Here’s a roundup of key developments across the halal industry ecosystem during the month of January
Editor’s note: Cross-border recognition of halal products leads to increased trade, stronger alliances and greater economic growth. Perhaps, this is why the Philippines government is looking to secure Indonesian recognition of its certified halal products. Meanwhile, it is keen to strengthen domestically, too, having launched a four-year plan to propel its halal industry.
For all its initiatives and growth, it is a tough task to keep Saudi Arabia out of the news. The kingdom is opening up its holy cities for global investment, as well as partnering with Indonesia to enhance cooperation.
Company News
Malaysia
KUNDAL launches new hair care line
Korean premium personal care brand “KUNDAL” has unveiled a new hair care line, known for the use of honey and macadamia ingredients.
The product line, recognized as one of the few K-Beauty HALAL Hair lines, is now available at Guardian stores. (PR Newswire)
Saudi Arabia
HPDC signs deals with Sinad Holdings, Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development
Halal Products Development Company (HPDC), a PIF-owned entity, actively participated in the Makkah Halal Forum 2024, held from January 23 to 25, where it served as a key sponsor.
During the event, HPDC inked strategic partnership agreements aimed at fostering growth within both local and global halal ecosystems. (Saudi Press Agency)
Trade Developments
USA
GoMeat partners with HAQQ to enhance halal meat & food accessibility
HAQQ, an ethics-first blockchain ecosystem rooted in Islamic values, has entered into a strategic partnership with GoMeat, the pioneer in home delivery services driven by decentralized technologies.
The collaboration aims to enhance the accessibility of halal meat and food throughout the United States. (The Charlotte Observer)
Philippines
Philippines science department to help develop halal industry
The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) has partnered with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to enhance the production and competitiveness of the halal industry in the Philippines.
Despite a predominantly Catholic population of nearly 120 million, the country aims to expand its domestic halal industry. (Arab News)
Indonesia / Philippines
Indonesian recognition sought for PHL-certified halal products
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines has expressed its intention to pursue Indonesian recognition of Philippine-certified halal products.
Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual highlighted the potential for enhanced bilateral trade and connectivity through accreditation. (Business World)
Philippines
DTI launches 4-year plan to push halal industry growth
The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry has introduced a comprehensive four-year plan for the development of the halal industry.
The strategic plan, unveiled on January 23, targets the sector’s economic potential with a goal to attract 230 billion pesos in investments and create 120,000 jobs by 2028. (Halal Focus)
Qatar
Qatar Chamber chairman calls for developing halal industry
HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber, emphasized the need to develop and expand the halal industry, calling for the exchange of expertise among countries exporting halal products and services.
These remarks were made during Qatar Chamber’s participation in the Makkah Halal Forum. (The Peninsula Qatar)
Operational Developments
Saudi Arabia / Indonesia
Indonesia’s BPJPH, Saudi Arabia to form technical team
The Halal Product Guarantee Organizing Agency (BPJPH) of the Religious Affairs Ministry and the Saudi Food Drug Authority (SFDA) have agreed to establish a technical team to enhance cooperation in halal product guarantees (JPH).
This collaboration was solidified during a bilateral meeting held at the Mecca Halal Forum 2024 in Mecca City. (Antara News)
Investment
Halal Focus
Saudi Arabia to transform holy cities Makkah, Medina into global investment hubs under new partnership
The Federation of Saudi Chambers and the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development have entered into a Manafea partnership agreement aimed at transforming Makkah and Medina into a global hub for investment and international events.
This initiative seeks to leverage the religious and economic significance of the two holy cities in the Islamic world. (Saudi Arabia)
Regulatory
Sri Lanka
Halal Council recognized as key enabler in Sri Lanka’s export economy
The Halal Accreditation Council (HAC) in Sri Lanka has received the Gold award at the 31st National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) Export Awards for the second consecutive year.
This recognition acknowledges the HAC’s significant role as a key enabler in Sri Lanka’s export economy. (Daily Mirror)
Saudi Arabia
OIC and Saudi Food and Drug Authority conclude training on food regulation
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) recently concluded a series of virtual workshops in collaboration with the OIC General Secretariat.
The workshops, held in January, covered various aspects of food regulation, and saw active participation from officials representing National Food Regulatory Authorities across the OIC Member States and relevant OIC institutions. (OIC)
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Gulfood 2024 – UAE – Feb 19-23, 2024
- London Muslim Shopping Festival 2024 – London, UK – Feb 24-25, 2024
- Madinah International Halal Economic Forum & World Halal Day – Saudi Arabia – Feb 26-2, 2024
- Albanian Halal Expo 2024 – Albania – March 1-3, 2024
- Premium Food Show 2024 – Japan – April 10-12, 2024
- Halal Trade, Logistics & Manufacturing Expo – South Africa – May 6-8, 2024
- Halal Expo Canada 2024 – Canada – May 8-9, 2024
- Saudi International Halal Expo & Summit 2024 – Saudi Arabia – Oct 28-30, 2024