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France: Frozen Foods Success in French Halal Sector

salama — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:23:15 +0000

TheMeatSite News Desk

Frozen Foods Success in French Halal Sector

FRANCE – Frozen products are becoming increasingly influential in the growing Halal consumer foods market, according to Hannah Duffy from the Paris Office of Bord Bia – Irish Food Board.

In 2010, Symphony IRI published the findings of its first study on the impact and the development of Halal products in French hypermarkets and supermarkets, which showed an increase in sales of 25 per cent in this sector.

A year later, their latest study shows that although the pace of development has slowed, the category still has a very significant growth rate (+10.5 per cent).

Overall, annual turnover for Halal products sold in multiple retail increased by 9 per cent in 2011 to reach an estimated €157 million while the range of available products grew by 22 per cent.

The 10 per cent growth rate in the overall Halal market is clearly driven by the frozen products category. Savoury products alone total approx. €31 million (up 12 per cent). Frozen meats are one of the biggest contributors in terms of sales. However, this is at the expense of volumes in the fresh meat category.

Sales of Halal starters and frozen pizzas grew by 19 per cent, just behind the ready meals category which increased by 20 per cent.

In terms of distribution channels, Halal products have been more successful in hypermarkets, where nearly 80 per cent of sales are recorded (against 62 per cent of consumer foods on average).

Nevertheless, supermarkets have also realised the potential of this category and as a result, significantly expanded their product range in 2011 bringing them on a par with the Hard Discount sector.

With an estimated six million Muslim consumers in France, the increasing success of frozen products in the Halal sector is an interesting prospect for Irish exporters, which is advantageous in terms of distribution, as extended shelf life of frozen products can offer easier and less expensive logistics.

UK: European Halal Food Park is now open for Business!

salama — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:25:00 +0000

The European Halal Food Park is first of its kind and will be seen as the gateway to the Halal market

IGM and NPD Services have been working for over two years on the European Halal Food Park, the park is in its final stages of construction and ready to open its EU Licensed Factory for SME’s to come on board, the venture can expect to have a turnover of 15 million plus in the first year and has a number of committed partners and can be expected to be in full operation within the next six months.

The site in Banham was strategically sort out due to its ideal location situated less than 90 minutes from central London and has access to two of the largest European Muslim communities in Europe. The French market which has population of over 7million, and the UK market of approx. 4 million Muslims.

With the present climate of recession and unsuraties, this pilot project will allow the European Halal Food Park to open further halal food hubs in the other regions of the UK and the Norfolk plant will act as the central distribution hub. The jobs created will benefit all sections of the community; the European Halal Food Park will be strategically placed for other halal food companies to come on board.

Mr Ghulam Ghafoor Managing Director of Pak Supermarkets, Pak supermarkets Britain’s first main stream chain of halal supermarkets here in UK said: “we have been waiting for such a project, where we can purchase all our UK assured halal products manufactured in the UK, I for one am in favour of halal product which are with complete Shariah compliance ”

The first stage of the project has already been completed and is already operational, boasting a fully approved Halal Abattoir & Cutting Plant operated by Simply Halal which is 100% dedicated to supplying Non-Stun Halal Beef, Lamb & Mutton. NPD Services are working together with EEDA (East Anglia Development Agency) which will include, a central retail packing unit and a further processing unit focussed on manufacturing added value halal food products. The site already has a 300 pallet cold store and blast freezers which makes it ideal for Frozen food operations.

Mohammed Saleem, Policy Director for ANSA Said: ‘He supports any scheme that benefits the Muslim community and the halal slaughter houses here in the UK by providing the Muslim community with assured 100% Non-Stun halal meat’.

For more information on the European Halal Food Park, please contact William Innes on 07786 993766 or email info@halalfoodpark.co.uk.

UAE: Processed foods ‘claim 50pc of F&B market’

salama — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:50:19 +0000

TradeArabia

Demand for processed food is growing rapidly across all food and beverage categories in the Middle East, and accounts for 50 per cent of the food market in the region, said the organisers of an upcoming food expo in Dubai.

Gulfood 2012, a major annual food and beverage trade show, takes place from February 19 to 22 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

More than 350 exhibitors out of a total of 3,800 companies participating at this year’s event are focused on food processing and packaging, and include such global giants as Al Bayader, Al Thika, IPS, Ishida, Multivac, SIG Combibloc Obeikan, Rieckerman and Rondo.

“Packaging and processing solutions have never been more important, particularly for the Middle East region, and Gulfood presents the best platform for companies in this sector to gain access to this market,” said Trixee Loh, senior vice president, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of Gulfood 2012.

“With governments in the GCC promoting movement up the value chain by supporting domestic food processing, there are exceptional business opportunities for raw material suppliers, food processing equipment providers and packaging manufacturers, and this is clearly being recognised by the global players coming to Gulfood this year,” Loh added.

Given the significant growth potential, international companies are also setting up food processing plants in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with duty-free access to markets across the GCC region adding to the prospects.

Suppliers of food processing and manufacturing equipment at this year’s show are bullish about the regional market.

Yamato, a leading manufacturer of multihead weighers and check weighers will be showcasing its Alpha machine at Gulfood 2012, a series which offers food manufacturers flexibility, precision and high speed in packaging.

Managing director Neil Fowell said: “We’re looking forward to meeting potential new customers from all over the Middle East, Africa and South Asia at Gulfood 2012. We’re especially keen to demonstrate how we can improve the food manufacturing process and believe that our Alpha machine will illustrate this perfectly.”

The structures and requirements applying in the food & beverage industry have witnessed change in the last several years, with many food and beverage companies looking for turnkey solutions and suppliers capable of offering ready formulated products.

With food safety heading the agenda of many governments and regulatory authorities throughout the Middle East and beyond, food packaging is coming under even closer scrutiny in terms of food protection.

SIG Combibloc Obeikan (SIG CBOB), a leading systems supplier of aseptic beverage cartons and filling machines for longlife food and beverages, offers innovative packaging solutions that are unrivalled.

Martin Schmedes, director of Business Development and Marketing, SIG CBOB said: “We believe our offering can improve production economics and provide better product differentiation for the food and beverage manufacturers.”

“This year we will showcase a revolutionary filling module that enables manufacturers to fill particulates (fruit, cereal and vegetables) on their standard filling machine.” – TradeArabia News Service

UAE-NZ ties growing

salama — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:55:30 +0000

By Abdul Basit, Khaleej Times

31 January 2012 DUBAI – Trade between the UAE and New Zealand is expected to continue its significant growth, according to New Zealand Consul-General in Dubai Steve Jones.

Trade figures show New Zealand exports to the GCC have grown from $695 million in 2009 to $1.2 billion in 2011 that shows a 71 per cent increase over the two-year period.

Dubai’s attraction to more tourists will increase demand for food and beverage products and it will provide opportunities to New Zealand companies to boost exports, Jones, who is also trade commissioner for Middle East and Africa, told Khaleej Times in Dubai late on Sunday.

As the Dubai tourism market grows, demand for fine products will go up in parallel and New Zealand will be able to supply more products for tourism and hospitality sector in Dubai, he said.

“We would still be expected significant growth annual growth over the next couple of years,” Jones said, adding that UAE exports to New Zealand have also increased in the last couple of year, mostly petrochemicals.

Exports to the region are mostly dairy products where New Zealand companies have expertise at international level. It’s one of the biggest sectors for exports, he added.

“While New Zealand is well known as a food and beverage exporter, increasingly our exports to the Gulf region are diversifying away from just food and beverages to include ICT, education and consultancy, and specialised manufacturing,” he said.

He mentioned that 85 companies are working in the UAE and more new companies are expected to establish base in the UAE this year. He lists a number of companies which have made business impact in the region in the last year. These include weather forecasting and digital media company Metra, health technology company Winscribe, security systems firm Gallagher, and specialist composite construction engineering company Pultron Composites.

While trade ties are strengthened by New Zealand-based companies expanding into the region, there is also a clear government-level commitment to the region — with the opening of a New Zealand Embassy in the UAE, and joint New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise visits to Oman and Qatar. “New Zealand and the UAE have had an excellent economic and trade relationship for so many years now and the establishment of our embassy in Abu Dhabi underscores the fact that we are looking at further growing that relationship with the UAE across all sectors of society,” Malcolm Millar, Ambassador of New Zealand to the UAE, said.

“It is indeed noteworthy that our trade relations with this nation have witnessed tremendous growth and we are confident that those figures will keep an upward trajectory in the coming years.”

NZTE’s Beachheads programme — a global, public-private partnership of independent advisors and NZTE staff working closely with high-growth New Zealand businesses looking to succeed internationally — has helped an increasing number of growing businesses gain a foothold in the Middle East.

“Beachheads is a very successful programme worldwide, and we are planning to expand the service in the Middle East. It is most relevant to New Zealand companies with a permanent presence and senior management based in the region, and those planning for growth,” Jones said.

abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com

Saudi Arabia to probe delay of tests on imported food

salama — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:09:48 +0000

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) plans to launch an investigation into the delay of some of its laboratories in completing tests on food products coming into the country, Saudi Gazette has reported. The move follows complaints from a number of businessmen and importers that their perishable products expire while the tests are still being done.

UAE: Al Islami Foods voted super brand for fifth time

salama — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:21:07 +0000

There were 58 brands awarded Superbrand status for 2012 from amongst a shortlist of 1,314 brands. Earlier, Al Islami won this award in 2005, 2008, 2010, 2011.

Dubai – Al Islami Foods, one of the top real halal food brands in the Middle East, has been included as super brand of the year 2012 by the Superbrands Council of UAE. Al Islami is the only food company to receive this honor for the fifth time, thus proving to be one of UAE’s strongest home-grown brand.

Al Islami was one of 58 brands selected by Superbrands Council to join its elite category. It is a huge achievement for the halal producer, especially since there are 1,314 top brands in the UAE all competing for commercial precedence.

Earlier, Al Islami won Superbrand status in 2005, 2008, 2010 and 2011.

The Superbrands Council consists of eminent figures in the world of branding and every Council member has a deep appreciation of what constitutes a great brand. The council’s decision was based on the results of an online voting by 2,500 marketing professionals.

The Superbrands awards are known to be a major celebration to pay homage to the country’s strongest brands, and are respected as the benchmarks in advertising and branding industry.

Saleh Abdullah Lootah, the Managing Director of Al Islami Foods, said:

“Despite slow economic activity and fierce competition, the recognition is a testament of Al Islami as region’s strongest food brand. The vision, business philosophy and strategic branding enormously contributed to this resounding success.”

He added: “We are delighted that all the efforts we have put into positioning the brand have been recognized. We will continue the high level of performance to enable us for the next year’s nomination.”

Mike English, Director of Superbrands Middle East & North Africa, commented:

“The fifth time success of Al Islami shows company’s consistent approach to its business standards. Al Islami is one of the few brands that have a long term brand development system. It is a precedent that other companies could follow to strengthen their positioning.

Superbrands is acclaimed worldwide as being the independent arbiter of branding excellence and are committed to paying tribute to exceptional brands and promoting the discipline of branding.

Canada: Indian cuisine leader Tandoor Chef now Halal Certified

salama — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 10:30:35 +0000

Deep Foods, the leading producer of restaurant quality, all natural frozen Indian cuisine, including the Tandoor Chef brand, announces halal certification for all chicken and lamb dishes through the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA).

The halal products are currently distributed in Indian and Pakistani grocery stores across the country. Deep Foods obtained the halal certification to make its unique brand of traditional, authentic Indian food available to a wider range of consumers. The ISNA logo will be clearly displayed on all Deep Foods lamb and chicken dishes.

“Deep Foods is a company that respects the preferences of all consumers, including those that follow a halal, vegetarian, vegan and/or gluten-free diet,” said Mike Ryan, VP Marketing, Deep Foods. “We mark each product so that the consumer has all information and control over which Indian food products they buy, including our ISNA halal and American Vegetarian Association (AVA) dishes.

Halal is a widely accepted method of animal agriculture determined by the Qu’ran in Islamic religion. Halal is one of the most humane methods of animal agriculture for the consumption of meat, according to reputable sources including the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Humane Society International.

Since 1977, Deep Foods has been an industry leader and manufacturer of frozen Indian cuisine. Committed to producing restaurant quality, all natural frozen Indian food, Deep Foods is a second-generation family owned and operated company. A quality innovation leader, Deep Foods provides exotic flavors and meal experiences, rooted in the convenience of the frozen food category.

Web Site: http://www.DeepFoods.com

Malaysia: F&N To Explore Opportunities In Halal Industry

salama — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 22:09:19 +0000

Kuala Lumpur: Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd (F&N) will explore more opportunities in the halal industry in order to expand its business, says chief executive officer Datuk Ng Jui Sia.

“We will feel the impact of the Coca-Cola company stepping out, but it doesn’t mean that we must stay at our current level.

“We must transform ourselves, we should explore other opportunities by using our halal status,” he told reporters at the company’s annual general meeting here Friday.

The beverages group’s contract with Coca-Cola expired in September last year.

On the local front, F&N will face many challenges this year with the rise in prices of raw materials and milk powder.

Ng said: “The sugar price issue in Malaysia has not been resolved, so there will be challenges.

“The most important thing is the more competitive landscape with Coca-Cola and F&N now on their own.

The global business outlook will also be challenging with the eurozone debt crisis as well as the economic slowdown in China and Asean, he said.

F&N’s revenue for the financial year ended September 2011 declined to RM3.9 billion against RM4.0 billion previously.

– BERNAMA

Rise in Muslim population opens business avenues in Kenya

salama — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 22:06:25 +0000

NAIROBI, (Xinhua) – A surge in population of Muslims in Kenya has seen many businesses repackage their products to conform to Halal standards to win more buyers.

Majority of businesses in the East African nation are making products with Halal specifications in an attempt to appeal to a rising Muslim community.

Halal certification is given to products, which have undergone inspection and have been found to conform to Islamic dietary beliefs and other laws, therefore, they can be lawfully be used by Muslims.

Some of the products being rebranded to match up Halal specifications and conform to Sharia laws are cooking oil, milk, bread, spices, soaps, detergents, candies, bottled water, medicines and snacks.

Others include butchers, fast food restaurants, catering services, insurance schemes, bank accounts, hospitals, medicines, hotels, lodgings and chemists.

The products and services now bear the label Halal to assure the Muslim community that they have been inspected and adhere to Islamic laws.

In the capital Nairobi, Kenchic is among businesses that have rebranded and included the word Halal on their products and eateries.

At a Kenchic restaurant in Nairobi’s industrial area, the word Halal is conspicuously written next to the logo of the company.

It is a similar situation for Galito’s and Baker’s Inn, which like Kenchic, specializes in chicken, cakes, pizzas, sausages, samosas, French fries, among other fast foods.

“Businesses in Kenya are realizing that the Muslim community are an important segment of the Kenyan society and must be catered for as consumers,” Hussein Jibril, an accountant, said in an interview on Saturday.

“Most Muslims are guided by their faith, which dictates most of their lives. That is where they go to school, what they eat and how they dress. This is something that Kenyan businessmen had ignored for long but they cannot do that anymore,” he noted.

Without the Halal label, he said Kenyan businesses were losing market for their products, especially among the Muslim community.

“Many Muslims preferred to buy imported products, especially those from Egypt, Saudi Arabia and other parts of the Middle East. These products were clearly labelled Halal thus appealing to Muslims,” he observed.

The accountant further said that the Muslim community is becoming a significant economic block in Kenya.

“The past few years has seen Muslims, specifically Somalis assert themselves economically in Kenya by investing in various businesses. Most of them own residential buildings, restaurants, forex bureaus, schools and clothing businesses in Eastleigh. This has made them significant players in the Kenyan economy,” he said.

Kenya National Population Census in 2009 estimated that there were about 3 million Muslims in the country. This was approximately 7 percent of the nation’s 39 million people.

The population, according to estimates, is set to hit about 6 million by 2030.

The rise in the Muslim population in Kenya has been attributed to an influx of Somali nationals, many have settled in Nairobi and others live as refugees in camps.

The population increase has assured Kenya’s businessmen that a market exists for their products, which are Halal certified and Sharia compliant.

Kenya Bureau of Halal Certification (KBHC) lists about 150 companies that have been certified.

The bureau notes that the certification is done after thorough inspection and continuous checks by KBHC trained inspectors and monitors.

According to KBHC, companies that meet the stringent certification criteria are issued with a Halal certificate and a logo. The companies then imprint the logo on their packaging materials of the certified product or use it in any form of advertisement.

But as businesses in the East African nation rush to endear their products to the Muslim community, analysts warn some businesses are not using the Halal certification genuinely.

“The Muslim community has grown tremendously in Kenya and across the world. People want to make businesses out of them. Some of the products being marketed as Halal may not even certified,” said Hadija Mohamed, a teacher in Nairobi.

Thailand: Southern businesses push for halal industrial estate

salama — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:03:34 +0000

YALA, 10 January 2012 (NNT) – Business entrepreneurs and the Thai Chamber of Commerce in the South are looking to establish a halal industrial estate in Pattani province in hopes of turning the region into a hub of halal food.

Local entrepreneurs from the five southern border provinces have discussed the preparations to establish the halal industrial estate with representatives from the Thai Chamber of Commerce as well as the National Economic and Social Development Board. They concluded that business owners should be given support in terms of investment loan acquisition, especially under the Islamic system, as well as land development and utilization, logistics and various business aspects.

As the South of Thailand is home to the majority of the country’s Muslim population, business owners see that establishing a halal industrial estate will be beneficial to the southern economy. Over the years, it has been difficult for many locals to find jobs partly because of the lack of large industries in the region. However, the situation is expected to improve with the emergence of the halal industrial estate. A number of professionals, specialized in engineering and halal science, are now set to be employed.

The participants at the meeting also said that pushing the South as the halal food manufacturing center would benefit Thailand as one quarter of the world population is Muslim.