ECER Enters UK Halal Market

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15
(Bernama) — Four halal product entrepreneurs from the East Coast
Economic Region (ECER) have successfully penetrated the fast growing
United Kingdom (UK) halal market.

The companies are Muslim Best Food Industries, GTHerb Industries, Maduria Industries and RMZ Marketing.

The companies are exploring the export of food and beverage
products to the UK through the Malaysia Trading House, which is
operating in London, the ECER secretariat said in a statement today.

The Malaysia Trading House, initiated by Konsortium Usahawan
Makanan dan Industri Asas Tani Sdn Bhd (Komita), is a one-stop trading
centre displaying an array of quality halal products from Malaysia.

“The UK halal market offers huge opportunities for Malaysian
entrepreneurs, as more Muslim and non-Muslim consumers here, are buying
halal products from supermarket chains and other outlets,” said
Komita’s chairman, Sheikh Ahmad Dusuki Sheikh Mohamad.

In response to the increasing demand for halal products, Sheikh
Ahmad said that Malaysia Trading House provides the platform for local
halal entrepreneurs to enter and explore the UK and European market.

“Through this initiative, we aim to become a leading halal supermarket in London, as well as in Europe,” he added.

Located in the historic Borough district in central London, the
Malaysia Trading House is promoting products from 52 Malaysian
companies, ranging from halal food and beauty products, to household
and craft items.

The UK halal market is worth around 2.8 billion pounds (1.00 = RM5.39).

There are two million Muslims in the UK but according to the UK
Food Safety Authority, there are six million consumers of halal food
nationwide.

According to Sheikh Ahmad, Komita also plans to open similar trading houses in Casablanca, Morocco, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Under the ECER master plan, Pasir Mas and Pengkalan Chepa in
Kelantan, Chendering in Terengganu and Gambang in Pahang, have been
identified for development as halal parks.

— BERNAMA