Alimentaria 2026 puts the spotlight on halal opportunities for the agri-food sector

On 24 March 2026, as part of Alimentaria 2026, the 4th International Halal Congress will take place, a session focused on analysing this segment's growth potential internationally. The halal market is currently a global industry worth more than one trillion euros and maintaining sustained expansion, especially in Asia, the Gulf states and various European markets.

In Europe, the Muslim population accounts for around 8% of the total, with significant growth forecast in the coming years. Estimates for 2030 suggest this figure could reach 10.3% in France, 10.2% in Belgium, 9.9% in Sweden, 7% in the United Kingdom and around 4% in Spain. This demographic context, combined with greater purchasing power and growing demand for more sophisticated products, is driving the diversification of the halal offer beyond the meat sector.

Opportunities for the meat sector and new product segments

The congress will focus on the opportunities for the meat sector and its derivatives, as well as the impact that growing halal demand has on business innovation. Adapting production processes, certification and traceability are key to accessing certain markets.

At the same time, demand for halal products extends to categories such as snacks, beverages and plant-based products, opening up new positioning options for companies with the capacity to adapt and an international outlook.

Round tables and market focus

The programme includes a general session to discuss key issues in the halal segment, such as growing demand, innovation and diversification, with speakers from industry bodies including Javier Albarracin, of Barcelona Halal Services, Muhammad Escudero, of Instituto Halal, Josep Friguls, chair of ANAFRIC, and Susanna Barquin, head of the Meat and Halal sector. Representatives of Catalan companies will also take part, including Gustavo Alonso, of Isla Délice, Pol Viñals, of Viñals Soler, Maricel Novell, of Frinuts, Diana Sabrain, of OneAgrix and Angelo Ferrara, of Holle baby food AG.

Also organised are three country-business round tables focusing on the United Kingdom, Indonesia and Spain. International experts will present consumption trends, regulatory requirements and import dynamics, providing practical information for companies interested in operating in these destinations.

In addition, the day will include two halal showcooking sessions, one devoted to Catalan gastronomy adapted to halal criteria and another focused on a Ramadan recipe selection featuring Moroccan cuisine. These activities reinforce the gastronomic and cultural dimension of the segment and its capacity to generate added value. Prodeca and the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food are organising the Catalan Gastronomy Showcooking, led by chef Tomás Brull, on Tuesday 24 at 1.30 pm. Reserve your place at hola@inspiragastronomia.com.

Specialist knowledge for decision-making

Taking part in the congress will be Susanna Barquín, head of the meat and halal sector at Prodeca, providing technical insight on internationalisation and market development. The event is therefore a space for strategic updating for companies looking to explore the halal segment as a lever for international growth.

The 4th International Halal Congress is therefore a meeting point for identifying real business opportunities, learning about trends and getting ahead of demand that continues to gain weight in several priority markets.