Brooklyn's Progress
December 2003

Story by Steve Kaplansky

KosherFest 2003, a food trade show with international exhibitors of Kosher certified products, was very successful. The show which was Oct. 28-29 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan gave Brooklyn Goes Global an opportunity to showcase Brooklyn’s finest as part of this two-day event with dual booths and Brooklyn companies,  King of the Sea, Steve’s Mom, Erica’s Rugelach, World Vision and Sweet Surprises.  The Brooklyn based companies were prominent in this world wide showcase opportunity with exhibitors and buyers from throughout the world including England, New Zealand, France, Italy, Israel, Switzerland, Canada, and Mexico to name a few.

Steve’s Mom, presented their full line of specialty baked goods and award winning recipes.  The executives, Sue Ellen Schussel (Mom), Irwin Schussel and Steve Schussel, (the Steve in Steve’s Mom), were greeted by existing buyers and new buyers as well. The buyers who might not have had an opportunity to visit with them while in town, were delighted to see them at the show. King of the Sea, a new Brooklyn Chamber Member, and its president Moshe Freund, displayed a wide variety of the finest canned fish products available worldwide.  King of the Sea also sampled their fine salad products and were a clear favorite.

According to Mr. Freund, “We have exhibited in our own booth in previous years, but found it most rewarding in joining the Chamber booth.  The show was very productive for us.” Crain’s New York Business award winner, Erica Kalick of Erica’s Rugelach, and Ben Finkel gave the crowd delightful tastes of “special recipe” baked goods. 

Sweet Surprises through the chocolates division of Catz Entertainment provided live color edible photography on delicious chocolate for attendees to sample during the show.  Catherine R. Laporte said, “the samples flew off the tables, and to our surprise, we received interest from many of the companies exhibiting in addition to the attendees.  Our phones have been ringing off the hook! This was a pleasant added benefit to exhibiting with the Brooklyn Chamber.  The booth gave us a grand presentation and instant credibility.” 

The overall combination of the Brooklyn based companies under the umbrella of the Brooklyn Goes Global banner, afforded the small and mid-size businesses an opportunity to showcase their wares, in the same venue as the larger national corporations and a chance to facilitate sales on a worldwide stage.

Over 70 Brooklyn companies exhibited in KosherFest, including other Chamber members such as Warren Bells’ Bagels by Bell, Beigel Baking and Gabilias Knishes. Over 350 companies exhibited in total, with over 15,000 attending the 2003 Kosher Fest.