The port of Zeebrugge is the first port in Northwestern Europe certified to process Halal food products. To ensure a Halal treatment for food products, the port has initiated a specific Halal procedure in cooperation with Zeebrugge Food Logistics. The port of Zeebrugge was certified by the Halal Food Council of Europe, an organization that supervises the production and distribution of Halal food.
Consumer goods labeled as ‘Halal’ meet certain demands concerning heritage, transportation, treatment and packaging. In the Islamic religion, ‘halal’ means ‘permissible’.
The Port of Zeebrugge and the logistical service provider for cold storage, Zeebrugge Food Logistics, are now equipped to guarantee a complete Halal treatment for products in the logistical chain. A pilot project with a local enterprise has already been initiated and the port believes the certificate will jumpstart many other collaborations.
Volys Star, the Belgian manufacturers of certified Halal turkey products, which supported the project from the start, has already started receiving and shipping Halal products from the Halal facilities of the Port of Zeebrugge, thereby further developing its Halal supply chain worldwide.
The port of Zeebrugge has grown into a strong and versatile international port. Chairman – Managing Director Joachim Coens explains the efforts made in receiving and treating Halal food products: “The recent investments in food logistics have made Port of Zeebrugge a Food Port. In handling food products, we can guarantee absolute quality. Offering halal treatment for food products in our port opens opportunities in importing and exporting. The halal certificate allows Zeebrugge to explore new market possibilities and increase our activities in food logistics.”
