Al Islami Foods unveils Iraq expansion as country embarks on economic revival

Saleh Abdullah Lootah, chief executive officer of Al Islami Foods, commented: "With the political stability and opening up of the economy in Iraq, we believe the Iraq will re-emerge as an economic power in the Middle East region. Our Iraq market study reflected a highly fertile market for Al Islami products. That is the reason we have adopted a forward-thinking approach to establish Al Islami in Iraqi markets."

Beside dramatic growth of the halal market, Al Islami stresses on to correctly define and educate the public about the Real Halal, on which the company stands strong across the world.

The essentials for being authentic halal are: a) Animal slaughtering by a Muslim; b) Reciting Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest); c) Without stunning the animal; d) Animal is fed on natural and halal feed, all according to Islamic Shariah. To ensure the halal process, Al Islami deploys its respresentatives at slaughterhouses.

Iraq's post-war figues show: In total $9bn GCC food market size, Iraq's halal-food imports estimate at $2.5bn for its 30 million population, where 97% are Muslims and over 75% are Arabs.

With the signing of distribution agreement, a consignment of Al Islami frozen chicken and chicken parts has been sent and distributed in Iraq, which received an overwhelming response from the local market.

"We welcome Al Islami in Iraq and we are proud to partner with such a prestigious company. We believe it is the right time for Al Islami to establish its foothold during Iraq's reconstruction phase." said Mohammed Sadeq Yassin, Managing Director at Baghdad Poultry and Meat Preparation Company.