With a sizeable Muslim population that has doubled in the last two decades and continues to grow, interest in Canada’s halal food sector has intensified, driven by a mix of rising Muslim demographics and growing mainstream interest in ethically-sourced foods.
The Canadian halal meat sector, is forecasted to hit an estimated $300 million by 2031, growing at an annual rate of 10 to 15%, according to Salima Jivraj, account director and multicultural lead at Nourish Food Marketing, a marketing agency specializing in the food sector.
The epicenter of debate, however, is the country’s fragmented certification landscape. The lack or absence of a single regulatory body has led to confusion, inconsistent standards, and widespread frustration among consumers and businesses alike. While these challenges remain mostly confined to the certification and labeling domain for now, their potential economic and social effects could reverberate far beyond, shaping industry practices and consumer trust for years to come.
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Muhammad Ali Bandial