News wrap for August: Saudi nods to South African meat imports; Brazil’s Paraná to expand halal exports; & others
Here's a roundup of key developments across the halal industry ecosystem during the first three weeks of August
Editor's note: Saudi Arabia has, more often than not, captured eyeballs for its gumption and growth trajectory. And why not? The Arab world's largest economy remains on a relentless campaign of progress and development. For starters, it gave a green signal to South African meat imports after a 21-year hiatus. There are also plans in motion to develop plant-based food alternatives. If that doesn't spur much interest, the country's investment fund introduced an accelerator program to strengthen the halal ecosystem, and formalized its joint venture partnership with Brazil's BRF.
Come to mention Brazil, the country's state of Paraná, too, is well-positioned to expand its halal exports to Muslim markets.
Company News
Brazil
Brazil’s Paraná state set to expand halal exports
Brazil’s Paraná state is poised to expand its exports to Muslim markets beyond food to textiles and cosmetics, as per Giancarlo Rocco of Invest Paraná.
A webinar, co-hosted by Invest Paraná and the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, highlighted halal's potential and certification processes for the state's businesses. (ANBA)
Malaysia
HWC Coffee Malaysia receives halal certification
The specialty coffee chain, HWC Coffee Malaysia, has secured a halal certification from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).
This confirms that the chain's offerings, from coffee to pastries, adhere to Islamic dietary standards. As part of its inclusivity drive, the company plans to secure the halal certification for all its outlets. (New Straits Times)
UK
English actress launches halal collagen
UK-based entrepreneur, author and actress, Davinia Taylor introduces 'Brain Powder', an energy-enhancing nootropic, alongside halal collagen through her brand, WillPowders.
Established in 2021, WillPowders aims to provide scientifically-backed supplements and nutritious products targeting poor eating habits, inconsistent diets, and cognitive and hormonal issues, all based on guidance from industry specialists. (Wigan Today)
Brazil / Saudi Arabia
Brazil's BRF formalizes halal joint venture as ties with Saudi Arabia strengthen
Brazilian food processor BRF has formalized a joint venture with the Halal Products Development Company (HPDC) of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
Owning 70% of the new entity, BRF aims to transition from an exporter to a local supplier of meat products in Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
Read more: Saudi's Public Investment Fund, BRF advance JV agreement
Trade Developments
Bangladesh
Bangladesh, IOFS collaborate to expand halal market
The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) has teamed up with the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) to broaden the global halal market.
Under the Mou, the federation will receive help in establishing agri-food cooperation within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries. (The Business Standard)
Thailand
The North’s innovative products enter global halal market
The Halal Science Centre at Chulalongkorn University (Chiang Mai) has secured a 14.5 million baht budget to promote smart farming, targeting the $560 million global halal cosmetics sector.
Having trained farmers in advanced agricultural tech and aiding businesses in product development, the centre is working on seven innovations. (Chiang Mai City Life)
South Africa / Saudi Arabia
South African meat producers to enter Saudi market after 21-year ban
After a 21-year embargo, the Saudi Arabian government has resumed meat imports from South Africa.
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority's decision followed positive inspections of South African abattoirs and feedlots in June, ensuring compliance with Saudi market protocols and halaal certification. (News 24)
Read more: Saudi Arabia nods to meat imports from South Africa
Saudi Arabia
Saudi investment fund-backed entity launches accelerator program
The Halal Products Development Company (HPDC), a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, has inked an agreement with the Saudi Exports Development Authority to launch an accelerator program.
The Halal Products Manufacturing Accelerator program, seeks to empower Saudi companies across global markets, promote Saudi exports globally, and stimulate consumer preference for Saudi products. (Zawya)
Read more: Saudi's PIF-backed entity launches program to strengthen halal ecosystem
Philippines
DTI, BARMM sign agreement on halal, tourism promotion in Lanao Sur
In a bid to rehabilitate Marawi City, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have formalized a partnership to boost Lanao del Sur's halal industry and tourism.
With a funding commitment of 26 million peso, the initiative, endorsed by key regional stakeholders, aims to tap into the global $2.3 trillion halal market. (Minda News)
Operational Developments
Philippines
New halal research center launched at Philippine Women's College of Davao
The Davao Region's Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has inaugurated a research centre at the Philippine Women’s College (PWC) of Davao.
The inaugural Research and Innovation Center for Halal Science will spearhead innovation programs and capacity-building for the growing halal market. (Sunstar)
Saudi Arabia
Saudi officials ink deals to develop plant-based food alternatives
The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture has entered into agreements to convert agricultural products into plant-based foods mimicking animal protein flavors.
As reported by the Saudi Press Agency, a research center, dedicated to enhancing agricultural product development will be set up. (Halal Focus)
UPCOMING EVENTS :
60th Annual ISNA Convention – Chicago, US – Sep 1-4, 2023
Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2023 – Malaysia – Sep 12-15, 2023
Bahrain Halal Expo 2023 – Bahrain – Oct 5-7, 2023
Global Halal Brazil Business Forum 2023 – Brazil – Oct 23-24, 2023
HALAL EXPO INDONESIA (HEI) 2023 – Indonesia – Oct 25-28, 2023
Saudi International Halal Expo & Summit 2023 – Riyadh, KSA – Nov 19-21, 2023
World Halal Summit 2023 – Istanbul, Turkiye – Nov 23-25, 2023
Halal Expo London 2023 – London, UK – Dec 1-2, 2023
Halal Indonesia Expo 2023 – Indonesia – Dec 8-10, 2023
Food Africa Cairo – Egypt – Dec 12-14, 2023
14th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) – UAE – Jan 15-17, 2024
Gulfood 2024 – UAE – Feb 19-23, 2024
Halal Expo Canada 2024 – Canada – May 8-9, 2024
