Mark Overland: Excellence in OU Kosher’s Alliance with Cargill
In the landscape of kosher certification, few partnerships stand out as prominently as that of OU Kosher and Cargill. At the heart of this enduring alliance is a legacy of commitment and excellence, exemplified by figures like Mark Overland. Now retired, Overland’s tenure at Cargill spanned three decades as the Director of Global Certification, where he championed the pillars of Food Safety, Quality, and Regulatory affairs.
From left to right: Rabbi Binyumin Arye Glick, Rabbinic Coordinator, OU Kosher; Mark Overland, Director of Global Certification, Food Safety, and Quality, Cargill, Incorporated; Rabbi Moshe Elefant, COO, OU Kosher; Sean Leighton, VP of Food Safety, Quality, and Quality, Cargill, Incorporated
Rabbi Moshe Elefant, COO of OU Kosher, encapsulates the essence of this partnership, stating, “Our relationships with our customers are crucial to maintaining the trust we have with kosher consumers. Honoring our partners at our client companies is how we express our thanks and appreciation for them and everyone who is part of the kosher production program.” This sentiment is a cornerstone of the practical and collaborative relationship between OU Kosher and Cargill, focused on delivering products that embody the highest standards of kosher certification.
Cargill and OU Kosher
Cargill founder William (W. W.) Wallace had an inventive mind and an intrepid spirit, shown here in 1885.
Cargill’s journey began in 1865, and continues today as a family company providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Today, Cargill employees more than 160,000 team members, operates in 70 countries selling to 125 markets with annual revenues reaching $177 billion in 2023.
Within Cargill’s global operations, 328 facilities have achieved OU Kosher certification, encompassing a portfolio of over 5,000 products. This vast array is meticulously overseen by 112 dedicated RFRs (Rabbinic Field Representatives) who conduct 1,400 annual visits to ensure compliance with the trusted standards expected by kosher consumers.