The Halal Market

The Halal market has been consolidating itself as one of the biggest global trends, growing steadily and attracting more and more countries, consumers, and investors. What was once seen as a niche exclusive to Muslims has now become a strategic segment for companies seeking innovation, international expansion, and credibility with discerning consumers.

Currently, the global market for Halal products is estimated at 2.5 trillion dollars, encompassing several sectors beyond food, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, clothing, tourism, logistics and even Islamic finance.

Global growth

In 2015 alone, the Halal food segment generated $1.1 trillion in revenue. And the growth continues: the average annual growth rate is approximately 15%, demonstrating the enormous business potential. This growth reflects both the growth of the global Muslim population and the search by non-Muslim consumers for products that convey safety, quality, and traceability.

Expansion across continents

Although many associate the Muslim population with the Middle East, the largest Islamic nations are in South and Southeast Asia, a region home to more than one billion Muslims, representing about 70% of the world's Islamic population.

An estimated 40 million Muslims live in the European Union, and countries such as France, Germany and England are among the largest markets outside traditional Islamic nations, with a growing demand for Halal food and products.

In North America, despite Muslims representing only about 3% of the population, growth has been significant. In the United States, with approximately 9 million Muslims, the domestic Halal market generates over $12 billion annually. In Canada, the Muslim population of approximately 800,000 is also driving the expansion of this segment. Since 1995, Halal food sales in the region have grown by more than 70%, demonstrating the enormous potential even in markets where the Muslim community is a minority.

The Movement

Brazil occupies a strategic position in the global Halal market and demonstrates enormous growth potential in this sector. Currently, approximately 38% of Brazilian Halal animal protein exports are destined for Islamic countries, demonstrating the relevance and international confidence in Brazilian production.

Among the main trading partners are Saudi Arabia, followed by the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Egypt, markets that demand rigor and transparency in all slaughter and certification processes.

The contribution

Since its founding, Mercosur Halal has played a key role in strengthening Brazil as one of the largest global suppliers of Halal food. The company has been responsible for deploying a highly skilled workforce, establishing processes for compliance with Islamic requirements, and creating mechanisms for accessing the demanding markets of the Middle East and North Africa.

This work directly contributed to the implementation of the Halal system and concept in Brazilian industries, offering transparency, credibility, and trust to importing countries. This work enabled the issuance of internationally recognized Halal certificates, reinforcing Brazil's image as one of the most respected and trustworthy countries when it comes to Halal production.