Halal refers to food and beverages that are prepared and consumed in accordance with Islamic dietary guidelines. Halal food items are becoming increasingly popular among consumers due to their strict adherence to halal regulations, which prohibit the inclusion of any haram substances in the primary product. As a result, these food products offer numerous benefits over conventional food products.
The increasing demand for vegan food and beverages and the introduction of halal-certified products by manufacturers are expected to drive growth in the halal food market in the MENA region. Key players are launching vegan products due to changing consumer attitudes towards animal cruelty. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the food supply chain, leading to labor shortages and import and export issues that have impacted consumption and sales. Additionally, concerns over food safety and hygiene have decreased demand for meat products during the pandemic, negatively affecting the industry. The MENA market for halal food generated a revenue of US$ 192.6 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.15% from 2023 to 2030.
Prominent Companies in the MENA Halal Food Industry:
- Cargill Inc.
Cargill Inc. is a privately owned American global food corporation established in 1865, located in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and incorporated in Wilmington, Delaware. It operates in 70 countries and is engaged in various industries, including crop and livestock, raw materials, food, health and pharmaceuticals, industrial and financial risk management, and agricultural services. In 2021, BASF and Cargill moved the relationship beyond pure distribution agreements into the joint development of new enzyme technologies and applications.
- Al-Islami Foods
AI Islami Foods is a privately held company established in 1970 and located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It operates in 70 countries and is engaged in various industries, including food and beverage, food processing, and manufacturing.
- BRF
BRF was founded in 1934 and is headquartered in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. It operates in over 117 countries and is engaged in various industries, including meats, processed foods, margarines, pasta, pizzas, and frozen vegetables.
- Agthia
Agthia is a privately held company established in 2004 and located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It operates in 7 countries and is mainly engaged in food and beverages. In 2022, Agthia Group’s net profit also rose 14 percent to 247 million dirhams, while the total assets of the firm stood at 6.8 billion dirhams as of December 2022.
- Fine Foods
Fine Foods is a privately held company established in 1982 and located in Nishiku, Fukuoka, Japan. It operates in 11 countries and is engaged in various industries, including food and beverage, food processing, and manufacturing. In 2023, fine foods’ share prices up 33% in the month of April.
- Rhodes Food Group Holdings Ltd.
Rhodes Food Group Holdings Ltd. was established in 1896 and is located in Cape Town, South Africa. It operates in 13 countries and is engaged in various industries, including food production, processing, and distribution.
- Global Food Industries, LLC
Global Food Industries, LLC, was established in 1992 and is headquartered in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. It operates in and is engaged in various industries, including FMCG manufacturing, distribution, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, engineering, real estate, healthcare, home and personal care, retail, and home products.
- Alpha Fine Foods
Alpha Fine Foods was established in 1997 and is located in Nairobi, Kenya. It operates in and is engaged in various industries, including fine foods, including meats, poultry, and seafood.
*Definition: Halal pertains to the Islamic method of animal or poultry slaughter known as dhabiha, which entails making an incision on the jugular vein, carotid artery, and trachea to cause death.
