Kosher certification planned for beer
An update to kosher standards will soon roll out across Jewish restaurants, catering businesses and events in the US. The move, which has been led by the rise in adjunct-laden craft brews, marks a turning point for the sector.
The Orthodox Union (OU) Kosher has revealed that from 1 January 2026, all beer that will be served in OU-certified establishments or at OU-approved functions will need to display its verified kosher certification.
In a letter sent to OU food-service proprietors and Mashgichim this week, the Rabbinic coordinators of OU Kosher Rabbis Yermia Indich, Dov Schreier, and Lenny Steinberg explained that the need for the certification has particularly arisen now in direct response to developments and trends within the craft beer industry led not just by flavour, but also collaboration brewing, cuckoo brews as well as hired and shared equipment while the sector navigates the economic headwinds.
Provoked by the proliferation of flavoured beers
According to the OU’s letter: “The rise of craft brewing and new production methods has led to a proliferation of flavoured beers, diverse additives, and shared equipment that can compromise the kosher status of even seemingly straightforward brews.”
The decision was formed following research and collaboration with major Kashrus organisations such as Star-K and OK Kosher. After discussions, the conclusion was stated that a more uniform standard is now deemed to be considered a necessary step.
Increased demand for innovative flavoured beer has been driving sales for the US brewing sector. Despite the industry’s challenges, recent research identified the introduction of new beer flavours as “one of the prime reasons driving the beer market in US growth during the next few years”.
As if in response to this, the OU’s letter explained: “These developments necessitate a more stringent approach to ensure our strict kosher standards will consistently be met. Rather than ponder which beers are kosher, under the new guidelines being put into place, only beers with reliable certification may be served at OU establishments and certified events.
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Craft beers will need to display certification
A partial list of nearly 1,000 currently certified beers has already reportedly been released with sources citing that many major national brands will possibly still remain acceptable, even without a printed symbol. That said, all craft beers brewed in smaller premises will now require a visible kosher symbol or letter before being accepted by the Jewish community.
The move is set to shake up the sector and assist beer businesses that make the certification a priority, while also essentially blocking others from the revenue that could be gained from more limited styles and ranges of beers being served at Jewish venues.
For instance, the OU now encouraged all caterers and food-service operators to reach out in advance of any event to review beer and alcohol selections. The agency has also emphasised that while the policy represents a major shift, it is committed to a smooth transition and will work closely with businesses over the next few weeks to maintain the certification becomes an accepted norm.
The letter also noted that the policy is being adopted jointly by the OU, OK, Star-K, and a number of local Kashrus agencies, signalling a nationwide alignment of standards across the US.
The co-ordinators wrote: “Thank you in advance for your partnership with OU Kosher and your commitment to ensuring the highest standards of Kosher.”
Clarity and consistency
The update is anticipated to have a wide impact across the kosher food-service world, especially within towns and communities where craft breweries have grown in popularity and become an accepted part of the local community. Many restaurant owners have already noted that while the change will undoubtedly require a few tweaks and adjustments, the hospitality industry has in fact welcomed the clarity and consistency it now brings to an increasingly complex market.
As the implementation date approaches, all proprietors that serve the Jewish community have been encouraged to review their current stock and plan accordingly to fall in line with the new regulations.
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