Research and Markets: European Halal Food Market Report 2014-2018: Carrefour SA, Nestl SA, Tahira Foods Ltd. & Tesco plc Dominates the Market

The Halal Food market in Europe generates revenue from the sales of four types of Halal food: livestock, processed food, non-alcoholic beverages, and dairy products. Processed food comprises of confectionery, bakery products, sauces, dressing and condiments, and canned and frozen food.

Increasing functional investments is one of the prominent trends in the Halal Food market in Europe. The areas which are the focus of R&D are product innovation, slaughter management, education on halal norms, and halal marketing and branding. The rise of halal "parks", where halal compliance is expected to be in place from farm to fork is an example of the R&D taking place in product innovation. R&D in slaughter management is focused on slaughter procedure and animal handling and management. Education on halal norms consists of increasing awareness of halal procedures and provision of training to inspectors and auditors. R&D of halal marketing and branding involves, for example, studying the relationship between the certification of halal products and an increase in consumer confidence.

According to the report, the growth of the Halal Food market in Europe is supported by several drivers, one of which is an increase in the Muslim population in Europe, especially in Russia. Consumption of halal food products is directly proportional to the Muslim population. The high standard of living in Europe is another major driver of the market.

Further, the report states that lack of authentic halal certification bodies is one of the major challenges to the market. Export-bound products often face issues with respect to authentic certification. Also, the authenticity of the certifications is an important criterion that instills confidence in consumers.

Key Vendors

• Carrefour SA
• Nestle SA
• Tahira Foods Ltd.
• Tesco plc

Other Prominent Vendors

• Al-Falah Halal Foods Ltd.
• Cleone Foods Ltd.
• Crown Chicken Ltd.
• Euro Foods Group Ltd.
• Eggelbusch GmbH & Co. KG
• Shaheen Foods Ltd.
• Sickendiek Fleischwarenfabrik GmbH & Co.
• Ummah Foods Ltd

Key Market Drivers/Challenges/Trends

• Increase in the Muslim Population.
• Lack of Halal Certification by an Authentic Body.
• Increasing R&D Investments.

Source: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20140527005609/en/Research-Markets-European-Halal-Food-Market-Report#.U4gj2XKSxOI

Halal meat row: Ministers will consider labelling if there is 'widespread demand'

Ministers say they will consider compulsory labelling for halal meat if there is 'widespread demand' and it is done across Europe

Pizza Express says it serves only halal chicken at its restaurants

Compulsory labelling of halal meat could be supported by the government if it is enforced by the European Union, a minister has said.

Jenny Willott, a Liberal Democrat minister, said the government will consider introducing a ban if a European study finds that there is "widespread demand" from customers.

Her comments came after Philip Davies, a Conservative MP, tabled an amendment in the Commons for compulsory labelling of meat. His amendment was defeated by 281 votes to 17.

The vote came after disclosures that diners have been unknowingly served halal chicken in Pizza Express and other restaurants. Halal meat is also served at a series of other restaurants and food outlets, as well as in schools and restaurants.

Mrs Willott said that while the government is not prepared to introduce compulsory labelling "at this stage", it could do so in future.

She said: "If there is to be compulsory labelling it would be best done at a European level, which would be best for consumers and also ensure that we do not put our food industry at a competitive disadvantage as well.

"My hon friend said there is widespread customer demand. There is currently an EU study being undertaken on this issue, looking precisely at that question. We are waiting with interest for that study to be published so that we can have full information on what consumers want and we will then review all of our options at that point."

Mr Davies, who worked at Asda for 12 years, said supermarkets are reluctant to label halal meat because they find it "inconvenient", citing figures showing that while Muslim's make up a small proportion of the population a quarter of meat sold in Britain is halal.

He also quoted recent comments by Dr Taj Harjey, of the Muslim Educational Centre in Oxford, who said halal meat is "covert religious extremism and creeping Islamic fundamentalism making its way into Britain by the back door".

He said: "As a strong believer in freedom of choice, I think one of the fundamental rights of the consumer is to know what they're purchasing.

"And when I spent 12 years before I entered this House working for Asda, some of the supermarkets are reluctant to do anything about it.

"And the reason why, quite simply, is because it's very inconvenient for them to go through the food chain to actually provide the labelling.

"It's not about what's most convenient for them. I don't care about that. They should be delivering what their customers want and there's no doubt this is what customers want to see."

The vote came after the British Veterinary Association warned that labelling meat as halal or kosher could cause confusion and inflame prejudice.

The BVA appealed instead for consumers to be informed whether or not animals had been stunned before being killed by whatever method, insisting the controversy had nothing to do with religion.

In an open letter to the three main party leaders, Robin Hargreaves, President of the BVA, said: "Recent media coverage has also revealed a very strong feeling amongst the general public for better labelling about the provenance of food they are buying and eating. We very much hope you will listen to this sentiment and take forward the debate about clearer food labelling."

Source:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/agriculture/food/10828907/Halal-meat-row-Ministers-will-consider-labelling-if-there-is-widespread-demand.html

Pork replaced by Halal Meat at 185 Subways across the UK and Ireland

       Ham and bacon has been taken off the menu 185 Subways across the UK and Ireland

None of the 185 branches of Subway across the UK and Ireland that now sell halal-only meat are in Lincolnshire.

Ham and bacon has been taken off the menu at these outlets as the sandwich chain said this was 'following strong demand from our Muslim customers'.

Muslims are forbidden from eating meat from pigs and any non-halal food and participating outlets will show a special 'All meats are Halal' sign.

In the halal-only branches ham and bacon has been substituted for turkey ham and rashers.

Currently none of the Subway stores in Lincolnshire are halal and it is the choice of individual outlets whether or not to be. One of the nearest halal only Subways is in Nottingham.

Traditionally halal butchers cut the throats of animals while they are fully conscious. Some halal butchers now practice pre-stunning but this is not permitted by some Islamic scholars.

In Britain, killing an animal while they are fully conscious is illegal, but the law gives special exemption, on religious grounds, to Muslim and Jewish meat producers.

Source: http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/Pork-replaced-halal-185-Subways-UK-Ireland/story-21035395-detail/story.html#ixzz30ui5jG1y