Dubai: The 19th edition of Gulfood, set to kick off next week in Dubai, expects more than 450 leading halal manufacturers, processors and distributors to have a presence at the event.
The halal exhibitors, which will come from six continents, will feature under the Halal World Food profile at Gulfood to highlight Dubai’s position as a hub for the halal food industry.
Halal World Food will cover all aspects of related food services, retail and hospitality for the halal market.
Organisers stated on Monday that the halal companies will display energy drinks, vegan and vegetarian foods, meat and poultry, canned goods, gourmet and finds foods.
The advent of Halal World Food comes as Dubai readies for a watershed year in its long-term strategy to establish global credentials as a market leader for halal finance, goods, services and certification.
Following the Government of Dubai launching its ‘Dubai – Capital of Islamic Economy’ at the beginning of 2013, the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA) and Dubai Municipality plan to introduce globally-recognised standards and certification for halal food products and slaughtering during this year.
“Developing Dubai as an international Islamic Economy hub shows the foresight of its leaders and will provide opportunities for growth, development and prosperity in the region,” said Jalel Aossey, Director, Midamar Corporation. “A new halal structured environment, supported by the government of Dubai, will encourage the UAE food industry to develop this large and growing food market.”
Halal food, according to the Food & Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), is defined by Islamic Law outlined in the Holy Qur’an as lawful food permitted for consumption. Halal food cannot consist of or contain anything which is considered unlawful under Islamic Law and there are strict criteria governing the entire supply chain – from slaughtering of animals, processing and transportation to kitchen preparation and storage.
“Islamic Services of America (ISA) fully supports the initiatives of the Dubai Government authorities to establish an international halal food and product accreditation centre,” said Timothy Abu Mounir Hyatt, Managing Director, Islamic Services of America (ISA), the oldest and most internationally-renowned certifier in the USA.
“Halal accountability and traceability are critical for the sake of Muslim consumers globally as they seek assurance that what they eat, use and enjoy are in compliance with Islamic Law. As a result, every international halal certifier should have credible processes and documentation supporting the halal integrity of the products they certify. ISA is proud to be known for its longstanding reputation and looks forward to working with its peers in the worldwide halal industry and furthering the Dubai team’s efforts.”
Gulfood 2014 is strictly a trade-only event and open to business and trade visitors from within the industry only. The shows open 11am-7pm from February 23-26 and 11am-5pm on February 27.
