Halal industry roundup: BRF expands Middle East footprint with investment
Here's a roundup of key developments across the halal industry ecosystem during the month of January
Editor's note: We welcome you to our first roundup of the year, which begins with news from Saudi Arabia, of course. Brazilian food giant BRF has bolstered its regional presence with another investment in the kingdom, while Malaysia is looking to build on its position to increase the number of halal exporters this year.
Company News
Saudi Arabia / Brazil
BRF expands Middle East footprint with poultry investment
BRF, Brazilian food company, has acquired a 26% stake in Saudi Arabia’s Addoha Poultry Company for $84.3 million, enhancing its presence in the Middle East’s halal food market.
The investment includes $57.6 million directed towards improving Addoha's production capacity and operational efficiency.
The deal aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative to diversify the economy and strengthen food security, building on BRF's 50 years of operations in the region. (Halal Focus)
Trade Developments
Malaysia
HDC aims to boost Malaysia’s halal exporters this year
Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC) aims to increase the number of halal exporters from Malaysia to 2,443 this year, up from 1,600 in December 2024.
As a key agency under the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, HDC's CEO, Hairol Ariffein Sahari, emphasized the need to identify potential local halal companies.
He noted that Malaysian firms face challenges in exporting halal products, such as the absence of a halal compliance manager, difficulty in pinpointing halal markets, and a “wait-and-see” mentality. (Selangor Journal)
Vietnam / Morocco
Ambassador charts path in green energy, halal industry
Morocco’s Ambassador to Vietnam, Jamale Chouaibi, highlighted significant advancements in bilateral relations in 2024, focusing on collaboration in green energy and the halal industry.
In an interview during the Lunar New Year, he noted that high-level visits and economic partnerships have fortified ties. (Morocco World News)
