabbi to inspect the equipment and the procedures," 'Kernel' Sherri said. We got a list of ingredients, submited kosher certifications on those ingredients, and submited a product and ingredient statement. We needed to kasher our whole kitchen. This involved rendering all appliances, surfaces, dishware, cookware, utensils and virtually everything else involved in food preparation compliant under a rabbi's supervision. "The metal and glass utensils had to be boiled and taken to the Mikva . It took an entire day. When you get to that point, you're definitely not taking kosher lightly. You 're well past just 'giving it a try'. It's just not the horror some people envision it to be."

The kosher certification is also expected to appeal to non-Jews. Jews comprise but a small fraction of the kosher consumer market in North America. The kosher industry in the United States is enormous and rapidly growing. Currently, an estimated 15 to 20 million Americans buy more than 82,000 kosher certified products, with 2500 newly certified this year alone, produced by nearly ten thousand companies. Only two million of the kosher consumers are Jewish. The other eight-plus million are people who choose to eat kosher for religious (Moslems), idealistic (Vegans and Vegetarians), and health reasons. Today kosher food is an $8 billion industry that's growing at a rate of 15%. ith consumers scrutinizing ingredients more carefully than ever, Rothberg said, many seek out a kosher label as an additional assurance of quality control. "People believe kosher is better - it's like a 'Good Housekeeping' seal of approval,"
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Here's a few interesting facts about kosher:

20% o the US population being lactose intolerant, and can benefit from using pareve products. Many Muslims, Seventh Day Adventists, and Hindus (in addition to Jews) use kosher certification as a way to adhere to religious dietary restrictions. Vegetarians, can make use of kosher markings. Kosher is perceived by many to be a higher quality of product. Kosher is the Good Housekeeping Seal for many people. Only 1/5 to 1/3 (20-33%) f kosher foods is purchased by observant Jews. The vast majority of kosher products are consumed by non-Jews.

Popcorn Zone received its notoriety as the chosen supplier of popcorn for the 2005 Presidential Inauguration. More than 100 gallons of popcorn including Red, White and blue (cherry, vanilla & blueberry), deluxe cheddar and their famous Chocolate Temptation, (caramel & chocolate popcorn combined with 3 different whole caramelized nuts and drizzled with dark chocolate), were delivered to Washington, D.C. Since that time Popcorn Zone has been inundated with requests for Popcorn Zone franchises. Presently Popcorn Zone is negotiating Franchise locations in Florida, New Jersey and Saudi Arabia.

Walking through Popcorn Zone leaves one with little doubt that great creative genius has occurred. It is an absolutely amazing achievement to see the multitude of confectionery varieties, colors, and flavors that can emerge from sugar, chocolate, and corn syrup. Caramel, Bubble Gum Strawberry,chocolate, Vanilla, Honey Nut, Peanut Butter, Green Apple, Cheddar Cheese, the list is endless.

"Whether you are Jewish or not, our gourmet popcorn will provide you with many mouth-watering flavors and wonderful gifts," said Sherri Rothberg

Popcorn Zone is located at the Del Mar Shopping Village at the corner of Powerline and Palmetto Park Roads.