Fortitech sets sights on Halal market
its nutrient premixes by having its Danish manufacturing and
testing facility certified Halal-compliant.
The worldwide Muslim population tops 1.5 billion, and Fortitech Europe's move is partly an effort to deliver food, beverage and pharmaceutical products that tap into this market.
But managing director Peter Sørensen said: "Meeting the rigorous Halal requirements is an excellent move for Fortitech's growing business initiatives in our market."
He drew attention to the quality and safety assurance that a Halal guarantee provides, which may increase confidence in products for a diverse group of consumers, not just Muslims.
According to the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of Americal, all foods are Halal (Arabic for lawful or permitted) with the exception of those considered Haram (unlawful or prohibited) - that is: swine or pork and its by-products; animals improperly slaughtered or dead before slaughtering; Animals killed in the name of anyone other than ALLAH (God); alcohol and intoxicants; carnivorous animals, birds of prey and land animals without external ears; blood and blood by-products; and foods contaminated with any of the above.
Foods containing ingredients such as gelatin, enzymes, emulsifiers, are considered Mashbooh (questionable) because the origin of the ingredients is not known.
Fortitech Europe has said that the certification will allow it to fully meet the growing demand for Halal-compliant premixes in the Middle East, Europe and Africa.
The Halal food market has never been measured but estimates range from US$150 to 500 billion.
According to Nordin Abdullah, executive director of Malaysian Kasehdia (the media company behind the first World Halal Forum, to be held in Kuala Lumpur next month), Europe holds considerable opportunities for producers of halal foods.
"There may be only 30 million Muslims in Europe but they have huge purchasing power in comparison with those in the Middle East or North Africa," he said recently.
This is due to second or third generation Muslims in Europe who are no longer happy with the traditional foods their parents bought, but want Halal versions of mainstream foods like hot dogs and pizzas.
Some larger companies such as Nestle, and supermarkets like Tesco in the UK, have already recognised the potential and acted on it to build their Halal offering.
Other companies in the nutrition and supplement sector with certified Halal offerings include Aloecorp, McNeil Nutritionals, Ocean Nutrition Canada and Reliv International.
