Kuwait to host Gulf Conference on Halal industry and its services next month

KUWAIT, 27th April, 2014 (WAM) -- Kuwait will play host to third Gulf Conference on Halal industry and its services next month.

Titled "Developments in the Halal Industry", the conference will attract a constellation of scholars, thinkers and specialists, according to the Ministry of Awqaf statement.

By hosting this gathering, the Ministry of Awqaf is seeking to focus on, and keep abreast of developments in the Halal industry and to review Halal-related affairs from an Islamic legal and health perspective, Minister of Justice, Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Nayef Al-Ajmi was quoted by the Kuwaiti news agency as saying.

The event is primarily intended to conduct a foundational and Islamic legal review of the fundamental principles, legal canons and edicts related to the Halal industry, cope with developments in the Halal industry and promote investment in the Halal industry, he pointed out.

The minister hoped the conference will come up with concrete recommendations that could contribute to setting out Halal industry controls and rules and to spurring the finding of alternatives to non-Halal services.

Source: http://www.zawya.com/story/Kuwait_to_host_Gulf_Conference_on_Halal_industry_and_its_services_next_month-WAM20140427065030137/

Government Of Canada Improves Labeling Of Halal Food Products

OTTAWA - After extensive industry consultation the Government of Canada has amended the Food and Drug Regulations to provide consumers with more information about how food labelled as halal are made.
Halal claims on food labels, packaging or advertising material must now include the name of the certifying body. This will provide consumers with assurances that the food meets a certifying body's standard and allow them to obtain specific information about the standards the food has met.
This change will also provide consistency for industry and help prevent mislabelling practices and claims regarding halal food products.
This change does not affect food safety. Halal products sold in Canada are still required to meet Canada's stringent food safety standards. These requirements will apply to both domestic and imported products.

Source: http://www.perishablenews.com/index.php?article=0036153

Buffalo meat plan to boost Halal Industry

LAHORE  - Vice Chancellor of University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Prof Talat Naseer Pasha, has said that work on a buffalo meat plan is in progress under which country’s Halal meat will be introduced at high level to boost to meat farming.
Talking to APP here on Sunday, he said the growth rate of Halal meat export last year was 34 percent which could be raised to 55 percent which was the highest growth rate in any field of export.
He said that there was no any proper farming for meat in the country and animals were being exported after slaughtering without making pieces. Under the buffalo meat plan, quality Halal meat of calves would be presented at an exhibition to be held next month. All diplomats and businessmen will be invited to the exhibition planned by Punjab Halal Development Agency and UVAS, he added. The financial needs of the plan are being fulfilled by the USAID.
Last year, Pakistan exported red meat worth US$ 120 million which might be increased as the Halal export meat industry is sharply growing in the world, he added.
Responding to a question, he said that establishment of an authentication lab in the country was the need of the hour as worldwide demand for Halal products was sharply increasing.
He said the Halal industry was rapidly growing in the world as its trade volume was $.3 trillion and its 80 percent share was with non-Muslim states.
There is great potential in Pakistan to a take sizeable share in the trade, he added.
He said that setting up of Halal Regulatory Authority which was under consideration by the ministry concerned would give our Halal products an important marketing feature.
Prof. Pasha said that Middle East countries and Iran were big importers of Halal meat and Pakistan being a Muslim country in the region was in a position to export Halal meat to them at low costs as compared to European countries.
He said that UVAS was providing certification facilities thorough its international standard lab which had been accreditation by WHO.

Source: http://www.nation.com.pk/business/21-Apr-2014/buffalo-meat-plan-to-boost-halal-industry

Global Halal Cosmetics and Personal Care Market 2014-2018 - Increase of Muslim Population to Spur Growth

The Global Halal Cosmetics and Personal Care market to grow at a CAGR of 13% to 2018.

One of the major drivers in the market is the growing Muslim population. This increase in the Muslim population has increased the consumption of these products as Muslims are the potential and primary consumers of the products. The major consumers of these products are the APAC region and the MEA region as these are the densely-populated Muslim regions.

The rapid growth in non-Muslim countries offers huge potential for the Global Halal Cosmetics and Personal Care market. Though Halal cosmetics witness huge demand in regions populated by Muslims, a significant contribution is being witnessed from the non-Muslim economies. Currently, Halal cosmetics and personal care products are widely accepted by other communities as they are considered safe, of high quality, and to have been prepared using hygienic procedures. Moreover, the integrity of the cosmetics is maintained during the production process. Hence, there is huge potential for the global market to grow during the forecast period because of the increased acceptance of and demand for the products in the developed non-Muslim countries.

Further, the report states that the certification of products by authentic bodies is a major challenge hindering the growth of the market. Certification issues are generally noticed in products exported by local markets. These certification issues may lead to numerous consumers losing confidence in the products' Halal status and stop purchasing them.

Source: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20140416005532/en/Research-Markets-Global-Halal-Cosmetics-Personal-Care#.U0-ExFWSxOI

Halal vaccines “to be ready in three years”

The world’s first halal vaccines, currently being developed by Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, are expected to be ready in three years, reported the Malaysian news agency Bernama.

An unnamed Saudi corporation is reportedly ready to invest $100 million (72.1 million euros) in collaboration with the Malaysian Industry Development Corporation (HDC) to develop vaccines meant for treating meningitis, hepatitis and meningococcal. Existing vaccines for the three diseases are currently pork-based; pork is forbidden in Islam. The need for meningitis vaccines in particularly is therefore a pressing one, since it is required for those who head to Mecca for the annual Muslim pilgrimage (Hajj).

Local and international health scientists, in coordination with Shariah experts, will be producing the alternative vaccines from animal extracts slaughtered according to Islamic teachings.

“The halal vaccines will help alleviate fears and doubts among Muslims on the integrity of the products,” said the Malaysian minister of international trade and industry.

HDC, established in 2006 to coordinate the overall development of the halal industry, will be working with the Saudi company to set up a production facility for the development of the vaccines at the Enstek Halal Park, Malaysia.

“Pork-free vaccines will be in high demand, not only among Muslims but also non-Muslims. People will go for the alternative once they know about it. After developing these three vaccines, we will continue to produce others,” said Datuk Seri Jamil Bidin, HDC Chief Executive Officer.

The announcement of a three-year time frame for the halal vaccines was made by the Malaysian trade and industry minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed on the opening day of the World Halal Week 2014 (WHW 2014)currently taking place in Kuala Lumpur.

WHW 2014, a Malaysian initiative, runs from April 9 to April 12 and aims to bring together business corporations to negotiate and promote halal production programs around the world.

This year’s WHW has expanded to six halls with 620 booths, an increase of approximately 19.7 per cent in comparison with 2013, according to Bernama.

Sources: http://www.euronews.com/2014/04/10/halal-vaccines-to-be-ready-in-three-years-/

ICD and Emirates Future sign MoU on halal food industry

ABU DHABI, April 10th 2014 (WAM) -- Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the private sector (ICD), a member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, and the Emirates Future (EF) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has to promote economic development and encourage the flow of investments between Member countries through the creation, expansion and modernisation of institutions and private sector companies.

ICD and EF would like to establish a strategic partnership in order to strengthen the system of food security in the Islamic World and developing the halal food industry in the world. In addition, they aim to improve halal food quality and reliability using the latest food technology, agricultural research and certification systems around the world.

Practically, the parties agreed to develop a plan of joint cooperation to enter new markets, investments insurance and building strategic alliances with the relevant companies in ICD members? countries. Furthermore, ICD will examine the possibility to establish an investment partnership with EF in order to create and manage hubs of manufacturing, packaging, certification and distribution of halal food around the world. The memorandum of understanding included the support of food security and agribusiness fund which ICD is creating with a group of investors in the Gulf region. In addition, the parties will study jointly the possibility of establishing an international company to manufacture and distribute Halal Gelatin.

Mr. Khaled Al-Aboodi, the Chief Executive Officer of ICD, commented, "The cooperation between ICD and EF will rend their activities more effective and useful for the sectors of food security and halal food all over the world. The partners fully realize the multiple benefits that they will gain through this cooperation." H.E Humaid Al Neyadi, Chairman of Emirates Future Group, commented that, "the coordination between the private sector and the international development institutions has a big role in developing the food security sector in the Islamic world and boosting the development of the halal food industry around the world, including the support to overcome the obstacles and ensure the economic feasibility of this sector." He also assured the role of the United Arab Emirates in supporting food security activities worldwide.

The parties agreed to meet after the signing of this memorandum in order to develop a detailed road map for the implementation of this cooperation framework.


Sources: https://www.zawya.com/story/ICD_and_Emirates_Future_sign_MoU_on_halal_food_industry-WAM20140410150029744/

Vast opportunities to promote livestock, Halal products in Punjab: Shahbaz

Sunday, April 06, 2014 - Lahore—Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that vast opportunities for promotion of livestock and Halal products sectors exist in Punjab. He said that Pakistan can earn huge foreign exchange through increasing exports of Halal products. He welcomed the cooperation of Malaysian group in Halal products.

He expressed these views during a meeting with the delegation of prominent Malaysian group MMC Corporation. The delegation included Chairman MMC Corporation Syed Mukhtar-ul-Bukhari, Regional President for Asia Yahya Idrees, Ali Mehmood and other officials. Provincial Minister for Education Rana Mashhood Ahmad and Director General LDA were also present on the occasion. MMC Corporation expressed keen interest in enhancing cooperation in Halal products and construction sector in Punjab.

Talking to Malaysian delegation, the Chief Minister said that Punjab is an agrarian province and its economy mostly depends upon agri-products and livestock. He said that Punjab government is taking solid measures for the promotion of Halal products and uplift of livestock sector. He said that there is great potential with regard to Halal products and livestock in Punjab. 

The Chief Minister said that a modern slaughterhouse has been set up at a cost of two billion rupees in Lahore where meat is being provided to the citizens according to hygienic principles and international standard. He said that Punjab government is also paying attention to the exports of Halal products. 

He said that there is great demand of Halal products in Malaysia and Gulf states. Shahbaz Sharif while welcoming the cooperation of Malaysian group in Halal products said that MMC Corporation should also consider the possibility of cooperation with Punjab government in other sectors. He assured that all possible facilities would be provided to the Malaysian group on priority basis.

Chairman MMC Corporation, Syed Mukhtar-ul-Bukhari said that development vision of Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has greatly impressed him and his group will promote cooperation with Punjab government in Halal meat and poultry.

Source: http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=238699

MIHAS 2014 set in conjunction with World Halal Week

World Halal Week 2014 (WHW 2014) is set to open its doors to welcome thousands of participants and guests consisting of local and foreign companies, business leaders, scholars, government agencies and trade organizations from all over the world.
The WHW 2014 will run from April 9 to 12 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) with the theme "Energizing halal business growth.’’
A collaborative effort under the patronage of the Malaysian Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), WHW 2014 is organized with the coordination of two different organizations - Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and the World Halal Conference (WHC) by Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC).
Last year, MIHAS 2013 recorded some RM411 million in negotiated and immediate sales during incoming buying mission programme (IBM) bringing the total sales for both IBM and during the 4-day exhibition to RM798.73 million.
Hadzizi Noor Shahidan of the corporate communication unit responsible for the media hospitality program said: "For 2013, eight companies from Saudi Arabia participated in MIHAS 20; most of the companies were interested in importing food products such as sauces and paste, blended oil, soap noodles, other oleo chemicals, palm oil-based products, preparfood, health drinks, refine palm oil, cooking oil other, cooking oil other than palm oil as well as first-aid kit of toiletries such as cotton buds, cotton balls, nail polish remover with sponge, bar toilet soap.
In addition, some companies were interested to explore on products such as perfumery, cosmetics and personal and body care for face scrub, body scrub, hair gel, hair food, hair serum, hair mousse, hair care, body care, nail care, hygienic products."
Speaking to Arab News, he said: "In terms of import value last year, the participants recorded an amount $2.40 million out of $128 million, which is almost 2 percent of the total purchasing value. This year, MIHAS 2014, as part of MIHAS’s attraction, the incoming buying mission (IBM) organized by MATRADE, brings more than 500 pre-selected foreign buyers every year to partake in personalized and pre-arranged one-to-one business meetings with local manufacturers of halal products and services.
Targeted to bring in thousands of delegates and exhibitors from over 50 countries, The World Halal Week, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia 2014 is “definitely an event not to be missed.”
"MIHAS 2014 has expanded its space to provide an additional 102 booths to a total of 620 booths this year as compared to 518 booths last year. This is to accommodate to the high demand for halal products that has expanded beyond food products into pharmaceutical, cosmetics, personal care products and financial services.
MIHAS 2014 also welcomes Saudi Economic Development Authority (SEDA) participation this year with 40 companies. Their presence will help to create more opportunities for Malaysian producers to collaborate and tap into the huge halal market demand within the Gulf Cooperation Council," he added.
Given the unique and growing trend of the halal economy, Malaysia is always at the forefront in developing this industry in totality, which is not only confined to a single sector but multiple sectors that will continue to diversify over time. However, while the potential of the halal industry remains robust, there are still many hurdles to overcome to realize the full potential of this sector.
The WHW 2014 is organized solely to ensure that despite being a composite industry, the halal industry will continue to evolve, providing opportunities for businesses to expand and excel further while addressing the challenges that it confronts.
MIHAS has grown significantly since its inception 11 years ago. The presence of a large number of exhibitors, both local and international as well as trade buyers, indicate that MIHAS has established itself as the premier international exhibition for halal products and services.
MIHAS is one of the significant contributions to the global halal industry where it completes the halal eco-system by being an excellent platform for halal manufacturers, suppliers and distributors from all over the world to gather, meet, network and trade with halal industry stakeholders. WHW 2014 hopes to continue leading the halal industry, giving positive impact to the global market, driven by these faith-based commercial activities.

Source: http://www.arabnews.com/news/549371

David Cameron says halal meat will be protected as long as he Prime Minister

David Cameron has said he will keep Halal meat “safe in Britain” and would never impose restrictions on religious slaughter as long as he is Prime Minister.

He also said he was concern by “intolerance” towards Muslims in some parts of the UK, and pledged to “stamp out once and for all the intolerance that blights people's lives,” the Huffing-ton Post reported.

His comments, made during a speech to the Muslim News Awards for Excellence in London on Tuesday, mirror promises he made in Israel last month in regard to kosher meat.

He told the audience on Tuesday: "Really tackling Islam phobia means making absolutely sure that no Muslim is held back from living their life or reaching their goals, simply because of the faith they follow.

"Soon the food will arrive and you will all be able to eat. Let me make it absolutely clear, that while I am Prime Minister of this country, Halal is safe in Britain."

Last month, Denmark banned the slaughter of animals for food that are not stunned, therefore implicating kosher and Halal meat.

In response to the legislation, Britain’s top vet made a controversial call for the method to also be banned in the UK.

John Blackwell, president-elect of the British Veterinary Association, told The Times that the religious slaughter of poultry, sheep and cattle caused unnecessary suffering to animals.

But religious group defend the method, and maintain that animals are killed by a trained professional and lose consciousness within seconds.

Source: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/david-cameron-says-halal-meat-will-be-protected-as-long-as-he-prime-minister-9231187.html

World Halal Food Council sees Italy as potential Halal hub

(ANSAmed) - BARI, MARCH 31 - "Islamic finance and capital are ready to pull Europe out of crisis" and "Italy in particular" as long as the countries follow Halal food standards ("conformance" in Arabic) in "production, logistics and commercialization" consistent with the precepts of Sharia, the laws that establish what is licit or prohibited for a Muslim. This is the message of the World Halal Food Council (WHFC), which was held in Rome March 26-30.

The event organized by the Italian section of the Halal International Authority (HIA), the only organism recognized for the quality certification for products according to Islamic standards, gathered together representatives of the 57 Islamic states of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for the first time in Italy. "We are willing to invest in Italy, which we want to see become the hub of the Halal market in the Mediterranean," explained the Saudi sheik Fahah Alared, a member of the Committee for Islamization of Banks.
Halal products are a global market worth "13 trillion per year, growing 15% every year, reaching two billion Muslims," he added.
An important step was made during the Roman WHFC meeting.
"We have signed an protocol agreement with the Government Agency of Malaysia for the development of the Halal market (and) for the birth of the 'Italy Halal Hub'".
In this way "Malaysia, the largest Halal market in the world, will make its experience available to Italy, which will become the leading Halal hub in Europe, serving countries of the Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, the Balkans and obviously European countries," the sheik added. Development would be based on "Islamic financing, which does not allow the application of interest, as it would be a capital sin" and see "investment through equity partnerships and the acquisition of company shares" with direct action "also in failing companies".
Interested sectors range from food to clothing, from tourism to medicines, from cosmetics to body treatments. Among the 270 Italian companies that are already Halal-certified, many have seen production "grow to point of not being able to keep up with orders coming from southeast Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia," according to Alared. These companies would meet with sheiks "willing to open new branches and hire personnel". "We are ready to invest also in infrastructure, but Italy must guarantee us official recognition of the Halal market, making certification mandatory among companies that are interested". 

Source :http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/nations/italy/2014/03/31/world-halal-food-council-sees-italy-as-potential-halal-hub_a9977a95-6