It’s commonly known Manitoba’s cattle industry depends heavily on exports. So much so, people in the sector have tended to look at you funny
whenever you float the idea of marketing more of what our farmers
produce into local markets. After all, we’re told Manitoba consumers
can only eat between 13 and 15 per cent of the cattle produced in the
province.
A growing movement of
Muslims is seeking to revolutionize the production and supply of halal
meat in the U.S. This drive for a more transparent and environmentally
sound approach to halal meat reflects the natural juncture of Islamic
dietary principles and the increasingly popular but almost entirely
secular sustainable-food movement sweeping across the country.
The first American Muslim Consumer Conference was held at
Rutgers University New Brunswick over the weekend. I believe it is fair to say
that everyone present at this ground-breaking event came away with a deeper understanding
of this new emerging market. If the passion, commitment and knowledge of this
collected gathering is any indication, this annual event is going to play a big
role in shaping the future of this market, and its ripples are likely to go far
beyond the shores of the USA. My advice? Better book early for 2010!
“Marketing to the American-Muslim:
Trends and Opportunities.”
Will be held 31st October 2009 at Rutgers University (Busch Campus) New Jersey. Limited Seats left, register online at: www.americanmuslimconsumer.com
Kosher
and halal meats are gaining popularity among both growing U.S. Jewish
and Muslim populations as well as non-religious consumer groups. A growing number of non-Jewish and non-Muslim consumers who are turning
to kosher and halal foods, particularly meat, since both types of meat
have to meet stringent standards.
Cargill
said Monday it has begun implementing a third-party video auditing
program to bolster the company’s animal welfare protection systems and
will have the program in place at all of its U.S. beef slaughter plants
by the end of 2009. I wonder if this practise will find its way into their Better Beef plant in Canada, and other facilities in the Halal sector?
It isn’t just kosher-observant Jews and halal-observant Muslims who are
driving the sacred foods market. Many consumers who are concerned about
food safety are turning to kosher- and halal-certified foods because of
the perception that they are “cleaner” and more closely supervised
during the manufacturing process.
Vegans, vegetarians and consumers
with food intolerances are drawn to the products as well because the
certification labeling means that they can quickly see if a food
contains, for example, dairy. Manufacturers are also pursuing
certification because it can help open up new regional markets in
cities where buyers are more likely to be accepting of certified
products.
Islamic Finance news – IFN Today, Thursday, 17th May 2012
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