A group of Islamic scholars in Saudi Arabia have issued a groundbreaking ruling, stating that lab-grown or cultivated meat can be deemed halal, provided specific conditions are met.

The ruling comes as the lab-grown meat industry seeks to explore certification options to cater to consumers who adhere to halal dietary rules.

Here's a roundup of key developments across the halal industry ecosystem during the first two weeks of September

Editor's note: What's not to like about September? With the year nearing its last quarter, companies and countries are seeking to achieve their goals. Key updates across the halal industry ecosystem have also keeping the space busy, in which cross-border alliance are grabbing headlines. Pakistan's major meat processor snags a contract to export frozen beef to the UAE, with Dubai-based Al Islami too relaunching its products in Qatar. 

Iran and Russia also seek standardization of halal products, for which both countries have inked a five-year deal. 

Company News

USA
Family-owned grocery store in Gurnee, Illinois, adds halal meat counter
David and Faye Oshana's grocery store, Nohadra Food in Gurnee, launched a halal meat section. 

Faye Oshana reflected that waiting to introduce the meat counter proved beneficial, ensuring no losses during their initial slow months. (Daily Herald)

Qatar
Al Islami reintroduces halal meat to Qatar
UAE's Al Islami has made a comeback in Qatar with its signature halal chicken griller and various cuts, including drumsticks, breast, and thigh.

The brand defines "real halal" as hand-slaughtered, non-stunned meat, free from added hormones and in strict adherence to Islamic dietary rules.

The brand's international sales director expressed enthusiasm about the reintroduction, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity. (Caterer Middle East)

United Kingdom
Hancocks' Bradford depot selling vegan and halal sweets
Hancocks' store on Euroway Industrial Estate has unveiled a 50-foot-long aisle dedicated to over 200 vegan and halal confectionery options.

With a 41-year presence in Bradford, Hancocks caters to various local outlets.  (Telegraph & Argus)

Trade Developments

Cambodia
Cambodia encouraged to expand halal ecosystem
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) has advised Cambodia to broaden its halal ecosystem, potentially benefiting tourism, agriculture, and construction.

During a roundtable, Mohd Dhaliff Ghaus Mohd Anuar of Malaysia's Halal Development Corporation suggested Cambodia devise its own halal roadmap, emphasizing potential collaboration between the two nations to fortify their halal sectors. (Khmer Times)

Philippines
JV to fortify halal food supply within Philippines 
A forthcoming joint venture (JV) aims to enhance halal food supply from Lahad Datu to Tawi-Tawi in the Southern Philippines. The JV is slated to commence on September 28. 

Zubir Food (Sabah) Sdn Bhd has partnered with Jay Sayang Enterprise, a Philippine importer, to transport frozen halal chicken meat.

This initiative follows the State Government's decision to permit a ferry service for passengers and cargo between the two locations. (Daily Express)

Iran / Russia
Iran, Russia ink deal on standardization of traded goods, halal products
Iran and Russia have entered a five-year agreement to standardize traded goods, focusing mainly on non-industrial and halal products. The announcement from the Iranian Embassy in Russia emphasizes the roadmap's aim to streamline the trade of Iranian exports to Russia and vice versa. (Halal Focus)

Pakistan / UAE
Pakistani meat processor secures $4m export contract 
The Organic Meat Company Limited (TOMCL), a halal meat processor in Karachi, has announced a $4 million contract to export frozen boneless beef to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Recognized as one of Pakistan's prime meat exporters, TOMCL has a history of supplying to various countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Vietnam.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange filing confirmed the deal with UAE's First Quality Food Stuff LLC for 1,000 metric tons of the product. (Halal Focus)

Regulatory

Brunei
Religious authorities flag brush, revoke pastry kitchen’s halal certification
Brunei's Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) has identified bristles of Skitto Clean brushes as being made from swine.

Following a public tip-off, the MoRA's halal food control division inspected a retailer and verified the claim. The store was directed to withdraw the product.

Concurrently, the Brunei Islamic Religious Council rescinded the halal certification of a Kampong Lambak pastry kitchen for failing to meet certification standards. (Borneo Bulletin)

UPCOMING EVENTS :

Halal Products Development Company (HPDC) has announced a strategic partnership with Eat Just, a US-based food tech company, to capitalize on the burgeoning halal products space. 

HPDC, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, will provide advisory solutions to help Eat Just obtain halal certification and approvals and enter the halal market.

The San Francisco-based firm develops plant-based alternatives to egg and meat products, backed by a global team of scientists and chef operating across more than 12 research fields.

HPDC CEO Fahad S. AlNuhait said that through the alliance, Eat Just will benefit from HPDC’s review and support services to enhance its business and ensure all its production stages are compatible with the standards of the halal market.

The cooperation will enable Eat Just to capitalize upon the opportunities available within the halal products sector worldwide, he added. 

The agreement is the latest in a raft of collaborations launched by HPDC with local and international partners to harness joint capabilities, develop local capabilities and raise the efficiency of the global halal industry ecosystem. 

Here's a roundup of key developments across the halal industry ecosystem during the first three weeks of August

Editor's note: Saudi Arabia has, more often than not, captured eyeballs for its gumption and growth trajectory. And why not? The Arab world's largest economy remains on a relentless campaign of progress and development. For starters, it gave a green signal to South African meat imports after a 21-year hiatus. There are also plans in motion to develop plant-based food alternatives. If that doesn't spur much interest, the country's investment fund introduced an accelerator program to strengthen the halal ecosystem, and formalized its joint venture partnership with Brazil's BRF. 

Come to mention Brazil, the country's state of Paraná, too, is well-positioned to expand its halal exports to Muslim markets. 

Company News

Brazil
Brazil’s Paraná state set to expand halal exports
Brazil’s Paraná state is poised to expand its exports to Muslim markets beyond food to textiles and cosmetics, as per Giancarlo Rocco of Invest Paraná.

A webinar, co-hosted by Invest Paraná and the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, highlighted halal's potential and certification processes for the state's businesses. (ANBA)

Malaysia
HWC Coffee Malaysia receives halal certification
The specialty coffee chain, HWC Coffee Malaysia, has secured a halal certification from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).

This confirms that the chain's offerings, from coffee to pastries, adhere to Islamic dietary standards. As part of its inclusivity drive, the company plans to secure the halal certification for all its outlets. (New Straits Times)

UK
English actress launches halal collagen
UK-based entrepreneur, author and actress, Davinia Taylor introduces 'Brain Powder', an energy-enhancing nootropic, alongside halal collagen through her brand, WillPowders.

Established in 2021, WillPowders aims to provide scientifically-backed supplements and nutritious products targeting poor eating habits, inconsistent diets, and cognitive and hormonal issues, all based on guidance from industry specialists. (Wigan Today)

Brazil / Saudi Arabia
Brazil's BRF formalizes halal joint venture as ties with Saudi Arabia strengthen
Brazilian food processor BRF has formalized a joint venture with the Halal Products Development Company (HPDC) of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

Owning 70% of the new entity, BRF aims to transition from an exporter to a local supplier of meat products in Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)