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Halal Industry

Halal industry ecosystem in review

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BY Staff Writer
28 Sep 2023
News
Salaam Gateway

Here's a roundup of key developments across the halal industry ecosystem during the month 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, with cross-border alliance are grabbing headlines. Pakistan's major meat processor snags a contract to export frozen beef to the UAE, Dubai-based Al Islami relaunches in Qatar and a PIF unit inks deal with US-based food tech firm. 

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)

Indonesia

MUI lauds company's commitment to development of halal products

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has lauded efforts to promote the development of halal products in Indonesia, aiming to ensure their wide acceptance among the public

 

MUI Chairman for Sharia and Halal Economics K.H. Sholahudin Al Aiyub expressed appreciation for these endeavors and presented special awards to the MUI Assessment Institute for Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics (LPPOM MUI) for organizing the 2023 Halal Award. (Antara News)

 

UK / USA

The Halal Guys announces new store openings

Renowned American Halal cuisine brand, The Halal Guys, is set to open five new locations this fall, further extending its global reach.

 

With over 105 units already in operation and an additional 400 units in development, the brand has a strong presence in 17 US states and multiple international locations, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, and Korea.  (QSR Magazine)

 

Saudi Arabia / USA

Halal Products Development Company announces partnership with Eat Just Inc.

Halal Products Development Company (HDPC), wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, and US-based Eat Just Inc., a pioneer in innovative food products, have announced a strategic partnership.

 

Through the collaboration, HPDC will provide advisory solutions to help Eat Just obtain halal certification and approvals needed to operate as a Halal food distributor. (Zawya)

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)

Brazil

Brazil to host forum to unite global halal industry stakeholders

The Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) and FAMBRAS Halal, a certification entity, are set to host the second edition of the Global Halal Brazil Business Forum (GHB).

 

This event, which focuses on halal industries, aims to provide a platform for networking and collaboration among professionals and business leaders in the field. (Zawya)

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)

Investment

Indonesia

Indonesian vice president invites Chinese halal businesses to invest in Indonesia

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin has extended an invitation to Chinese halal business players to invest in Indonesia's halal industrial sector. During a meeting in Fuzhou, China, he encouraged investment in sectors that can cater to domestic and export demands.

 

Indonesia currently has three halal industrial Areas (KIH), and the government has invited additional areas to develop halal zones to unlock the potential of the halal food industry in the "Two Countries Twin Parks (TCTP)" corridor. (Antara News)

 

Operational Developments

South Korea

Seoul invites ambassadors to introduce new halal foods in Korea

Seoul hosted "Taste of Salam Seoul," an event at that featured Korean chef Edward Kwon reinterpreting halal foods to blend Middle Eastern and Korean styles.

 

This initiative aims to improve dining options for Muslim tourists visiting Korea, as food quality has been a concern for a growing number of tourists from Muslim-majority countries. (Korea Times)

 

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