Halal Market Overview

Countries across the globe, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, have boosted income from food exports by joining a growing consumer market force particularly Muslim and those who needs extra guarantees on food safety and quality products. Introducing a halal standard in 2004, Malaysia has managed to secure a market share of billions worldwide. Seeing the potential, even non-Muslim countries have started to take important steps to produce food and non-food in conformity with the standard. The halal standard does not cover just food. It also has rules regarding the transporting, packaging, labelling and logistics of foods; preparation procedures are also analyzed to ensure their accordance with halal standards, HACCP, GMP and other recognized safety/quality standards and compliances. These standards are applied to food processing plant, hotel operations, pharmacies, cosmetics, medical and many other businesses.
The growth of Halal food market represents a significant potential for international companies, not only in Muslim countries but also, in western markets with significant and growing Muslim populations among whom Halal observance is on the increase.
The concept of halal is not confined to food itself. Halal products and services also include cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, clothing, financial services, and even tour packages. With so many to offer, the trade in halal products and services could potentially hit trillions of US dollars annually.
USD2.1 trillion
Annual global market value for the entire Halal trade
USD900 million
Annual retail sales of Halal meat in the United Kingdom
1.6 billion
Present gobal Muslim population
1 billion
Muslim population in Asia
3 billion
Estimated global Muslim population in 2010
source: Third industrial Master Plan

What is Halal

Halal has become the buzz word with regards to food, although its relevancy in fact extends to non-food areas such as personal care & cosmetics products, pharmaceuticals, other consumer goods, finance and services. Halalan Toyibban simply means permissible and wholesome, and this concept is founded on Syariah laws. Toyibban denotes food that is safe, clean, nutritious and of good quality. The general principle concerning food according to Islamic teachings is that everything is halal except impurities, and that which is harmful and intoxicating. That which is classified as non-halal or ‘haram’ is forbidden and prohibited for Muslims. Any food or drink which lies within the grey area between halal and haram is classified as ‘Syubhah’, and Muslims should avoid consuming Syubhah food or drinks until the status of the food or drink becomes clear.
In Malaysia, the definition of halal food and its guidelines are provided by the Malaysian Standard “MS1500:2004: Halal Food – Production, Preparation, Handling & Storage – General Guideline (First Revision)”. To be certified halal under the Malaysian standard, the food must fulfill the following requirements:
Does not contain any parts or products of animals that are non-halal to Muslims or products of animals which are not slaughtered according to Shari’ah law
Does not contain any ingredients that are Najs (filth or unclean) according to Shari’ah law
Is safe and not harmful
Is not prepared processed or manufactured using equipment that is contaminated with things that are Najs according to Shari’ah law
The food or its ingredients do not contain any human parts or its derivates that are not permitted by Shari’ah law
And during its preparation, processing, packaging, storage or transportation, the food is physically separated from any other food that does not meet the requirements stated in a, b, c, d, or e or any other things that have been decreed as Najs by Shari’ah law
Read more in the Knowledge Centre (www.knowledge.hdcglobal.com).

Discover Halal

Halal has become the “buzz” word with regards to food and is fast becoming a requirement for many Muslims and surprisingly non-Muslims globally. Yet, there is still a lack of understanding with regards to its definition and its potential. Moreover, there is also a lack of availability of up-to-date information on halal integrity as well as the halal industry in general.Here, Halal Knowledge Centre invites you to explore the world of halalan toyibban. To begin with, halalan toyibban simply means permissible and wholesome, and this covers not only food but also pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics and other consumer goods. References and resources with regards to halalan toyibban will be explained in terms of halal know-how, industry know-how and market know-how. Exploring the halal know-how will reveal the definitions and principles that lie beyond the concepts of halalan toyibban. This section encompasses the guidelines for certification and compliance, experts and expertise available and current issues surrounding the halal world today.