Halal certification drawing more non-food sectors, SMEs, non-Muslim markets

Photo: A customer waits to order food at the Isla Burger Halal fast-food in Nice, France, September 25, 2017. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard

Encouraged by increasing awareness and spending on halal products worldwide, the demand for certification is seeing growth across the value chain in various markets. Halal certification is being sought for ingredients as well as finished goods and hospitality products, even as exporters target Islamic markets.

Halal certifier Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA) told Salaam Gateway that the number of categories of halal-certified products increased by about 15 per cent in 2017. “This is well above the overall food industry growth rate. The primary reason for this is more products are being certified halal, not only consumer goods but also raw materials and food ingredients,” Asma Ahad, IFANCA's Director of Halal Market Development told Salaam Gateway, adding that Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) countries, which are importers or transportation hubs, are boosting the demand for certification.

Aiming to tap into a population with spending power, companies are seeking labels to attract them. Tomas Guerrero Blanco, Head of Instituto Halal in Madrid reports 25 per cent growth. He told Salaam Gateway that not only large food and beverage majors but also more and more small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are seeking certification. “An increasing number of SMEs are certified. Years ago the halal certification was requested mainly by large F&B companies.”