LOS ANGELES, Jan. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Mikawaya, the creator of Mochi Ice Cream, announces its delicious Mochi Ice Cream and Mikawaya pastries have achieved the OK Kosher Certification. New packaging with the OK symbol will begin rolling out at grocery stores across the U.S. within the next few weeks.
"Many people have asked if our sweets are Kosher and now we're proud to offer our traditional Japanese Mochi Ice Cream and sweets to these fans," said Frances Hashimoto, President of Mikawaya.
The ice cream and pastry manufacturer is happy to respond to the rapid growth in demand for Kosher products, with more than 10 million U.S. consumers seeking Kosher food products in their favorite grocery stores everyday. More than 60 percent of Kosher food buyers purchase Kosher products for food quality purposes, according to a survey by research firm Mintel. Kosher food has a reputation of excellent inspection procedures and Mikawaya is pleased to follow these guidelines.
Kosher certification is achieved by using a list of Kosher-approved ingredients and engaging in a set of proper procedures to ensure that there is a strategic separation of Kosher and non-Kosher production at all times on all equipment at the manufacturing plant seeking Kosher certification. Finally, a rabbi inspects the facility to approve that the facility is maintaining proper Kosher standards.
Mikawaya employs strict guidelines at its facility to abide by state, Kosher, Halal and Federal certifications. For example, in consideration of consumers with nut allergies and in compliance with Mikawaya's certifications, the facility thoroughly sanitizes the machines, piping and fillers after nut-containing products are made and the company shuts down production for the remainder of the day.
Mochi Ice Cream coupons and online purchase are available at www.mochiicecream.com (bulk orders are available for restaurants, grocery stores or other vendors). Mochi Ice Cream can also be found in grocery stores, such as Trader Joe's, Safeway, Gelson's, Bristol Farms, Andronico's, select Albertsons, Ralphs, Jensen's and H-E-B stores, and many local markets.
For more information on Mochi Ice Cream, call Nurit Kotick at 310.675.6161 or visit www.mochiicecream.com.
Mikawaya is a 102-year-old family-run business that specializes in the creation of fine Japanese pastries and desserts. Run by Frances Hashimoto and her husband Joel Friedman, Mikawaya offers snack and dessert-lovers alike an alternative to traditional ice cream. Mochi Ice Cream combines a well-known and loved dessert, ice cream, with a chewy, marshmallow-type dough.
Press Contact: Nurit Kotick, 310.675.6161, Email