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With distribution channels ranging from New York City to Philadelphia, Hudson Bread decided in March that it made sense to expand its customer base by acquiring kosher certification.

Now under the supervision of Rabbi Isaiah Hertzberg from Teaneck-based Quality Kosher Supervision Services, the bread retailer at 5601-5711 Tonnelle Ave. in North Bergen has been serving the Northeast part of the country for 13 years.

Hudson Bread does about half of its retail business in Manhattan, with 20 percent coming from Philadelphia and 30 percent from Northern New Jersey and Hudson County, Director of Operations Ray Million said. The company also sells wholesale dinner rolls, sandwich breads, and other loaves at its North Bergen factory.

About 100 full-time workers are employed at Hudson Bread's 60,000-square-foot facility, while 16 trucks handle distribution. Jewish Life of Hudson County caught up with Million last month to discuss the company's new kosher certification.

Why did Hudson Bread decide to pursue kosher certification?

"We have a wide distribution network in Manhattan and other New York City boroughs, and there was a need to get products there which met the needs of Jewish people. It helps to expand our customer base."

Have Hudson County residents expressed excitement because you are now kosher?

"We haven't experienced much local interest at this point from a kosher perspective, but we have at least three or four customers who have acknowledged the fact that we are kosher when they do business with us."

What approach does your company take to baking bread?

"Our goal is pairing off modern production with an artisan, authentic style of baking. Our breads go through long fermentation periods, with 12-15 hours of holding dough in bulk before it is processed. It allows the bread to develop naturally."

Who are your target customers?

"We are a specially designed product for restaurants, catering, and hotels -- not as much of a supermarket product. It's high-quality bread and it deserves to be treated that way."

What sets Hudson Bread apart from other bread retailers?

"We are still hand-making items. It's all about the quality of the product and the consistency."