Kedem Winery facts for kids
Kedem Winery is a company that makes and sells special drinks and food. They are famous for their kosher products. Kosher means the food and drinks follow Jewish dietary laws. Kedem started in the United States in 1958.
The company is part of the Royal Wine Corporation. This company sells over a million cases of kosher wine and grape juice every year. You can find their products in sixteen countries around the world. Kedem is now based in Bayonne, New Jersey. Their vineyards, where grapes grow for wine and juice, are in Marlboro, New York. Kedem is well-known for its grape juice, New York state wines, and even Kedem Tea Biscuits.
The History of Kedem Winery
From Europe to America: A Family's Journey
The Herzog family first owned a winery in Czechoslovakia. This was a country in Europe. Their winery was very special. It was the only wine supplier to Emperor Franz Joseph. The Emperor even gave Philip Herzog (who lived from 1843 to 1918) a special title: Baron.
While some wines for the Emperor were not kosher, all other wines made by the family followed strict kosher law. This means they were prepared according to Jewish rules.
Starting Fresh in the United States
During World War II, the Herzog family's winery was taken by the Nazis. The Herzogs had to hide to stay safe. After the war, in 1948, a new government took over Czechoslovakia. So, the family moved to the United States.
Eugene Herzog, who was Philip's grandson, settled in New York City. He began working for the Royal Wine Corporation. Part of his pay was given to him as shares in the company. By 1958, Eugene owned most of the company. He bought it and started doing business under the name Kedem. Today, Mordechai Herzog is the CEO of Royal Wine Corporation.
Kedem wines are part of the Royal Wine Corporation. This company is the biggest seller of Israeli wines and spirits in the U.S. The Royal Wine Corporation is owned by KayCo, which is the largest kosher food seller.
