The 18th Annual Kosher Food & Wine Experience (KFWE) hosted by Royal Wine Corp proved to be a driving force in setting trends for the Passover 2024 holiday season and beyond. it took place on Monday, February 26, 2024, from 3:00 to 9:00 PM, at the Hilton Hotel in East Rutherford, NJ, and it showcased an array of exciting developments in the kosher wine and spirits industry.
Gabriel Geller, PR Director of Royal Wine Corp, noted, “Forty percent of annual kosher wine sales occur right before Passover, however, sales have been growing significantly throughout the rest of the year.” This underscores the importance of events like KFWE in shaping consumer preferences and industry dynamics.
Among the highlights of this year’s KFWE was the addition of new wineries from Israel to the Royal Wine Corp portfolio. Additionally, the event featured breakout sessions focusing on wines from Israel, Herzog Wines, as well as tequila and bourbon tastings.
Royal Wine Corp’s commitment to supporting Israeli wineries, known for their world-class quality, was evident in the lineup. “Our portfolio consists of world-class wines that happen to be kosher,” remarks Jay Buchsbaum, VP Wine Education at Royal Wine Corp. This dedication to excellence has led to an increasing number of non-kosher establishments including Royal Wine Corp selections on their wine lists.
The event debuted a range of new wines and spirits, including the Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico, Lovatelli Italian wines, Cantina Giuliano from Tuscany, and offerings from South African wineries ESSA and J Folk. Spirits enthusiasts appreciated the new kosher cognacs from DEAU and Roland Bru, as well as flavored Moscatos from Bartenura.
KFWE offered a preview of what’s to come, featuring notable selections such as Château Dauzac Grand Cru Classé, Herzog Lineage Momentus Rose, and wines from Israeli wineries like Kamisa and Shamay.
Media, trade professionals, and industry insiders were invited to join winemakers and distillery owners from around the world to sample these offerings. Glatt kosher food and refreshments were provided throughout the event, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees.
To enhance the KFWE experience, a tasting guide app was available for download on both Android and Apple devices, providing guests with easy access to information about the featured wines and spirits.