Choosing a Kosher Certification Agency: What to Look For
Not all kosher certification is equal. For food manufacturers evaluating their options, understanding what
distinguishes one agency from another is essential to making a decision that serves your products, your
customers, and your business.
1. Orthodox vs. Non-Orthodox Certification
Orthodox kosher certification is the most widely recognised and accepted standard in the industry. It is
required by the most observant Jewish consumers and is the standard expected by major retailers and
distributors. Non-Orthodox certification exists but is not accepted by the Orthodox community and may
limit your market reach.
EarthKosher is an Orthodox kosher certification agency, supervised by Rabbi Sholom H. Adler.
2. Industry Recognition and Cross-Acceptance
A kosher symbol is only as valuable as its acceptance. Without cross-acceptance, your certification
may be questioned by some consumers or not recognised by certain retailers.
EarthKosher is recommended by the Chicago Rabbinical Council (cRc), COR (Kashruth Council of Canada),
and Scroll K.
3. Retail Acceptance
If your goal is to sell through major retail channels, confirm that your chosen agency’s symbol is accepted
by the retailers you are targeting. Ask for specific examples of certified brands that are sold in those stores.
EarthKosher-certified products are sold at Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Costco (Kirkland), Thrive Market, and
many other major retail outlets.
4. Affordability and Transparency
Kosher certification costs vary widely between agencies. Some agencies charge fees that are prohibitive
for small and mid-sized manufacturers. Look for an agency that provides upfront, transparent pricing with
no hidden fees.
EarthKosher was founded specifically to provide affordable certification. We offer transparent pricing and a
free quote with no obligation.
5. Experience with Your Industry
An agency with deep experience in your product category will move faster, flag issues earlier, and be
better equipped to handle unusual ingredients or processes. EarthKosher specialises in the natural and
organic products industry and has certified products across snacks, beverages, supplements, oils,
sweeteners, and more.
6. Speed and Responsiveness
Certification timelines matter — especially if you are trying to hit a product launch date or a retail buyer’s
deadline. Ask agencies for typical turnaround times and read reviews about their communication.
EarthKosher is consistently praised for fast turnaround and responsive, personal communication. Many
clients report receiving more attentive service than they experienced with larger agencies.
7. Support for Small Businesses
Some larger agencies are primarily focused on large corporate accounts and may not give smaller
manufacturers the attention and guidance they need. EarthKosher was built with small businesses in mind
and remains committed to making certification accessible to companies at every stage of growth.
