UAE-based companies certified to use new Halal mark

THE food and beverage industry is gearing up fast to meet growth in the Halal food market. Now accounting for one-fifth of global food trade, Halal food is expected to reach US$1.6 trillion by 2018. The Global Futures and Foresights Study expects the figure to grow to $10 trillion by 2030. As Halal food consumption accelerates, effective standards are being set in place in the GCC, spearheaded by the UAE.

At the Halal Investment Conference held in Gulfood 2015, the Emirates Authority for Standardisation & Metrology (ESMA)  launched the ‘Halal Mark’, which encompasses the entire food process, from farm to slaughter, as well as the use of ingredients. The new standard for Islamic food industry is in line with Dubai’s vision to become a global Islamic Economy capital.

Two UAE-based companies are officially certified to use the national Halal mark. Announced at the Conference, they are Global Food Industries, a frozen food manufacturer in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi based food and beverage firm, Agthia. Meanwhile, products including meat from New Zealand and Australia will be the first to be subjected to the certification, according to ESMA.

It is expected that within the next two years, all products entering the GCC will carry the new stamp of quality.