Empire Kosher Poultry’s strong adherence to our founding principles and appreciation of our heritage is the foundation of our more than eight decades of success. In 1938, Joseph N. Katz, an immigrant of humble beginnings, started Empire Kosher Poultry, named for New York, the Empire State. Joe wanted to produce the finest kosher poultry to the strictest kashrut standards for those who might lack local availability. In 1955, with many kosher consumers moving to the suburbs, Empire introduced cut-up chicken in “retail boxes,” prepared in airtight trays, frozen and packed in sealed boxes, ready for local supermarket freezer cases. Now kosher consumers in neighborhoods without local kosher butcher shops could purchase Empire poultry in mainstream grocery stores.

In the 1970s, Empire introduced fully cooked chicken and turkey when consumers began using microwaves and looking for convenience for their meal preparation. In 1972, Empire then introduced the first ready to eat delicatessen products, specially designed for use in sandwiches, salads and appetizer trays. Turkey and chicken frankfurters were quick to follow. After a fire destroyed more than 80% of our facilities and inventory in early January 1986, we moved operations to a satellite facility 40 miles away. Despite adverse conditions and huge losses, Empire Kosher® managed to meet the market’s demand with the help and support of customers and business associates. Empire Kosher® was able to rebuild and continue operations in Mifflintown. Through the ashes of this devastation, Empire Kosher® rebuilt and modernized operations. We are now proud to run one of the largest and most modernized kosher poultry processing facilities in the United States.

Based in the beautiful hills of Central Pennsylvania, some of the best agricultural land in the country, Empire Kosher® raises and produces poultry with exacting detail, delivering it to customers at the peak of quality. Today, our onsite team of quality assurance inspectors includes more than fifty Rabbis, supervision by the most highly regarded kosher supervising agencies (the Orthodox Union and Rabbi Yechiel Babad, Tartikov Rav), the USDA, and internal meat safety and quality experts. Practicing sustainable farming, and strictly observing the Jewish dietary laws, Empire Kosher® dependably produces the best tasting and highest quality kosher poultry products. In 2021 Empire Kosher Implemented Sustainable Packaging. Amidst the pandemic, Empire took steps to become more sustainably conscious. From Styrofoam to plastic, Empire implemented more eco-friendly packaging that allows consumers to recycle their trays and reduces Empire’s carbon footprint. Empire Kosher® is the best option for anyone who wishes to eat healthy and safely, buy responsibly, promote ethical working practices and animal welfare, and support family-owned Pennsylvania farms and their communities.

Empire Kosher Poultry produces various kosher chicken and turkey products, fresh, frozen, and bulk, to fulfill retail and food service requests across the United States. Employing Rabbis, Orthodox Union representatives, and USDA representatives, Empire Kosher continues to be a fully integrated company that prides itself on the quality of product and care taken to get there. The commitment of Joseph Katz to producing the best tasting, highest quality kosher poultry products continues to this day. We are thankful for the dedication and support of our employees, community and business partners and look forward to the exciting accomplishments to come!