UK: AHDB appoints first Halal manager

Awal Fuseini, who will join the organisation at the beginning of April, will lead on all AHDB halal work, working with processors, certification bodies and retailers to drive collaboration between AHDB and this increasingly important sector.

Awal, spoke at the recent AHDB Beef & Lamb halal seminar on alternative slaughter methods and the relationship with halal requirements. He is currently studying a PhD at the University of Bristol, funded by the Humane Slaughter Association, looking at the development of a new system of electrical stunning of cattle. He holds a BSc in Agriculture from Cape Coast University, in Ghana, and an MSc in Meat Science and Technology, from Bristol University. Prior to his research at Bristol University, Awal was the Certification Manager of Halal Food Authority.

Dr Phil Hadley, AHDB head of global supply chain development, said: “Awal joins with a great wealth of experience in the sector and will be key to increasing our activity in the halal marketplace.

“This is a growing area that offers tremendous potential for our levy payers, particularly given the challenges to our products in traditional markets.”

The creation of the halal sector manager role is part of a coordinated programme of activity organised by AHDB Beef & Lamb to improve understanding of the halal marketplace in the UK and targeted export markets.