France’s Halal Food Attraction

France is home to the largest Muslim community in Europe. The official statistic of the Muslim population is estimated at 6 million, but the unofficial figure could reach 8 million.France is Europe’s largest halal market, with sales attaining more than €5 billion a year. It is estimated that France’s halal food consumption has been increasing between 10% and 15% annually since 1998.

About 95% of the sales comprise meat-based products. These include fresh beef, lamb, chicken and turkey as well as French halal meat delicatessens such as salami, sausages, sliced ham and ham cubes.

Halal butchery and poultry shelves in a supermarket in Illzach, eastern France.

Malaysian products that have potential to penetrate the French halal market include :

1. Ready-to-eat French gourmet food (frozen or chilled) for mass French consumers.
2. Ready-to-eat ethnic food catering to Asian consumers (Indian/Chinese/Vietnamese) and Arab communities.
3. Beverages such as fruit juices and halal malt/wine/beer.
4. Sauces and food ingredients.
5. Sweets and confectioneries.
6. Snacks and tit-bits.