A slew of new kosher product introductions -- many with a healthier, more upscale appeal -- are set to debut in time for Passover 2009, according to Menachem Lubinsky, editor of Kosher Today and co-producer of Kosherfest, the largest international kosher food and beverage trade show. Passover 2009 begins at sundown on April 8-April 16.

"Passover '09 will very much follow in the tradition of the last few holiday seasons where there were many new products introduced, including healthier and more upscale foods," said Lubinsky. "The notable exception will be that the industry is making an effort to produce items that offer more value, taking into consideration the large number of customers who have been adversely affected by the recession."

Organic, gluten- and lactose-free Gelatissimo frozen dessert; hydroponically grown vegetables from Alei Eden (bug- and pesticide-free); Gey Shlufen Tea; and Pereg's seasoned matzah crumbs are among the new products being introduced for Passover 2009.

Kosherfest also reports a number of new kosher wine releases. Bill Springer, vice president at Diversified Business Communications, which produces Kosherfest, says, "The selection and assortment of kosher wines, almost all of which are kosher for Passover, is probably the largest growth category in the overall kosher market." Welner Terroso offers five kosher wines from Argentina -- including Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Malbec-Merlot and Merlot -- and three from Chile: Chardonnay, Rose and Sauvignon Blanc. All are under $10.

From Happy Hearts Winery come the Hameshubach Gold Line wines, offering Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Merlot and a Cabernet blend called Midbar from the Odem Mountains of Israel. New from Herzog is the Generation VIII 2006 -- To Kalon Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wheat-free kosher products are also increasingly available. According to Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO of OU Kosher, the largest kosher certifying agency, "Over the years, a whole variety of foods were unavailable for Passover because they contain chametz-leaven -- such as blintzes, waffles, pizza, breakfast cereals, noodles and mustard. But there was a demand for them by consumers, so working with the OU, manufacturers learned how to produce them without wheat, grains and other leavened ingredients that would make them unkosher for Passover."

Kosherfest is the largest international kosher food and foodservice trade show, which celebrated its 20th year in 2008. The next Kosherfest will be held Oct. 27-28, 2009, at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, N.J. For more information, visit www.kosherfest.com.