The third annual 'Halal Expo', the definitive event for Halal industry in the region, opened today (November 10, 2009), at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. Endorsed by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the event is hosting more than 80 global companies and international exhibitors representing 200 brands from 22 countries, and is expected to attract around 4,000 visitors within its three-day run. This year, the exhibition aims to serve as a platform to strengthen the presence of 'Halal' products within the global catering, hospitality, food and beverage, health and pharmaceuticals industries.

With recent studies revealing the number of Halal consumers worldwide to have reached 1.8 billion and annual sales hitting USD 580 billion, Halal-product exporters and manufacturers from across the globe have identified the extensive opportunity in participating in this year's 'Halal Expo'. Among the top global companies present are Halal food manufacturers Amadeh Laziz (Iran) and Khazan (UAE), and beef producers Real Food Company Sdn Bhd (Malaysia) and JES (Japan), which is highlighting its top quality 'Wagyu' products. Other participating companies are from Argentina, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Pakistan, The Philippines, Turkey, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, KSA, USA and the UK.

"Through the years, 'Halal Expo' has played an important role of bringing together leading manufacturers and buyers to encourage 'Halal' trade. However, this year's event hold a significant importance given the current economic situation and the outstanding potential of this market to grow further as a major income-generating industry for Halal goods-producing countries," said Raees Ahmed, Director, Orange Fairs & Events. "With the wide array of world-class products and services on display, it is clear that the market continues to mature, and I am confident that 'Halal Expo 2009' will catalyse a number of important partnerships and deals, which will boost this year's Halal trade across the continents."

'Halal Expo 2009' features Shari'ah compliant products, with the launch of Halal logistics by MISC, one of the top five shipping companies in the world and is among the participating Malaysian exhibitors, deemed as one of the key highlights of the exhibition. In addition to expanding their global network, participating companies are also focusing on leveraging the Middle East as a leading market for Halal products and exploring more effective means to establish a strong presence within the region. Aside from manufacturers and service providers, regional and international Halal Certification Authorities, Chambers of Commerce, and International Halal Associations such as Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA), Dubai Municipality, Islamic Services of America, Islamic Food Council of Europe, and Halal Food Authority - UK are also participating at the event.

"We are thrilled by the level of activity we are seeing in the exhibition hall, which exemplifies the stability of the Middle East Halal market. We would like to thank our exhibitors for their presence and the trade visitors for their continuing support. The third staging of this event proved to be the biggest so far, and we remain committed to the growth of this event to sustainably address the needs of both the regional and global Halal markets," concluded Ahmed.

In addition to providing a suitable platform for networking among key industry players, Dubai's growing role in promoting the Halal industry is also driven by the emirate's strong strides in addressing the need for credible and professional Halal certification and formation of Halal certification bodies. In line with the Dubai's commitment to the growth of the global Halal industry, the event will also host on its second day, two interactive seminars on 'Halal Brand Equity', which will be conducted by Jalal Aossey from Midamar Corporation USA and 'Import and Re-export requirements for foodstuff' which will be conducted by Safwan Saifudeen - Food Safety Specialist from Dubai Municipality.

Global Arab Network