January 11, 2011
Malaysian and Chinese producers collaborate on halal food production
Malaysian companies like are currently in talks with Chinese companies in Henan Province about how they can help suppliers produce beef, chicken, and mutton that meet Malaysian halal standards.
Muslims may constitute only a fraction of China's population, but they amount to 22 million, according to a 2009 report by the Pew Forum. Industry observers say many opportunities exist for those specializing in halal products.
One such company, MasterMalaysia, is currently in talks with Chinese companies in Henan Province about how they can help suppliers produce beef, chicken, and mutton that meet Malaysian halal standards.
The ultimate aim is to help the Chinese producers obtain halal accreditation from the Malaysian authorities. MasterMalaysia would then help to distribute the meat in China, and hopes to eventually help companies export to Malaysia.
Officials from the Department of Islamic Development, the government body responsible for enforcing the country's halal standards, have already visited China to certify meat intended for export to Malaysia.
The global halal industry worth an estimated US$2.1 trillion, much of it centered on food products like meat.
