Leading Halal meat producer and distributor steps up production to meet demand for Eid Al Adha

Khazan, whose products are a familiar sight on supermarket shelves across the Middle East, is increasing production at its manufacturing facilities in Kuwait and Sharjah to meet the extra demand as awareness of being Halal is rapidly catching up.

The opening of a second Khazan meat factory in Sharjah, UAE, a year ago has given the company huge additional manufacturing capacity, and the facility has in fact been designed to allow expansion for the next 20 years.

"We will be using our extensive regional distribution network to ensure we meet the greater than normal demand for Halal products during Eid Al Adha," said Dr. Laith Abuhilal, the company's General Manager in the UAE.

The Kuwaiti-owned company, which has developed an extensive range of Halal food products over more than 40 years, is planning a new phase of regional and global expansion which will be highlighted at Halal World Expo in Abu Dhabi from 9-11 December.

Leading event organisers IIR Middle East are launching the exhibition at a time when the global Halal industry is worth an estimated $2.1 trillion a year, with demand from 1.8 billion Muslims resulting in growth of $500bn annually.

Khazan, one of the Gulf region's top five producers and distributors of Halal products, will take its place alongside many of the industry's global giants in the first comprehensive exhibition in the region covering all sectors and focus areas of the Halal market.

It is often taken for granted that processed food and products available in supermarkets in Islamic countries like the UAE and the other Gulf states are fully Halal compliant unless stated as being for 'non muslim' consumption or use. While systems currently in place offer protection to consumers, rapid growth in the Halal consumer market means there is a rising demand for a globalised standard across all Halal products.

Some countries like Malaysia and Brunei have already formed regulatory bodies to service their markets, and Brunei's Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources will be among the exhibitors at Halal World Expo.

Khazan's GM, Dr. Laith Abuhilal said: "The exhibition is enormously important as it provides a platform to meet, debate and discuss standards, regulations and explore options into globalising our fast growing industry."

Halal World Expo will feature Halal lifestyle products, including Islamic fashion, cosmetics and other health care products, as there has been a growing demand in the UAE towards products that are Halal compliant. The exhibition will also focus on Islamic Finance, which is currently worth between $200 and $500bn annually and a consistently growing interest for financial market across the world.

The Global Halal and Islamic Business Forum will run alongside the Halal World Expo at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The exhibition will be an annual landmark event opening the gateway for the Middle East market to the international Halal industry.