Following on from a series of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) products, the most prestigious version of balsamic vinegar will now also be able to grace the tables of observing Jews: Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO, made by Balsamico Bonini in San Cesario sul Panaro, has been granted Kosher certification, also valid for the Jewish Passover or Pesach, by the New York-based International Kosher Council.
Inspired by the passion of the company’s owner, Fabio Massimo Bonini, Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO is made just outside Modena, which means production of this exceptional product and related condiments always follows the time-honoured dictates of local tradition. Only one single ingredient is used – Trebbiano grape cooked must. The slow transformation of the must into vinegar creates an extremely high-quality product that has featured on some of the world’s most exclusive tables.
There are over 14 million practising members of the Jewish faith around the world, and around 30,000 of these belong to the 21 communities registered in Italy, mainly in the provinces of Rome and Milan. However, the client base for these products is much wider – Kosher certification is generally regarded as a guarantee of authenticity and purity. In fact, according to a survey by the Mintel group, only 15% of those who buy Kosher products do so for religious reasons.
“Our product is produced in relatively small amounts, but it is of very high quality”, says Fabio Massimo Bonini, “And Kosher certification for our Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO and condiments aged for shorter periods is proof of this. I’ve lived in the US for some years now and I have noticed how Kosher products enjoy a reputation for quality, and that’s why we have made such an effort to gain this important recognition”.
It’s an intense, exciting time for Balsamico Bonini, which has recently announced a new partnership with Longino & Cardenal, a specialist rare and precious foods distributor based in Italy, Dubai and Hong Kong.
