Brussels confab to focus on emerging Halal markets

BRUSSELS, Oct 23, (KUNA): The global Halal economy has grown exponentially over the past decade.

Halal food expenditures in North America and Europe were estimated to be USD 48 billion in 2015, according to an expert on Halal markets.

Iqbal Ahmed Qureshi, Director of ‘Halal Food Council of Europe’ (HFCE) told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), here today “that along with this growth we have witnessed increased regulations by governments and Halal agencies in some Muslim countries.” Halal foods means foods that are allowed to be eaten by Muslims according to Islamic Law (Sharia).

He said that 7th International Halal Conference organised by HFCE in Brussels on Monday and Tuesday (2425 Oct) will focus on Halal emerging markets.

“This year is shaping up to be a landmark year for Halal certification. We see new markets opening up. More countries adopting national Halal standards, and more regulators formalizing the halal certification body,” said Qureshi.

He noted that the two-day meeting will provide speakers from Arab and the Muslim world as well as from Europe a platform for discussion between industry, Halal certifying bodies, and government representatives on understanding of the trends for Halal guidelines and accreditation over the next decade.

Qureshi noted that “over the past 18 months, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Pakistan have instituted halal standards and we will hear about changes in other emerging Halal markets like in Croatia and the rest of the Balkans.” The Halal Food Council of Europe (HFCE) was registered in Brussels, Belgium in 2010 as an Islamic organization dedicated to research in the fields related to halal and has a network of certification bodies around the world.