HALAL

The international Halal market is a global marketplace where Halal products of different types are traded. At present, the total trade exceeds 1 trillion US dollars. Traditionally, the trade has encompassed primarily food products and meat, in particular. Now the share of foods in the global Halal trade is around 60%. The other 40% are taken by other sectors of the economy. These are all industries where animal-based ingredients and materials are used extensively.

The ingredients sector, pharmaceutical sector, cosmetics sector, textile and clothing section, leather and leather goods sector and leisure and hospitality sector all offer Halal products. Each of these industries follows its own set of Halal standards based on Islamic laws. All companies in these sectors have the opportunity to enter the Halal trade to increase their sales, maximize their profits and grow. Each sector and its products are presented below.

Food, Food Products and Beverages

This sector’s share corresponds to nearly 60% of the whole global Halal market. It is a natural leader primarily for the strong traditions of Halal food consumption. It is essential for Muslims to consume food and beverages which match their religious beliefs and which are perfectly safe and of excellent quality.

The most widely traded Halal food product is meat. It is followed by processed foods and drinks of various types. Some common examples include canned vegetables and fruit, sauces, processed juices, crisps, cereals, processed dairy products, carbonated drinks and frozen meals. Bakery and confectionery products are also traded in the international Halal market, even though their share is significantly smaller.

The Halal standards for food, food products and beverages cover all operations which businesses perform before the product reaches the consumer. They have guidelines for the sources of food and for food production, which has to be based on the traditionally established Halal practices. There are strict standards for the preparation of food products with various types of ingredients. The standards set strict guidelines on how food should be handled and stored.

The comprehensiveness of the standards ensures that consumers can purchase and consume only products of exceptional quality. At the same time, it helps businesses to become competitive without using a company-specific or product-specific competitive advantage. This is how the Halal food standards bring benefits to both consumers and businesses.

Ingredients

In modern times, ingredients derived from animals are used for the making of many different types of products. For instance, milk is used for the making of condensed milk which is processed food. Similarly, chemical compounds extracted from the tissues and cells of animals are used for the making of pharmaceutical and cosmetics products. For Muslim consumers, it is important to use products whose ingredients comply fully with the Shariah and the Halal standards based on it.

The manufacturers of ingredients, raw materials and additives certify their products and manufacturing process in order to gain more business opportunities. With Halal certification, their products are in higher demand by all other industries which offer consumer goods. This is a profitable business opportunity which is exploited by more and more companies in the ingredients sector.

Pharmaceutical Products

The pharmaceutical products have a growing share in the international Halal market. In order to receive certification, the manufacturers must meet the Halal standards for product preparation and handling. The major focus is on the use of ingredients and materials which are Halal certified. The Halal certified pharmaceutical products in the market include medications, supplements and preventative care products.

Cosmetics

The cosmetics products are among the most recent entrants to the Halal market. Their share has been growing at a remarkable rate. There are two major reasons for this. Firstly, the number of cosmetics products used by the average consumer has grown dramatically. Additionally, serious concerns have been raised about the use of haraam (forbidden) ingredients which are not only against the religious beliefs of Muslim consumers, but may also pose a serious threat to human health.

All Halal certified cosmetics products meet the standards for product preparation and handling. They are based on Halal ingredients only. Muslim and non-Muslim consumers can use these products with complete confidence about their personal health and wellbeing. They can expect the best possible results from cosmetic treatments as well.