Halal industry roundup: Morocco bolsters regulations on imported red meat
Here's a roundup of key developments across the halal industry ecosystem during the month of November
Editor's note: In a bid to strengthen its halal ecosystem, Malaysia is looking to enhance its certification process. Air India has said that it will not serve halal-certified non-veg meals starting this month.
Halal-certified Kobe beef debuted in Saudi while a PIF subsidiary teamed up with BRF Global to shore up the halal poultry sector.
Company News
India
Air India halts halal-certified non-vegetarian meals
Air India announced that, starting November 17, non-vegetarian meals onboard will not be halal-certified.
This policy adjustment affects economy, business, and first class.
However, for Muslim passengers and others requesting halal meals, Air India will provide a certified halal 'Muslim Meal' (MOML) option.
Passengers must select this option during the booking process to ensure its availability. (The Islamic Information)
Saudi Arabia / Japan
Fam Foods, Kobe Beef Association partner to launch halal-certified beef
Halal-certified Kobe beef debuted in Saudi Arabia at an event hosted by Japanese Ambassador Morino Yasunari and Fam Foods, the kingdom’s exclusive Kobe Beef reseller.
Held in collaboration with the Kobe Beef Association, the event showcased the growing culinary ties between Japan and Saudi Arabia.
Guests experienced a blend of traditions, from Saudi coffee to Japanese teppanyaki, and a live demonstration by the Kimono Butcher, highlighting Japan's culinary craftsmanship. (Arab News)
Indonesia
Digital platform for halal cuisine launched in Indonesia
The Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) has launched HalalWave, a digital platform to simplify locating halal dining options in Indonesia, advancing the nation’s Shariah economy.
Initially a thesis project, HalalWave offers a user-friendly alternative to the existing system by Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Agency. (ITS)
Malaysia
Duopharma Biotech and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia partner to elevate halal standards in healthcare
Duopharma Biotech Berhad collaborated with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia to host the Halal Pharmaceutical Symposium 2024 in Putrajaya, themed “Bridging Halal to Health.”
Attended by 300 delegates, the event featured key figures, including Khairul Azwan Harun, chairman of Halal Development Corporation, and Duopharma’s group managing director, Leonard Ariff Abdul Shatar. (Halal Focus)
Investment
Saudi Arabia
HPDC and BRF Global elevate halal poultry sector through strategic investment
The Halal Products Development Company (HPDC), a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), and BRF Global, have announced an investment in Addoha Poultry Company.
The investment has been made through their joint venture BRF Arabia.
This move aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aiming to establish the kingdom as a global leader in halal products.
The investment underscores HPDC, BRF Global, and Addoha's shared commitment to doubling production capacity by 2030 while enhancing all facets of Addoha’s integrated operations. (Argaam)
Trade Developments
Philippines / Saudi Arabia
Philippines seeks new partnership with Saudi Arabia in sustainability, halal industries
The Philippines sent a halal trade mission to Saudi Arabia from October 27 to November 5, aiming to strengthen trade ties with the kingdom.
Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry, the mission visited Riyadh and Jeddah to promote the country’s growing halal industry.
Philippine officials are working to expand the domestic halal sector while enhancing economic relations with Saudi Arabia, according to Rommel Romato, charge d'affaires of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh. (The Filipino Times)
Operational Developments
Malaysia
Jakim to improve halal certification process
The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) will continue enhancing the halal certification process, which it recently expedited to within 30 days, according to Dr. Zulkifli Hasan, deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs).
Jakim's improvements have driven notable growth in halal certification revenue, reaching over RM12 million in 2023. (The Star)
Regulatory
Morocco
Morocco tightens rules on imported red meat
Morocco is bolstering the safety of imported red meat through a rigorous control system led by the National Office for Food Safety.
The framework ensures compliance with national and international health standards, starting with risk assessments of exporting countries.
Only nations meeting strict criteria, including sanitary conditions of slaughterhouses and veterinary oversight, are authorized to supply meat.
Approved suppliers include the US, Australia, EU members, Brazil, Paraguay, and Ukraine. (Morocco World News)
UPCOMING EVENTS :
- Qatar Halal Forum 2024 – Qatar – Nov 12-14, 2024
- World Halal Summit Istanbul – Istanbul – Nov 27-30, 2024
- The 5th US-International U.S. Halal Expo & Summit – United States – Dec 13-14, 2024
- Albania Halal Expo 2025 – Albania – Feb 21-23, 2025
- Halal Expo Canada 2025 – Canada – May 27-28, 2025
