Halal in Malaysia, Taiwan

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 learn from Malaysia, which has led the way in Halal production for several decades. Today, it exports some 40% of its Halal food and beverage products. According to a report in Halal Focus, there are close to 4,500 local manufacturers with Halal certification as of March 2014. This is 35.5% more compared to the previous year. Malaysia aims to be a major hub for Halal products and production, and no other Asian country comes close.

Even Taiwan

While one is on the way to becoming a global hub, another is just starting in the Halal export industry. In Asia, Taiwan might be seen as amongst the least interested in Halal, but this is a wrong notion. Perhaps it’s because only about 250 Halal-certified food and beverage suppliers are registered on the island. But this number is expected to grow to 350 by the end of the year.  That’s a big number when you consider that in 2012, there were only 44.  Taiwan is young to the Halal market, but the government is now on an all-out support for the industry. As the local Muslim community grows, more suppliers want to be certified as well, and they are also very keen to enter the export market for confectionery, additives, drinks, as well as processed foods.  

The Taiwan Halal Integrity Development Association (THIDA) sets the standards for local suppliers. Taiwan has always been known for meeting stringent standards, so Halal is right up their alley.