In 2020, there were 1.9 billion Muslims all over the globe, representing 26% of the world's population. In addition to citizens of their respective countries, they also feel a sense of belonging to the global Muslim community. 

The halal segment

Catalonia concentrates one of the main agri-food sectors in Europe and directs its offer to the demand of different consumer and market segments. In the Halal section, it is positioned as a leader in Spain for food and beverages certified with this seal of guarantee.

A market of more than 1.5 trillion euros

Halal Chart

The global Halal food and beverage market reached 1.55 trillion euros in 2020, and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% is projected over the 2020-2025 period.

It has emerged as a new growth sector in the global economy, with a strong presence in developed countries. The markets with the highest projection are the fast-growing economies of Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Europe and America.

Until the last decade, there was significant demand for Halal food from countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. However, this market segment has increased demand in countries such as the United States, Germany, Australia and India due to the preference of consumers, both Muslim and non-Muslim, for Halal food and beverages. 

 

This dietary option goes beyond the Muslim consumer, as Halal-certified foods are increasingly perceived as more controlled and transparent, and as a guarantee of safety, hygiene and reliability, in parallel with the growing interest in consuming organic and natural foods and beverages, which add to this trend.

The expected increase in the supply of Halal food and beverages in shops, supermarkets and hypermarkets due to demand from Muslim and non-Muslim consumers, both internationally and in Europe, will contribute to the growth forecasts for this segment in the coming years. At the same time, the adoption of different marketing strategies, such as product innovation, and the expansion and customisation of the product range, with standardised flavours, makes it possible to offer a more diverse range of products accessible to consumers.

New European trend

The exponential growth of the European Muslim population in recent years and the increase in purchasing power have led to the emergence of a new segment of fully integrated urban population that wants to maintain traditional practices without giving up sophistication.

As the Muslim world changes and globalisation trends continue to shape the tastes, habits and spending patterns of consumers worldwide, the growth of Halal food and beverages is expected to increase market share in Europe and become part of spending patterns no longer associated with a religious component, but with an interest in safe and healthy food. 

The European Halal food and beverage market is still very fragmented, and the main manufacturers focus on expanding their presence and developing products, as well as on participation in associations, mergers and acquisitions, to meet the growing needs of consumers.

United States, Halal health

Concern for health and nutrition among non-Muslim Americans promotes the Halal food and beverage market, which is based on the idea of hygiene and freshness. At the same time, the government imposes strict rules and regulations to regulate the Halal industry and avoid fraudulent practices.

Asia-Pacific: the fastest-growing market

The Asia-Pacific region has the largest Muslim population, and the Halal food and beverage market in the area is expected to record a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% during the 2020–2025 period.

The migration of people from areas with a Muslim tradition to other regions is part of the dynamics that drive a significant increase in the Muslim population in Asia-Pacific and, consequently, also increases demand for Halal food and beverages. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, and to drive the development of the sector with the inclusion of ancillary storage, handling, transport and delivery industries.

A potential market on the rise 

In 2020, there were 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide, representing 26% of the world population. Likewise, Islam is the second largest religion in the world. 

The number of Muslims is expected to rise to 2.8 billion by 2050, a figure that would represent 30% of the world population. 62% of the Muslim population is concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region. A decrease in the proportion is expected in countries such as Indonesia, India and Pakistan. As a result, the region's share of the global total will be 53% in 2050. The Middle East-North Africa region is predominantly Muslim and will maintain the same percentage, 20% of the world population, in 2050. 

Catalonia Halal infographic

 

 

Mobile Halal infographic

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does Halal mean?

Halal is the Arabic term that Islam reserves for everything permitted and lawful in relation to consumption, behaviour and actions, which must meet ethical, health and wellbeing requirements, in accordance with the Quran and Sharia, and with the teachings of Islamic jurists of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy مجمع الفقه الإسلامي الدولي of the countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation OIC.
The maxim that inspires the Halal concept is Muslims' consideration that life is sacred, and this belief extends to any kind of living being. Therefore, when a living being is slaughtered, the purpose must be survival. 

Which foods are Halal?

All foods are Halal except the following:

  • Meat and meat derivatives from dead animals
  • Blood, except that contained in meat slaughtered according to the Halal procedure
  • Pork meat and derivatives
  • Animals over which a name other than Allah has been invoked
  • Birds and animals with fangs and claws
  • Alcohol, alcoholic beverages, poisonous or harmful substances, and intoxicating plants or beverages
  • Parts cut from a live animal
  • All ingredients from animals not slaughtered in the Halal manner
  • Gelatine from pork or from animals not slaughtered with the Halal procedure
  • Additives of pork origin, from animals not slaughtered with the Halal procedure, insects, non-permitted animals, ethyl alcohol or their derivatives
  • Products made or exposed during production to cross-contamination, whose raw material is not Halal or that fail to comply with Halal standards and procedures
What does Haram mean?

The word Haram refers to everything that Islam prohibits, both in terms of use, consumption, application or handling. It is considered unlawful, harmful, noxious and abusive. 

Haram foods are the following:

  • Meat and meat derivatives from dead animals
  • Blood, except that contained in meat slaughtered according to the Halal procedure
  • Pork meat and derivatives
  • Animals over which a name other than Allah has been invoked
  • Birds and animals with fangs and claws
  • Alcohol, alcoholic beverages, poisonous or harmful substances, and intoxicating plants or beverages
  • Parts cut from a live animal
  • All ingredients from animals not slaughtered in the Halal manner
  • Gelatine from pork or from animals not slaughtered with the Halal procedure
  • Additives of pork origin, from animals not slaughtered with the Halal procedure, insects, non-permitted animals, ethyl alcohol or their derivatives
  • Products made or exposed during production to cross-contamination, whose raw material is not Halal or that fail to comply with Halal standards and procedures
What is Halal certification?

Halal certification is a quality seal that guarantees that the product contains no contamination with non-Halal products, either in its ingredients or in its preparation or manufacturing process.

Halal certification must be issued by an accredited certification body in order to be reliable. Only accredited certification bodies have demonstrated to an independent third party their competence and impartiality to provide the certification service. In Spain, the accreditation body is ENAC, and certificates issued by accredited bodies include the ENAC mark.

Are all Halal certificates the same?

No. In addition to being backed by an accreditation body, the Halal certificate must be recognised by an Islamic authority. Halal certification bodies may hold one or more international accreditations corresponding to a geographical area. In the Gulf countries, the GCC Accreditation Center and ESMA operate; in Malaysia and Singapore, JAKIM operates; in Indonesia, MUI; in Turkey, GIMDES and HAK.

When choosing a Halal certificate, the company must assess which market it intends to send the products to, and check which Halal certificate is recognised by the reference Islamic authority for that market and that product category.

Through this website, and in collaboration with accredited Halal certification bodies based in Spain, we provide information on the recognitions and scope of each Halal guarantee seal.

Do all foods have to be certified?

No. Unprocessed foods do not require certification. However, most products have undergone some kind of processing and will therefore have to go through a certification process to obtain the guarantee seal.

Products that do not require Halal certification include:

  • Fresh, unprocessed fruit and vegetables
  • Cereals without transformation or processing. In the case of flours, for example, certification is required
  • Eggs in shell
  • Fresh fish and seafood

Frozen fish and seafood do require certification, as it is necessary to guarantee that the ingredients added for proper preservation are Halal.

Products such as honey, water, oil, salt or sugar also require Halal certification.

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