Growing Halal food market demands greater focus on ingredients

Muslim consumers increasingly expect assurance that food and beverages fully comply with Islamic preparation requirements from the very start of the manufacturing process, creating intense pressure to source ingredients from certified suppliers.

To support market demand and the needs of local, regional and international food processing companies, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) will present a dedicated trade show for the sector, Ingredients Middle East, which will have a particular focus on raw materials for Halal food preparation. The event will take place from the 15-17 June at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

'As the Halal food market has grown more sophisticated, it has become increasingly important for food producers to demonstrate that all ingredients are fully certified. In creating a dedicated trade show for this sector, we hope to enable food manufacturers to meet with certified suppliers of ingredients so that they can create a 100% Halal supply chain,'

said Joanne Cook, Industry Group Manager, DWTC.

For local food producers, the focus on Halal food production is critically important and seen as a key component of success in the market. Transveritas, an exhibitor in Ingredients Middle East and a supplier of all types of ingredients to the food processing industry in the Middle East and the Indian Sub-continent, has invested heavily in ensuring that its products surpass market expectations for quality and certification.

'Our clients include specialists in the dairy, confectionery, bakery, meat processing and snack food segments, among many others and we maintain our competitive edge by offering new and innovative products that reflect current trends in the food industry. The renewed focus on Halal certification at the level of raw materials is hugely important and we are very encouraged by the launch of a trade show that provides a proper platform in this area,' said R.C. Menon, Managing Director.

To meet market demand, countries like Malaysia are establishing Halal industry parks to ensure that all food processing remains uncontaminated by non-Halal sources. Most recently, it has opened a 9,000-hectare Halal park in the region of Sarawak, to focus on prawn and fish farming, as well as poultry, agriculture and processing industries, officials said.

'Malaysia is increasingly looking to establish its credentials as a provider of choice for Halal food and ingredients and a trade show of this nature, in a dynamic market like the UAE is an ideal platform. We look forward to building strong links with local companies through Ingredients Middle East,' said Vincent Pang, Managing Director, Angsana Food Exports, which produces food coatings, sauces and spices.

A total of 18 countries will be represented at the event including Germany, India, UK, Egypt, France, Malaysia, Turkey and China.

The Middle East's first trade exhibition dedicated to raw materials and ingredients has generated a strong response from the region's fast-evolving manufacturing and processing industry, with particular interest from groups specialising in Halal food.

Supported by Dubai Municipality, the event will also be co-located with the Arab Beverages Forum, which comprises a strong ingredients component, as well as discussions on added values, flavouring and updates from local players about developing and positioning their products.

Ingredients Middle East 2008 - the Region's International Ingredients Exhibition for Food, Beverage and Health Food for the Middle East, Africa and Indian Subcontinent will take place from 10:00am - 5:00pm on 15-16 June and 10:00am - 4:00pm on 17 June 2008 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Dubai, UAE.