Al Islami Foods, the leading producer of quality halal products in the Middle East, has revealed its plan to enter France’s food market, which accounts for about $7.5 billion of halal food.

The announcement came at the 23rd edition of Sial Expo in Paris, which ended today (October 21).

Al Islami will also aim to offer its halal chain of restaurant – Al Farooj Fresh – for franchising across France, said Saleh Lootah, managing director, Al Islami Foods.

“We are constantly receiving enquiries from franchisees. But we will choose one with high repute and experience in halal restaurant field,” said Lootah.

Al Islami displayed its range of 100 per cent halal processed meat products at its booth set up at the 72 sq m Dubai Pavilion at SIAL exhibition, in collaboration with the Dubai Export Development Corporation, a subsidiary of Dubai Economic Development Department.

With about six million Muslims, France has the largest population of Muslims in Europe, and they are having an impact on the national food culture. The current size of global halal food market is estimated at $ 634.5 billion a year, according to the Halal Integrity Alliance, a non-profit halal development organisation based in Malaysia.

“Due to the gradual growth and high consumer demand for halal food in Europe, we see France as a springboard for Al Islami’s expansion into the European region. From France, expansion to the UK and Benelux markets would be easier at a later stage, as part of company’s BIG 5 (billion-in-growth in five years) plan,” Lootah explained.

“I met with the consumers in France. They all ask about the authenticity of halal process, real halal food and halal restaurants. I promised them with conviction to offer Al Islami’s high quality halal and nutrient products to their neighbourhood, not only for Muslims but for the non-Muslims as well. Consumer satisfaction is our aim in the French markets,” he added.

At the exhibition, Al Islami held trade meetings with the established suppliers and distributors to carry out halal meat supply, distribution, logistics and transportation of Al Islami’s range of products across France. – TradeArabia News Service