Winter Spotlight: Latin America, Tequila, Candies, Coffee, Flavors, and Anything in Between 

With the beginning of 2025 and the winter weather upon us, why not take a trip somewhere warm to start the season? This year, we celebrate OK Kosher’s growing impact in Latin America. From the agave fields of Jalisco to Colombia’s confectionery and coffee industries, kosher certification is unlocking opportunities for diverse businesses. Together, we’re raising the bar for global standards and market access.   

Let’s explore the unique needs of this market. This is especially important if you are sourcing ingredients and products from the region or using an outside contract manufacturer here, as many of our clients do. 

Meet the Team 

Rabbi Rafi Chayo serves as OK Kosher’s Head Regional Representative to Latin America. Born in Argentina, Rabbi Rafi combines deep knowledge of kosher laws with an intimate understanding of Latin American business practices. Fluent in Spanish, he ensures certifications meet the highest standards while building strong relationships. He frequently travels throughout the region, personally guiding our Spanish-speaking clients through onboarding, compliance, and service processes. Under him, we have several other Rabbinic Field Representatives who are locally based and make mid-year visits, with Rabbinic Coordinators from HQ conducting executive annual reviews. Working alongside Rabbi Rafi is Raizy Rivkin. Based in New York, Raizy bridges the gap for Latin American clients. A Colombian native fluent in Spanish, she manages ingredient approvals, labeling, and any service needs with a focus on efficiency and personalized service. Her upbringing in Colombia positions her uniquely to understand and guide clients in their own style. 

OK Kosher’s approach emphasizes education and confirmed trust. Our team collaborates closely with manufacturers to ensure they fully understand kosher certification requirements. Once compliance is established, we conduct surprise inspections to validate trust and maintain the integrity of the certification process. 

By addressing industry-specific challenges and fostering long-term partnerships, we help businesses succeed in the global market. Whether you’re in Jalisco crafting premium tequila, in Colombia producing high-quality candies, or manufacturing avocado-based oils and products, OK Kosher is here to guide you every step of the way. 

Success Stories: Kosher Certification in Action 

A Manufacturer’s Cross-Border Challenge: 

One day, Rabbi Rafi (or as he is called in Spanish, Rafa) received an urgent call from a local manufacturer in Mexico eager to export his goods to the United States. However, he had chosen a kosher certification agency that wasn’t recognized, leaving his products stuck and unsellable. 

Rabbi Rafi Chayo immediately visited the facility, guiding the business through the process of obtaining OK Kosher’s globally recognized certification. Within just two and a half weeks, the company received its OK Kosher certificates, enabling it to confidently expand into new markets. 

A Tequila Producer’s Glycerin Dilemma: 

A tequila producer in Jalisco encountered a unique challenge during their production process. They were exploring the potential use of glycerin, a common ingredient for smoothness in spirits, but needed assurance that their approach aligned with kosher standards. 

Recognizing the complexity of this issue, Rabbi Rafi Chayo stepped in to provide guidance. Leveraging his extensive knowledge of kosher requirements and his network of reliable suppliers, he worked closely with the producer to navigate the situation. This collaboration ensured the tequila production remained compliant with kosher guidelines while maintaining the highest quality standards. 

Why Kosher Certification Matters 

Kosher certification is more than a label—it’s first and foremost a commitment to uphold high standards, and a gateway to global markets, building consumer trust and brand credibility. The OK Kosher symbol on your products gives consumers confidence. We work tirelessly every day to protect this trust by conducting thorough inspections and never compromising on kosher excellence, while setting you up for success with seminars, education, translated manuals, and tailored instructions. Our approach helps Latin American businesses thrive in global markets. 

Explore Kosher Certification in Spanish 

Learn more about kosher certification in Latin America on our Spanish-language website. Access resources, guides, and articles tailored to your needs. 

👉 Click here to visit our site in Spanish. 

Raising a Glass to Growth 

Whether you say l’chaim, cheers, or ¡salud!, join us in toasting the incredible industries of Latin America. With OK Kosher as your trusted partner, the opportunities ahead are endless.