The global food industry in 2025 is experiencing a wave of capital investment—not just in physical infrastructure like plants and distribution centers, but also in technology, sustainability, and food safety systems. This surge is driven by shifting consumer preferences, the need for resilient supply chains, and tighter regulatory demands. Both established players and ambitious startups are securing funding to drive innovation, efficiency, and growth in a market defined by digital transformation and health-conscious consumption.
Recent months have brought a series of headline-making deals from companies that offer OU kosher-certified products—demonstrating how kosher certification continues to play a strategic role in product development, market access, and consumer trust.
Major OU Kosher Certified Investments
Ferrero Group is acquiring WK Kellogg Co. for $3.1 billion, a move that will add iconic cereal brands such as Froot Loops, Rice Krispies, and Frosted Flakes to Ferrero’s expanding North American portfolio, which includes OU kosher-certified brands such as Kinder and select Ferrero chocolates. The transaction, expected to close in the second half of 2025 pending regulatory and shareholder approvals, will see WK Kellogg Co. become a wholly owned subsidiary of Ferrero. This acquisition not only diversifies Ferrero’s holdings beyond confectionery but also strengthens its position in the breakfast and snack categories.
Celsius Holdings completed its acquisition of Alani Nutrition (Alani Nu) for $1.8 billion, including $150 million in tax assets, for a net purchase price of $1.65 billion. The deal combines two fast-growing, zero-sugar energy drink brands and creates a leading platform in the functional beverage space. Celsius offers a growing line of OU kosher-certified beverages, and the acquisition positions the company to capitalize on the demand for healthier beverage alternatives.
Flowers Foods purchased Simple Mills for $795 million, expanding its reach in the gluten-free and clean-label snacking market. Simple Mills is known for its range of minimally processed, gluten-free snacks and baking mixes. Both companies offer OU kosher-certified baked goods, giving the combined entity a stronger foothold among health-conscious consumers.
Additional OU Kosher Certified Expansions and Initiatives
Q&B Foods (a subsidiary of Kewpie Group) opened a new condiments manufacturing plant in Clarksville, Tennessee, supporting growth in sauces and dressings. Kewpie’s mayonnaise and dressings are OU kosher-certified, gluten-free, and available in vegan varieties.
Pladis, the producer of McVitie’s, launched an accelerator program backing 12 startups focused on innovative snacking, including low-carbon cocoa replacements and plant-based ingredients. McVitie’s offers a wide range of OU kosher-certified products.
Mars Inc. invested $450 million in a new, 450,000-square-foot pet food processing facility in Lewisburg, Ohio, for its Royal Canin division. Mars’ broader product portfolio includes OU kosher-certified snacks and chocolates.
Lactalis USA committed $75 million to expand its New York dairy plants, boosting production of brands like Galbani cheese and Breakstone’s sour cream—both known for their OU kosher-certified offerings.
Manischewitz launched Deli on Wheels, a mobile Jewish deli across New York and New Jersey. This investment in rebranding and direct consumer engagement supports the broader OU kosher-certified product line Manischewitz is known for.
Mina, a major New York foodservice distributor, is investing $41 million in a new warehouse and processing facility, with construction starting in Fall 2025. Mina supplies a broad range of OU kosher-certified foodservice ingredients used by institutional kitchens and caterers.
These moves underscore the scale and diversity of investment shaping the food sector in 2025—with OU kosher certification playing a growing role in how companies build trust, expand distribution, and respond to evolving consumer expectations.