‘Halal Expo 2008’ concluded in Dubai with exhibitors closing more than $11 million worth of deals over the course of the event, according to show organisers, Orange Fairs & Events.

The three-day show, which was sponsored by Jawhara, the first Group of Islamic hotels in the UAE, hosted more than 55 global companies and international exhibitors from 17 countries including the UAE, Malaysia, Australia, France, Hong Kong, Pakistan, UK, Brunei and the Philippines.

Among the top exhibitors, the manufacturers of Cham'alal, a sparkling non-alcoholic alternative to champagne, announced that they secured a total of 38 international contracts during the show, thereby prompting them to ensure a repeat participation for the event’s 2009 edition.

The manufacturers of the much sought-after product further revealed that their participation at ‘Halal Expo 2008’ resulted in potential contracts amounting to $4 million, from partners and investors originating from countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE and Iran.

In addition to revolutionary and top-quality Halal offerings, the event also featured a host of Shari'ah-compliant lifestyle products and services, including food items, hospitality management, cosmetics and health and pharmaceutical products.

“Our participation has presented us with an outstanding opportunity to expand the market of Cham'alal and talk directly to our target audience, who comprised the bulk of the visitor turnout at the event,” said Daas Salim, business developer, Cham'alal.

Among the other success stories during ‘Halal Expo 2008’ was Ozzy Meat Exporters (Halal) Pty Ltd, having closed deals worth $5 million, with around 19 local traders and companies from Zambia, Somalia, Belgium, KSA, Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Egypt, Yemen and Jordan placing significant meat orders.

Erapoly Oil & Fats, a company that exports Halal products to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, also confirmed to have secured around $1 million in contracts, mostly for the first half of 2009, during its participation at ‘Halal Expo 2008’, thereby boosting the company’s expectation to increase its market presence by 10 to 20 per cent.

'Halal Expo 2008 has achieved tremendous success largely because of the impressive array of Halal products that have been showcased,” concluded Raees Ahmed, director, Orange Fairs & Events.-TradeArabia News Service