While it may not be typical for many small- to medium-size food companies to produce to Halal standards, especially in non-Muslim countries, they may find themselves eventually overtaken by those who have a dedicated Halal compliant kitchen space. Having the capability to meet Halal standards opens up enormous opportunities for food manufacturing companies, not only in traditional markets such as the Middle East and parts of Asia, but even in Africa and China. With the Halal concept now becoming a gauge for hygiene and food safety in production, it becomes more important and sought after even by non-Muslim consumers who are worried over tainted food and counterfeit products. Malaysia dominates In our publications, we’ve covered the Halal industry several times in the past, and our latest is an interview with Dato’ Dzulkifli Mamud, the deputy CEO of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), the Halal promotional body of Malaysia. Other countries can le