The global halal food market has registered a strong growth over the past decade with an estimated value of $667 million, representing almost 20 per cent of the overall global food industry, according to a report.

When taking into account the contributing factors, consumption of halal food is set to grow at an annual rate of approximately 16 per cent, stated the report, ‘The Global Halal Industry Overview’ compiled by Edbiz Consulting and Nasdaq OMX Global Indexes, released ahead of the Gulfood Manufacturing 2017 expo in Dubai.

To be held from October 31 to November 2 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Gulfood will provide the perfect opportunity for hundreds of local, regional and international exhibitors across the food industry supply chain, including 144 halal exhibitors in the ingredients sector, to showcase their latest products and solutions.

The Edbiz Consulting and Nasdaq OMX Global Indexes' report stated that the UAE had set the global benchmark in halal certification, with the Emirates Authority for Standardisation & Metrology (Esma) having implemented legislation in recent years for the certification and control of halal products.

Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice president, exhibitions and events management, DWTC, said: “The halal sector across the world has witnessed tremendous growth in recent years and the UAE has forged ahead as a leader in the industry in setting the highest standards.”

“Influential manufacturers and leading halal food supply chain professionals now increasingly see the benefit of exhibiting at our event, which is the Middle East’s largest ingredients, processing, packaging, and logistics exhibition,” she said.

“This platform will undoubtedly help the emirate achieve its objective of becoming the capital of the Islamic economy bolstered by its trade of halal goods,” she added.

Demonstrating a unique halal certified product is the Egypt based exhibitor Kamena Products Corporation, which will showcase its seasoning blend Sprinkle – that can be used to flavour fries, salads, popcorn and more, with flavours including Mexican Cheese, Paprika, Chili-Lemon, Kebab and Jalapeño.

Samy Anton, regional export sales manager, Kamena Products Corporation, said: “We believe that the event is one of the most important events for the food industry in the Middle East, and will assist our company in achieving our expansion strategy and help increase our international clients’ base in the Middle East.”

“Having a very strong capability to develop flavours that suit Middle East tastes and preferences, we hope to reach out to our markets of interests such as Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait, in addition the African nations such as Sudan, Ethiopia, Libya, Algeria, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and Uganda,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service