{
  "id": 18028310,
  "title": "Why more K-food brands need 'OU' for global markets",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/why-more-k-food-brands-need-ou-for-global-markets",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-11-03T22:17:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/business/companies/20261104/why-more-k-food-brands-need-ou-for-global-markets"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As companies look to expand their reach into markets such as North America and Europe, it's worth considering the benefits of obtaining OU certification, a kosher label recognized by the Orthodox Union. Steve Hong, a certification sales agent for the organization based in New York City, explained that achieving mainstream distribution in the U.S., Canada, and Europe often requires certification with the OU.\n\nCurrently, over 1.3 million kosher products produced at 15,000 plants across 105 countries bear the OU mark, accounting for more than 70% of all kosher products distributed worldwide. Hong noted that the majority of kosher food items found in major U.S. retailers like Costco and Walmart carry the OU label. According to the OU Kosher, 71% of kosher products at Ralph's Supermarkets in California and 66% at Stop & Shop locations in the northeastern U.S. carry the OU certification, demonstrating the label's widespread acceptance in these key markets.",
  "summary": "Companies seeking to expand into global markets like North America and Europe should consider applying for OU certification, a kosher label approved by the Orthodox Union, according to an associate of the oldest Orthodox Jewish organization in the United States. Steve Hong, certification sales agent for the New York City-based group operating OU Kosher worldwide, said that to get mainstream…",
  "key_points": [
    "Over 1.3 million kosher products bear OU mark globally.",
    "OU certification aids mainstream distribution in U.S., Canada, Europe.",
    "71% of Ralph's Supermarkets' kosher items have OU label."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}