News From : DagangHalal.com (15 Nov 2009)
KUALA LUMPUR: The World Halal Forum will be held for the first time outside Malaysia this year.
To commence from Tuesday, the forum (WHF Europe) at The Hague, Netherlands, will provide an insight into the viability of the industry and how best to tap the huge potential of the halal market in Europe.
Jumaatun Azmi, founder and managing director of WHF and KasehDia Sdn Bhd, said the size of the halal food market in Europe was estimated to reach RM224.8 billion this year.
“The higher purchasing power of European Muslims and the growing number of educated Muslims in the labour market have contributed towards the strong growth of halal food consumption while the trade potential is rapidly increasing.
“It will be an interesting forum as we will not only focus on the business perspective, we will also be engaging with parties that have issues with halal products especially farm animal welfare groups.”
She said the Netherlands has a huge potential to be a gateway for halal trade since Port of Rotterdam, the largest port in Europe, has dedicated halal storage and warehouse facilities.
“WHF Europe will give clearer perspectives to business, consumer and Muslim groups as well as policy makers on its viability and potential.
“The gathering and participation of a large number of industry experts, animal welfare groups, academicians and scholars in WHF Europe 2009 will further strengthen the future shape of the halal industry.
“The forum will help enhance understanding on the concept of halal and its values, not only to Muslims, but to non-Muslims as well.”
Europe has the third largest concentration of Muslims after Asia and Africa. It has a Muslim population of about 51.2 million.
European Muslims play a major role in the global halal market as they have higher purchasing power, which leads to huge market potential. France now leads the market size in Europe.
The WHF was launched in 2006 to promote the concept of halal for the benefit of the global Muslim market.