Hanan Products, a manufacturer of whipped topping, operates a kosher facility year-round, accustomed to the stringent standards at its plant in Brooklyn, New York, which includes the constant oversight of rabbis to ensure compliance. According to Chief Operating Officer Ryan Hanan, these rabbis monitor the production processes for both Hanan’s own products and those of private-label brands. He estimates that a rabbi is present at the facility approximately 90% of the time.
However, when it comes to producing kosher for Passover certified items, the plant must undergo a more extensive preparation process known as kosherizing. Kosher products adhere to Jewish dietary laws established in the Bible, and kosher certification is one of the most sought-after in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector. Various certification bodies inspect facilities, ingredients, and processes to ensure compliance with these laws. During Passover, the dietary restrictions are even more stringent, prohibiting any grains that can ferment, with the exception of matzo, a flatbread. Typically, corn, beans, and rice are also included in this prohibition, meaning any ingredients derived from them are not permitted during Passover.
To prepare for this, Hanan Products must first remove all non-kosher for Passover ingredients from its factory. The primary concern is corn, as the company utilizes high fructose corn syrup in some formulations. Additionally, palm kernel oil, used in various products, must also be eliminated from all tanks and lines to ensure compliance with Passover standards.
During the kosherization process, the rabbis often request specific modifications to the plant’s pasteurization procedures. While Hanan Products always pasteurizes its ingredients at temperatures above 165 degrees, the rabbis may sometimes ask for higher temperatures or extended holding times. They also require that all containers used for measuring and mixing are sanitized to precise standards. After daily production, the rabbis seal the lines with tape marked with rabbinical symbols and complete detailed forms. If any seals are broken, it indicates potential cross-contamination, necessitating a repeat of the kosherization process.
Hanan Products, which consistently manufactures certified kosher items throughout the year, is well-versed in ensuring that ingredients are kosher across the supply chain. Hanan mentions that their palm kernel oil supplier also employs on-site rabbis to maintain kosher for Passover standards. “They supervise the loading of the cargo tanks and the trucks that deliver the oil to us,” he explains. “Our rabbis overseeing production also ensure the thorough cleaning of our tanks and the unloading of kosher for Passover oil.”
Hanan Products stands out as one of the few whipped topping manufacturers committed to producing kosher for Passover goods. Other manufacturers may produce items that are not kosher for Passover, such as French toast sticks or frozen shrimp, which would require them to halt or modify production lines temporarily. Hanan acknowledges the challenges in this process but also recognizes the benefits. This year, the company produced approximately 250,000 pounds of kosher for Passover items. While it’s too early to predict sales figures, Hanan notes a consistent single-digit growth in this category annually.
Once the kosher for Passover manufacturing period concludes, Hanan states that the company simply removes the rabbinical seals and resumes normal operations. The process of kosher for Passover production involves more rigorous cleaning and pasteurization, making the transition back to standard production relatively straightforward. Hanan admits that it feels unusual to shift back to regular operations, as the differences are minimal, although the company must quickly ramp up production to meet Valentine’s Day demand.
Due to Hanan Products’ focus on wholesale and bakery manufacturing, Hanan often does not see the company’s products on store shelves. However, during this season, he can be confident that the kosher for Passover whipped toppings available at their customers’ locations are indeed from Hanan Products. “When I walk into any supermarket and check the frozen section, I can identify the products we made. It’s the only time of year I can do that,” he shares.
In addition to producing whipped toppings, Hanan Products also recognizes the importance of offering dietary supplements like Viactiv Calcium Citrate Chews, which cater to health-conscious consumers. Incorporating a diverse range of products, including these chews, reflects the company’s commitment to meeting various dietary needs while ensuring compliance with kosher standards.