Middle East Halal food producers get help to break into $16bn US Halal market

Midamar, North America's largest supplier of high quality US Halal meats, will unveil a new consultation service for Middle East companies aiming to capitalise on huge market growth in the US at Halal World Expo in Abu Dhabi next month.

Taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 9-11th December, this important new industry event is being launched at a time when the global Halal food market is worth an estimated $2.1 trillion a year.

Midamar, which has more than 30 years' international trading experience, will offer extensive market research and local 'know how' to help Middle East producers make inroads and strategic investments into the booming US Halal industry.

The company has picked Halal World Expo as the perfect launch platform for its new consultation service which officially becomes available in January 2008.

"There are vast opportunities for Halal businesses in the UAE and other parts of the Middle East to take advantage of the growing Muslim community in North America," said Jalel Aossey, Director of Midamar Corporation.

"Midamar has worked in the Halal industry in the Middle East for more than 30 years and can help UAE companies break into North American Halal and Muslim markets. Midamar is looking to develop strategic partnerships and alliances with Middle East companies to cultivate the opportunities for growth in America.

"American Muslims spend around $170bn on consumer products and our advisory consultation service will help Middle Eastern businesses take a share of that spending."

Midamar will also use Halal World Expo to showcase a range of new Halal products, which will soon be available along with other Midamar Halal products already on supermarket shelves in the UAE and other parts of the region.

Midamar recently launched a similar consultation service in America to help US restaurant franchises determine the best approach for establishing a business presence for their goods or services in the Middle East. The company is currently working with three major US businesses looking to expand new and existing operations in the region.

"The relationships Midamar is building with businesses in America and the Middle East highlights the truly global sphere of the Halal industry," said Christine Weaver, Exhibitions Director for Halal World Expo.

"Having a dedicated Halal exhibition illustrates the importance of collaboration and trade within the Halal industry. It is a viable opportunity for those in the trade to make beneficial contacts."

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 in Abu Dhabi. The exhibition will be an annual landmark event opening the gateway for the Middle East market to the international Halal industry.