January 28, 2010

UK halal research to open new markets

Changes in the consumption of Halal meat and consumer trends towards Halal products in England will be studied for the first time.

The research project has been commissioned by the newly-formed Halal Steering Group, established by English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX) with key industry figures to guide work in the halal sector and act as a forum for issues related to halal meat.

It will cover the Muslim population growth in England, as well as demand for halal products, the supply chain and changing consumption trends, and build on previous work done to form a complete view of the halal sector.

The project is expected to take six months and will help to quantify the halal market which the domestic sheep and cattle meat producing sectors need to address.

The inaugural meeting of the group earlier also identified the need for a recognised assurance scheme for halal products which will specifically help English producers hoping to supply foreign markets.

The group's aim is to provide market knowledge for producers, processors, butchers, retailers and the food service market, to help the supply of appropriate products to the Muslim consumer.

Naved Syed, of Janan Meat and a member of the Halal Steering Group, added: "The group has been established to unlock the GBP1 billion (US$1.62 billion) market opportunity for domestic producers, both here and through exports.