Halal Industry

Halal industry roundup: Kumamoto firm expands exports to Muslim countries

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BY Staff Writer
24 Apr 2025
News
Salaam Gateway

Here's a roundup of key developments across the halal industry ecosystem during April

Editor's note: Japanese firms targeting lucrative Muslim markets for meat exports is stating the obvious. So, it comes as a regular, albeit promising nugget of information, that a Kumamoto-based firm is expanding its exports to the Islamic world. 

 

Meanwhile, Philippines is looking to tap into the resources of its Southeast Asian peer to establish a halal certification body. 

 

Company News

Japan

Kumamoto firm delivers halal Japanese beef in Muslim countries

Sugimoto-Honten Co., a Wagyu beef producer, is rapidly expanding its exports to the Islamic world and is being recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as a "flagship producer and exporter" for other Japanese businesses.

 

The company, which began exporting Kurohana Wagyu beef in 2021, has seen exports top one billion yen in three years. (Asahi)

 

Malaysia

Tim Hortons Malaysia gets nationwide Halal certification

Tim Hortons Malaysia has received Halal certification from JAKIM for all its outlets. This includes the flagship store at Sunway Pyramid and other locations.

 

To celebrate, the brand has launched a special selection of drinks made with 100% Arabica coffee. Additionally, Tim Hortons plans to expand in Malaysia with two new outlets opening soon at AEON Shah Alam and Sunway Putra Mall. (QSR Media)

 

Trade Developments

Philippines / Malaysia

DTI urges Malaysia’s JAKIM to establish halal certification in Philippines

DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque is urging Malaysia's halal authority, JAKIM, to establish a world-class halal certifying body in the Philippines to boost the domestic halal industry and align it with international standards.

 

Roque met with Malaysian representatives to discuss this, highlighting the potential for new opportunities for Filipino products overseas and seeking assistance in marketing them globally. (PNA)

 

Türkiye

Turkish companies invited to explore opportunities at MIHAS 2025

MATRADE will host the 21st Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), the world’s largest halal trade show, from September 17-20, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur.

 

MATRADE Istanbul invites Turkish buyers to participate in the International Sourcing Programme (INSP) at MIHAS, which in 2024 facilitated significant connections and generated RM 2.52 billion in potential sourcing value. (Halal Focus)

 

Thailand / Malaysia

Thailand seeks to strengthen Halal cooperation with Malaysia
Thailand is studying Malaysia's Halal market as part of its strategy to boost future food exports, focusing on building a regional roadmap to ensure trade resilience within the ASEAN framework.

 

Thailand sees potential in integrating Malaysia's established halal certification ecosystem with its own raw material resources to produce more "future food" that is sustainable, health-focused, and designed for new generations. (Vietnam+)

 

Pakistan / Malaysia

Pakistan to secure $200m halal meat export deal with Malaysia over 5 years

Pakistan is in advanced talks with Malaysia to secure a $200 million halal meat export deal over the next five years.

 

This potential agreement was a focus of a high-level meeting in Islamabad, attended by key government officials. The deal would boost Pakistan's agricultural and trade sectors, and strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations. (Mettis Global)

 

Regulatory

Pakistan

SMIIC Secretary General Calls On PNAC Chief To Bolster Halal Standards Implementation In Pakistan

The Secretary General of the Standards and Metrology Institute for the Islamic Countries (SMIIC), Ihsan Ovut, visited the Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC) to strengthen cooperation on standardization and accreditation among Islamic countries.

 

During the visit, Ovut and the PNAC Director General, Ateeq ur Rehman Memon, discussed PNAC's ongoing activities and its role in advancing quality infrastructure in Pakistan.

 

The discussion also focused on the implementation of SMIIC Halal standards, particularly OIC/SMIIC 2 and OIC/SMIIC 3, in Pakistan. (Urdu Point)

 

Malaysia / Indonesia

Malaysia, Indonesia agree on mutual recognition of halal certifications

Malaysia and Indonesia have agreed to allow the use of Malaysia's Jakim halal logo for products exported to Indonesia without requiring a separate procedure.

 

Malaysia will also recognize Indonesia's halal certification for products exported to Malaysia. This agreement was endorsed by Indonesia's religious affairs minister and is seen as a significant development by industry players. (FMT)

 

UPCOMING EVENTS :