Halal Definition

What is Halal?

“Halal” is a word originating from Arabic meaning something which is permissible, good and useful for the community. Halal is a concept that shares universal values with other religions and groups that promote peace, prosperity, tolerance and development in all aspects of the community. Therefore, Halal transcends more than food and covers all aspects of the human life irrespective of race, religion, culture or geographical boundaries and politics.

Halal as a brand ensures the integrity of food safety and hygiene throughout, in what is termed as the Halal Value Chain. This “farm-to-plate” value chain includes not only production, processing, logistics, market connectivity, Halal standards and audit mechanism but financing as well.

Halal Certification

Currently, Halal certification is carried out by a large number of certification bodies throughout the world. In the recent past, a number of governments have embarked on formal discussions to create a universal Halal standard.

Halal Certification is the process of having a qualified independent third party supervise the production of consumables, attesting that they were produced in conformance with the Standards of Halal and issuing a certificate attesting to same. While Halal requires foods to be wholesome and pure, Halal Certification has left the issue of food safety to the government regulatory bodies.

Halal Global Markets

The global Halal Market is currently valued at US$ 661 billion.

Demands for Halal-certified products have increased exponentially not only because the Muslim consumer base is growing (estimated to be 1.6 billion, spanning over 112 countries) but also due to the fact that Halal products now appeal to a broader spectrum. Halal has become the new benchmark for safety and quality assurance. The growing appeal and benefits of this niche market is significant. Major non-Muslim countries like Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and the U.S. have already established their local production for the Halal market. The following are universally acknowledged as the key driving factors for the projected growth of the Halal sector:

• Growth in the Muslim population, the primary market for Halal food
• Rising incomes in primary markets for Halal food
• Increasing demand for safe, high quality food in primary markets
• Increasing demand for greater variety in primary markets
• Incidents of food marketed as Halal but failing to meet Halal requirements has spurred demand for genuine Halal products

Key Global Markets

The world Muslim population is approaching 1.6 billion people. Muslims are expected to account for 30% of the world’s population by 2025.

Key Halal Markets in Non-Muslim Countries

Halal Products

Halal consumption is no longer the exclusive domain of the Muslim population. The recognition of the Health benefits of Halal has meant that many western consumers are now actively seeking Halal products.

Halal Products cover a wide range of categories:

Halal Food Sector

• Beverages & Bottled Juices
• Food Processing
• Baby Food
• Cereals & Dairy Products
• Dried Fruits & Vegetables
• Canned Food
• Chocolates & Candies
• Preserves, Jam & Spreads
• Confectioneries & Biscuits
• Food Additives & Chemicals
• Herbal & Spices Products
• Organic Food Products
• Vegetarian Products
• Frozen Food
• Meat & Poultry

Halal Health

• Pharmaceuticals
• Herbal Products
• Health Supplements
• Personal Care Products
• Body Care Products
• Spa & Aroma Therapy

Halal Lifestyle

• Perfumery
• Cosmetics & Body Care
• Leather
• Clothing & Fashion
• Pharmaceutical Products