Making halal part of a healthy lifestyle

AT AL ISLAMI Foods, consumer satisfaction is the essence of everything the halal food-processing manufacturer does. Since its inception in 1981, the management at Al Islami has carried a vision to provide real halal food to customers and to date has gone about achieving this objective with integrity, relentless dedication and absolute professionalism. Recipient of the "Best Halal Food" accolade at the Gulfood 2010 awards (see more on page 38) is the most recent testament to its status of a pioneer in the regional halal food industry. Speaking recently with Food Manufacturing Journal - Middle East, Mr Joachim Yebouet, chief operating officer at the Dubai-based firm, shared his aspirations, the company's vision and its robust growth going forward. What comprises the business portfolio of Al Islami Foods? The company's business portfolio encompasses the International and UAE divisions of Al Islami Foods; Al Farooj Fresh, a fast-casual chain of restaurants; Al Islami Cart, a food kiosk and for franchising; Al Islami Meat Shops for purveying fresh chicken, mutton, lamb and beef as well as the dry food category, such as canned tuna, beans, honey and dates. What are core operating principles do Al Islami Foods? How does the Group remain committed to them, given the company's colossal profile? Al Islami Foods operates on a core set of values, which ensure that consumers are provided with quality halal food, bearing in mind their health and nutrition. Adherence to these values comes from the commitment to follow the vision of the management, based on those set by our managing director, Mr Saleh Abdullah Lootah, himself. Since inception, our focus and investment have been on key areas of research and development, quality assurance/quality management, world-class processes and people. All key factors in collaboration contribute to our commitment to our consumers and their families, providing them with the best halal products with the highest levels of value additives. We are promoting halal food on the basis of our religious affinities but based on their nutritional attributes too, hoping to engage a more diversified consumer base - Joachim Yebouet, Chief Operating Officer, Al Islami Foods What guidelines are followed at abattoirs to ensure the quality and sanctity of halal products? Al Islami Foods adheres to stringent Shariah laws to ensure the quality and sanctity of halal products. The abattoirs are closely monitored & supervised by appointed authorities and Al Islami product managers. The animal is reared and raised on halal feed and then slaughtered if healthy and of a permitted age. Slaughter is performed by a Muslim man facing Qibla (Kaa'bah) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Before slaughtering, the butcher must invoke Almighty Allah's name. The knife must be extremely sharp so that the slaughter is conducted swiftly with minimal pain to the animal. The knife must not be lifted before the cut is complete and should be below the Adam's apple. After slaughtering, the animal should be completely dead before processing and skinning takes place. Utmost hygiene is maintained at every stage to maintain the vitality and freshness of the product. With growing popularity of halal food, is the company targeting a 'Muslims-only' audience or is it hoping to engage non-Muslims, too? Today, consumers are very educated in terms of their nutrition, health and food consumption and realise that halal products are not just categorised by slaughtering methods but hold a higher hygiene value too. Halal products have a longer shelf life, higher nutritional value & contribute significantly to the vitality and health of the consumers. Therefore, we are not only promoting halal food on the basis of our religious affinities but based on their nutritional attributes too, hoping to engage a more diversifieTest running, chaussures, montres cardio gps et habits sports