Halal industry roundup: Pakistani food manufacturer to set up UAE subsidiary
Here's a roundup of key developments across the halal industry ecosystem during the month of July.
Editor's note: Have you ever thought of venturing out to the Antarctic? If yes, what held you back? Halal food unavailaibility? Well, not anymore. Muslim travellers will now be able to relish a complete cruising experience at the last continent. So travel away.
A Pakistan food manufacturing is looking set up shop here in the UAE. Meanwhile, South Korea looks to bolster halal food exports to Indonesia.
Company News
Argentina
First-ever halal-certified cruise launches in Antarctica
For the first time in Antarctic history, Muslim travellers who require a halal-certified kitchen will be able to enjoy a complete Antarctic expedition cruising experience.
Starting January 2026, the 10-day Halal Cruise - South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula will offer Muslim travellers a chance to visit the last continent aboard the purpose-built ice-class vessel. (Travel Weekly Asia)
Pakistan / UAE
Food manufacturer announces setting up UAE subsidiary
Ismail Industries Limited, a Pakistani food manufacturer and exporter, announced plans to establish a wholly-owned subsidiary in Abu Dhabi.
The new venture will manufacture, market, sell, and distribute various food products, including biscuits and confectionery.
This expansion follows regulatory approval and was disclosed in a bourse filing. (Halal Focus)
India / Egypt
Egypt’s IS EG Halal starts operations in India through local office
IS EG Halal, a government-authorized entity for certifying halal exports to Egypt, announced the commencement of its certification operations in India, aiming to expand trade between the two countries.
Indian meat exporters have the potential to increase their market share in Egypt from 75-80% to 100%, according to Weal Mohamed Awad Hamed, Egypt's ambassador to India.
Speaking at a New Delhi event, Hamed expressed Egypt's support for this growth. (Nuf Foods Spectrum)
Canada
KFC switches to halal chicken across select Canadian chains
KFC Canada’s decision to switch to halal chicken has sparked controversy among some customers.
Since May, KFC has been serving halal chicken at most Ontario locations, though Thunder Bay and Ottawa are currently excluded due to local processors' inability to meet halal volume requirements.
By the end of 2024, all KFC restaurants across Canada will serve halal chicken. (Poultry World)
Investment
Malaysia
Council eyes abandoned land for halal industry expansion
The Malaysian Halal Council is working with state governments and agencies to repurpose abandoned lands for halal product manufacturing, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced.
This initiative aims to support the global expansion of the halal industry beyond traditional food and beverage sectors. (Business Today)
Malaysia
Initiative launched with dedicated fund for SMEs
The Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd (MIDF) launched the Halal Accreditation and Technology Improvement (HATI) initiative, with a 100 million Malaysian ringgitts fund to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The HATI initiative aims to foster growth, enhance competitiveness, and promote the global expansion of halal products and services through modernisation and technology adoption. (The Edge Malaysia)
Regulatory
Belgium
European Court of Human Rights Upholds Belgium’s halal slaughter ban
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) issued a final ruling on Tuesday, rejecting the appeal against Belgium's ban on halal slaughter.
Filed by Islamic and Jewish organizations, the appeal argued that the ban infringes on religious freedom. However, the court found no grounds to review the ban.
According to Belgian animal rights organization, GAIA, the ECHR's decision on February 13 was upheld, confirming that the ban on halal and kosher slaughter does not violate religious freedom. (Morocco World News)
Saudi Arabia
Cosmetic product imports streamlined with new clearance system
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority has enabled the acquisition of conformity certificates for cosmetic product shipments from destination countries via a new clearance system.
This initiative aims to streamline the import process by automating the appointment of companies and electronically submitting clearance requests, thereby expediting the process. Halal Focus)
Trade Developments
China
China keen to collaborate with Malaysia in halal sector
China is keen to collaborate with Malaysia in the halal industry, including certification, services, and products, according to Mohamad Alamin, Malaysia's deputy minister for foreign affairs.
Chinese premier Li Qiang conveyed this interest during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on his recent official visit to China. (The Star)
South Korea / Indonesia
Korea bolsters halal food exports to Indonesia
Korea organized a halal food trade show in Indonesia last week to promote Korean products, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp.
The event in Jakarta anticipates Indonesia’s upcoming requirement for all imported food products to have halal certification. Currently, only imported livestock meats need this certification, while other food products have the option. (Korea Times)
UPCOMING EVENTS :
- Saudi International Halal Expo & Summit 2024 - Saudi Arabia - Oct 28-30, 2024
- World Halal Summit Istanbul – Istanbul – Nov 27-30, 2024
