The Halal industry has become a multi-trillion dollar business, with Halal food and non-food products generating an estimated US $2.1 trillion a year.
The total Halal market is growing at US $500 billion a year, while the Halal food market alone is worth an estimated US $150 billion a year according to Meat Livestock Australia (MLA). Globally, Halal products are expected to continue to see growth rates of 10-20% annually for the next couple of years, leading to an increase in Halal suppliers, as more food exporters look to tap into this lucrative market.
“A lot more producers are getting their products Halal certified because they want to enter the Middle Eastern market,” said Ingo Maass, executive chef, JW Marriott Hotel Dubai.
Halal has many regulations concerning food. Any products that come from a pig are forbidden. Alcohol, even for cooking, is also not allowed, while carnivorous animals and birds of prey are also off the menu. Strict slaughtering laws exist to ensure that animals are drained of all blood, and feel minimal pain. Animals reared for consumption should also only be served Halal foods in their daily feed.
Animals can only be slaughtered by certified Muslim slaughtermen, and again many regulations have to be adhered to in order for the food to be labelled Halal, regardless of country of original. Australia, for example, is the world’s largest supplier of meats and livestock, overseen by MLA, an organisation with a growing presence in the Middle East, and dedicated operations in Bahrain.
The Middle East is the largest buyer of Australian mutton and is also the largest market for Australian lamb. Last year Australia exported more than 93,000 tonnes of meat to the Middle East and Africa region according to the MLA.
“The Muslim consumer constitutes the core of what is arguably the biggest market sector in the food industry. Australia’s growing reputation as a reliable supplier of safe wholesome Halal meat has been a contributing factor in the increased demand for Australian meat throughout the world. Australian meat exports to the Middle East in 2007 increased by 24% in comparison to the same period for 2006,” said Rodney Sims, technical manager, MLA, Bahrain.
Worldwide, there are 16 countries that consume Halal products and 12 International Halal Authorities that regulate the industry and certify its products. Other countries exporting a large amount of Halal food include Malaysia and Brazil.
Malaysia is currently building a Halal food park worth US $18 million, due to start operation by 2008. The park is expected to produce 200 metric tonnes of Halal products a day when at full capacity, exporting 60% throughout the world.
Woolliscroft pointed out that contracting for outside catering allowed companies to focus on their core business while keeping employees productive. “Feedback from clients has been that they are also finding increased productivity, plus the retention of employees and recruitment has improved 10-fold in places with tasty food being a key pointer for some employees.”
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