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Halal Industry

Sept news wrap: UAE's Al Islami eyes Qatar; Pakistani meat processor bags $4m deal; and others

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BY Staff Writer
13 Sep 2023
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Salaam Gateway

Here's a roundup of key developments across the halal industry ecosystem during the first two weeks 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, in which cross-border alliance are grabbing headlines. Pakistan's major meat processor snags a contract to export frozen beef to the UAE, with Dubai-based Al Islami too relaunching its products in Qatar. 

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)

 

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)

 

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)

 

UPCOMING EVENTS :