Dubia: Al Islami Eyes France’s $7.5bln Halal Food Market

– At SIAL Food Expo in Paris, Al Islami initially displayed its Real Halal processed meat products

– SIAL hosted over 147,860 trade visitors and 101 exhibitor countries

Dubai – With the France’s US$7.5bln Halal food market a year, Al Islami Foods, the leading producer of quality halal products in the Middle East, today revealed its plan to enter France’s food market, on the occasion of the 23rd edition of SIAL Expo, held in Paris, France, which ended today.

In collaboration with the Dubai Export Development Corporation, a subsidiary of Dubai Economic Development Department, Al Islami initially displayed its range of 100 per cent halal processed meat products at its booth set up at the 72 sq. mts Dubai Pavilion at SIAL exhibition.

In addition, Al Islami aims to offer its halal chain of restaurant – Al Farooj Fresh – for franchising across France. “We are constantly receiving enquiries from franchisees. But we will choose one with high repute and experience in halal restaurant field.” Saleh Lootah, Managing Director, Al Islami Foods, revealed it in response to enquiries from the trade visitors to Al Islami booth.

With about six million Muslims, France has the largest population of Muslims in Europe, and they are having an impact on the national food culture. The current size of global Halal food market is estimated at US$ 634.5 billion a year, according to the Halal Integrity Alliance, a non-profit halal development organisation based in Malaysia.

Saleh Abdullah Lootah, while revealing details of company’s plans of entering France’s halal food market, said:

“Due to the gradual growth and high consumer demand for halal food in Europe, we see France as a springboard for Al Islami’s expansion into the European region. From France, expansion to the UK and Benelux markets would be easier at a later stage, as part of company’s BIG 5 (Billion-In-Growth in five years) Plan.”

“I met with the consumers in France. They all ask about the authenticity of halal process, real halal food and halal restaurants. I promised them with conviction to offer Al Islami’s high quality halal and nutrient products to their neighbourhood,  not only for Muslims but for the non-Muslims as well. Consumer satisfaction is our aim in the French markets.” Lootah asserted.

Paris based Sial expo is a global marketplace for all those involved in the food industry: retail, trade, manufacturing, catering professions, services. – Being part of EDC Pavilion, companies had direct access to over 147,860 trade visitors and 101 exhibitor countries. EDC has taken 72 sq. mts of space at this exhibition and, along with the Foreign Direct Investment Office of Dubai Economic Development Department, showcased capabilities of UAE based companies.

At the exhibition, Al Islami held trade meetings with the established suppliers and distributors to carry out halal meat supply, distribution, logistics and transportation of Al Islami’s range of products across France.

The outcome of the trade meetings will be announced at a later stage, at the time of signing the agreements with the suitable partners.