The 20th edition of Kosherfest opened yesterday in Secaucus, N.J., with nearly 7,000 trade buyers and exhibitors from 28 nations expected to gather for what organizers say will be “an impressive showcase of an industry that continues to grow year by year.”

The show is returning to the Meadowlands Exposition Center after five consecutive years at New York’s Javits Convention Center. Co-produced by Diversified Business Communications of Portland, Maine, and LUBICOM Marketing Consulting of Brooklyn, N.Y., Kosherfest will occupy all available space at the convention center and additional space in neighboring hotels.

Despite the fallout from the bankruptcy of Agriprocessors, the nation’s largest producer of Glatt Kosher meat, the Kosher industry continued its double-digit growth last year, with a record 110,000 food items bearing Kosher symbols. Among the trade registrants to visit Kosherfest 2008 are many new buyers from supermarket chains and large discount chains, say the organizers.

At least 300 new products will be on display at the show with a special emphasis on those that appeal to health-conscious consumers.

Many buyers will be focusing on Pesach, which this year begins on the night of April 8th and accounts for nearly 40% of annual sales for Koshers foods.

(Source: Gourmet Retailer / Kosher Today)