Upbeat outlook for UAE catering services

The UAE catering services market is set for sustained expansion from 2025 to 2030 with a CAGR of about 6% over the forecast period.

According to a report from MarkNtel Advisors, the momentum is underpinned by the UAE's growing tourism base, more international events and exhibitions, a rebound in air travel, and the presence of globally-recognised catering service providers. 

At the same time, changing consumer preferences—toward healthier, fresher, and premium dining options—are reshaping menu innovation and pushing operators to differentiate through compliance, customer experience, and sustainable practices, the consultancy said. 

MarkNtel Advisors said the UAE catering industry is witnessing a new phase of growth, driven by shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, and rising demand across the events, tourism, and corporate sectors. 

Customers are increasingly seeking hygienic, health-conscious, and customised meal options, while caterers are integrating innovations like digital ordering, cloud kitchens, and automation to enhance efficiency. 

With the country strengthening its position as a global hub for weddings, exhibitions, and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), opportunities for catering providers are expanding rapidly. At the same time, sustainability initiatives such as ecofriendly packaging and dietary flexibility—including vegan, organic, gluten-free, and halal-certified menus—are reshaping offerings, making adaptability and innovation essential for market competitiveness. 

Drivers of market growth include:  

Tourism and events

The UAE's global positioning as a tourism hub is a central growth pillar. Large-scale international events—such as Expo, Intersec, and GITEX—alongside year-round trade fairs, conventions, and exhibitions generate steady demand for banquet and corporate catering. With Dubai and Abu Dhabi cementing their reputations as regional MICE capitals, event-driven catering volumes are expected to remain robust.  

Non-contractual catering is primarily linked to events, weddings, and short-term engagements. While cyclical and seasonal, it remains lucrative during peak tourism and event cycles.   

Aviation and in-flight catering

The UAE is home to leading global carriers such as Emirates and Etihad Airways. The surge in air passenger traffic, coupled with fleet expansion initiatives, translates directly into higher demand for in-flight catering. 

Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC), for instance, operates one of the world's largest culinary facilities, producing more than 250,000 meals daily across 160,000 sq m of space. Partnerships between airlines and catering providers are set to deepen, with opportunities for service differentiation around menu innovation and sustainability.  

Corporate and institutional demand

The rapid pace of corporate expansion in the UAE—driven by free zones, low corporate tax regimes, and foreign direct investment—has fuelled demand for contract catering in office complexes, schools, and hospitals. Contract-based catering services are particularly favoured for their long-term cost efficiency, menu flexibility, and reliability.  

The corporate segment is largest in this market, fuelled by the increasing establishment of MNCs and regional HQs. Caterers targeting corporates are increasingly offering customised, health-focused menus to match employee wellness initiatives. 

Healthcare growth

The healthcare sector is becoming a powerful demand centre for catering services. Hospitals are increasingly outsourcing patient meals, clinician catering, and canteen management to specialised providers. Post-COVID, the emphasis on nutrition, hygiene, and timely delivery has become even more prominent, positioning hospital catering as both a growth driver and a compliance-critical domain. 

Hospitals are emphasising specialised dietary plans aligned with patient recovery and clinical nutrition requirements, MarkNtel Advisors said.

Other significant sectors include:

Education

Schools and universities are investing in nutritious meal programs, particularly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Healthcare: 

Defense and offshore

Demand for robust, HACCP-compliant food solutions in defense bases, mining, and offshore oil rigs.
Event Management & Leisure: Weddings, conferences, sports events, and cultural festivals drive this segment. 

Mining and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) projects

Contracted services for remote sites, particularly for oil and gas exploration as well as infrastructure projects. 

With UAE's active oil and gas as well as EPC projects, remote and industrial catering demand is expected to rise further. 

Top players mentioned in the report include EKFC, ADNH Catering, Royal Catering, National Catering Company (NCC), Abela & Co., WLL, KEITA, Al Jazeera International Catering, Kelvin Catering, Baguette Catering Services, and Emirates Catering Services.

This diverse roster of players compete across corporate, healthcare, aviation, hospitality, and remote site catering. Competition is increasingly driven by menu innovation, compliance excellence, sustainability commitments, and ability to scale across multiple sites. 

On the geographical front, Dubai is the lead region due to its strong tourism ecosystem, the presence of major catering companies like EKFC, and an active events calendar. Urban lifestyles and casual dining trends also fuel catering demand here.

Abu Dhabi and Al Ain host significant demand from the healthcare, defence, and corporate sectors, complemented by megaproject activity.

Sharjah and the Northern Emirates may have a smaller share but are also growing, supported by regional universities, mid-size corporates, and community events. 

Opportunities and trends in the UAE catering services industry include: 

Growing air traffic

With iconic tourist attractions such as Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, and Palm Jumeirah, alongside rising business travel, UAE's air traffic is expanding rapidly. This directly boosts the demand for in-flight catering, positioning it as one of the most dynamic sub-segments of the market.  

Health and wellness revolution

Caterers are rapidly adapting to the shift toward healthier meals. Trends include: 

• Organic and locally sourced ingredients
• Vegan and plant-based options
• Reduced reliance on frozen/prepared foods
• Customised dietary menus for corporate and hospital clients

Automation and technology

The adoption of automated kitchens and digital tools for menu planning, inventory, and HACCP compliance logging is transforming operations. Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled fleet management and kitchen robotics are gradually being tested to reduce turnaround time and enhance food safety.  

Sustainability 

UAE catering operators are integrating sustainable practices, including waste reduction programmes, ecofriendly packaging, and local sourcing partnerships (e.g., vertical farms like Bustanica). These initiatives align with both corporate environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) mandates and government sustainability agendas.  

On the down side, input cost volatility, which can include imported food items and energy prices, are impacting pricing models. There are also labour management challenges due to the reliance on an expatriate workforce, as well as seasonal volatility linked to event-driven catering cycles. Caterers also need to navigate complex compliance requirements with multiple regulatory bodies and legislation: the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Dubai Municipality, and the Federal Food Safety Law among them. 

Details

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Significant growth projected for the MENA halal food industry

BCC Research's Halal Food Regional Market Analysis: Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is projected to grow from US$253.9 B in 2025 to US$380 B by the end of 2030, with a CAGR of 7.1% from 2025-2030. Countries covered include Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, KSA, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE.

KSA has the largest market share, which is expected to be worth US$72.7 B by 2030, at a CAGR of 8% over the forecast period.

Distribution channels include hypermarkets and supermarkets, departmental stores, as well as online, while product types include meat and meat products, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, and grain products. The meat and meat product segment will continue to dominate through the end of the forecast period.

According to BCC Research, investment and funding in the MENA halal food sector are accelerating, driven by strong government support and interest from international companies. Governments are streamlining approval processes and strengthening regulations to foster a more business-friendly environment. Rising consumer demand for food safety, ethical consumption, and Islamic lifestyle products, amplified by social media, is fuelling market growth. Additionally, strategic collaborations among governments, regulators, and research institutions are advancing innovation, ensuring global compliance, and promoting sustainable development within the halal food ecosystem.

Growth drivers include:

A growing population: The MENA region has a rapidly expanding Muslim population, which naturally sustains and increases demand for halal food. As religious dietary laws are central to daily life, this demographic growth ensures a steady and loyal consumer base for halal-certified products.

E-commerce: The rise of digital platforms and online food delivery services has made halal food more accessible than ever. Consumers can now easily find and purchase halal products online, boosting market reach and convenience, especially among the tech-savvy younger generation.

Increased investment: Governments and private investors are pouring resources into the halal food sector, supporting infrastructure, certification, and innovation. This financial backing is helping local producers scale up and attract global interest, positioning MENA as a key player in the global halal market.

Trends identified by BCC Research include:

Digitally-influenced halal choices: The halal food market in MENA is experiencing rapid growth, largely fuelled by the rising impact of Islamic lifestyle content on social media. Millennials and Gen Z are especially responsive to online trends and influencers, often basing their food choices on digital recommendations.

Ethical and clean eating trends: A growing regional focus on ethical consumption and clean eating is further accelerating the expansion of the halal food market, aligning with global health-conscious and sustainability-driven consumer behaviours.

BCC Research also highlighted Halal Products Development Company (HDPC), a KSA-based startup and a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The company is dedicated to developing a robust halal ecosystem within the kingdom and promoting the localisation of halal production.

HPDC supports international players in expanding their footprint in the Saudi market and invests in the halal industry to enhance the country's production capacity. Its overarching goal is to position KSA as a global hub for the halal sector. Additionally, HPDC offers advisory services to industry stakeholders seeking to navigate the halal market landscape.

Much activity expected in the Indonesian cold chain market through to 2026

The Indonesian cold chain market is expected to be valued at about IDR6,800 B by 2026, says research firm Ken Research.

According to the company, the cold chain market is highly fragmented and currently includes 100+ cold transportation and storage players. A significant increase in the number of companies is expected year-on-year due to consumer demand and technology advances, leading to significant industry fragmentation, Ken Research said.

Bright outlook for plant-based food

The global plant-based food market is set to be worth US$34 B by 2030, according to Growth Market Reports.

Global Plant-based Food Market by Types (Seafood Substitute, Egg Substitute, Meat Substitute, Dairy Substitute, and Others), Sources (Pea, Wheat, Nuts, Soybean, and Others), Distribution Channels (Online Retail, Specialty Stores, Convenience Stores, Modern Groceries, and Others), and Regions: Size, Share, Trends, and Opportunity Analysis, 2021-2030 states that the market was valued at US$10 B in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12% till 2030.

Research highlights:

- The modern groceries segment is expected to hold a major market share in the coming years, owing to the appealing discounts, shelf space, and bundling tactics.

- Athlete-led and celebrity awareness campaigns have encouraged the consumption of vegetarian products in order to have a healthy diet.

- High costs associated with the products and raw materials is anticipated to hamper the market growth during the forecast period.

- Collaborations between key players in the plant-based food market and restaurants, large chains, as well as industry titans including Beyond Meat, Oatly, and Impossible Foods will drive growth.

The dairy substitute segment is anticipated to expand at a sustainable CAGR during the forecast period, due to the nutritional advantages of plant-based dairy alternatives. Dairy substitutes are prioritised by many people due to lactose intolerance and concerns over animal cruelty in conventional dairy farming practices.

The soy segment is expected to grow at a significant pace during the forecast period, due to the wide applications in various food and beverage sectors including bakery, meat, and dairy alternatives. Soy is less expensive as compared to other sources and is increasingly accepted by consumers.

Brands profiled in the report include:

- Plamil Foods 

- Sahmyook Foods

- Sanitarium Health and Wellbeing Company

- The Hain Celestial Group 

- Taifun –Tofu 

- Unilever 

- VBIte Food

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Vegan food market CAGR expected to be 11.4% through to 2027

Government initiatives and consumer concerns related to health are major factors influencing the growth of global vegan food market, says consultancy Absolute Market Insights (AMI). Vegan foods include fruit, vegetables, nuts, cereals, pulses, milk, yoghurt, cream, margarine, cheese, soy products, as well as dairy alternatives and meat substitutes.

The global vegan food market was valued at US$10.66 billion in 2018 and is anticipated to reach US$27.98 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 11.4% over the forecast period, according to AMI. Consumer preferences across the globe toward vegetarian and flexitarian food are driving the demand for vegan food products, AMI said. Consumers are more inclined towards a healthy lifestyle today and largely prefer plant-based food products to provide their nutrition, the consultancy elaborated. Whereas vegetarians do not eat meat or fish, flexitarians have a primarily vegetarian diet but may occasionally take meat or fish.

Governments have also been introducing vegan food items to reduce meat consumption, due to associated health concerns and environmental issues. The China government has taken the initiative to reduce its citizens' meat consumption by 50% to combat global warming. The ongoing prevalence of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has accelerated the trend.

Food manufacturers such as Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have responded to the trend with plant-based food products that resemble meat in terms of taste and texture, while restaurant chains have begun to offer dishes that feature plant-based 'meat'. 

Report highlights include:

- The dairy alternatives segment is expected to witness a tremendous growth over the forecast period.

- The online distribution channel registered highest market share in 2018 and is expected to further proliferate over the forecast period.

- The Asia Pacific market is anticipated to witness highest growth over the forecast period.

Some of the players mentioned in the report include ADM, Amy's Kitchen, Beyond Meat, Blue Diamond Growers, Conagra, Hain Celestial, Hormel Foods Kellogg, Kraft Foods, LIGHTLIFE FOODS, Marlow Foods (Quorn), NESTLÉ, Smithfield Foods, THE WHITEWAVE FOODS COMPANY, and Tyson Foods.

Within the Asia Pacific region, the following countries are studied: China, Japan, India, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Southeast Asia, the Rest of Southeast Asia and the Rest of Asia Pacific are also segmented as regions. For the Middle East and Africa, KSA, UAE and Kuwait are some of the countries studied.

Details:

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Halal F&B CAGR projected to be over 6% up to 2028

The global market for halal food & beverages is projected to register a CAGR of 6.05% from 2020 to 2028. The surging Muslim population and the increasing awareness among the non-Muslim population regarding halal foods, are the dominant factors, said Inkwood Research.

According to Inkwood Research, there has been an increasing preference for organic and natural food and beverage products across the globe. This trend is an opportunity for halal food products at a time when the Muslim population is increasing globally.

Within the halal food industry, manufacturers are focusing on innovating and diversifying, as well as marketing the health benefits of halal-certified foods.

The increasing standardisation of halal certification is also set to drive increased opportunities.

However, inappropriate hygienic practices, poorly-maintained production and processing facilities, and expiring halal certification weakens the trust of consumers.

As of 2019, the Asia Pacific region dominated the market in terms of market share.

Crescent Foods, Nestle, QL Foods, Al Islami Foods., Cargill Inc., are among the prominent companies in the market.

Buy the report by Inkwood Research (December 2019)

Global halal food market to surpass US$2 billion by 2027

The global halal food market was valued at US$715 billion in 2018, and is projected to see a CAGR of 12.7% from 2019 to 2027 in terms of revenue.


Growth drivers include an increasing Muslim population worldwide, coupled with development in the retail sector supply chain. According to World Health Partners, Muslims have the highest fertility rate compared to other religious groups.

However, lack of a standardised body for certification of halal products is a major factor hampering growth.

Increasing consumer spending on food & beverage is expected to provide ample of opportunities for global halal food market. For instance, according to the State of the Global Islamic Economy, the global Muslim consumer invested around US$1,128 billion on food and beverage in 2015.

Based on product type, meat products accounted for the largest share of 44.2% by revenue in the global halal food market for 2018. The grain products segment is expected to record fastest growth over the forecast period. Traditionally, grains are considered as halal when they are not made up of any haram or unlawful ingredients. However, expansion and diversification of the halal food market along with global nature of grain trading have led to increase inspection of all raw materials and processed grain products. Therefore, grain product manufacturers such as Kellogg Company are focusing on receiving halal certification in order to increase consumer base, globally. This in turn is expected to drive the grain products demand in the near future.

Geographically, the Asia Pacific region held a dominant position in the global halal food market in 2018. Moreover, the region is expected to the record fastest growth during 2019 to 2027. Factors such as presence of over 60% of the global Muslim population in the region together with rising expenditure of people on non-vegetarian food products is likely to provide an impetus to halal food demand from the region in the near future.


Market growth is supported by the many halal certification authorities in Asia Pacific that are gaining consumer trust. For instance, Department of Islamic Development of Malaysia has 56 halal certification bodies in 33 economies such as China, Taiwan, and various others. This helps halal-certified products to develop extensive distribution and business across Asia Pacific.

Key players mentioned in the report include Cargill, Al Islami Foods, QL Resources, Haoyue Group, Kawan Food, BRF, and Saffron Road Food.

Buy the Halal Food Market Report, by Product Type (Dairy Products, Meat Products, Grain Products, Vegan Products, and Others), by Distribution Channel (Hypermarkets, Supermarkets, Online Stores, Convenience Stores, Specialty Stores, and Others), and by Region (North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, and Africa) - Size, Share, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2019 – 2027 report (June 2019)

Global halal market expected to boom

The global halal market was valued at US$5.73 trillion in 2016 and is expected to grow due to a rising Muslim population, rising spend and increasing availability of halal products and services.

The Islamic finance sector has witnessed tremendous growth over the past few years with the emergence of crowd funding platforms including Human Crescent. Lack of awareness has resulted in an enormous opportunity for products and services offered by this segment. The segment is likely to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% from 2017 to 2024, says Hexa Research.

Speedy growth of economies in the Middle East and Southeast Asia are expected to augment the growth of the market owing to the presence of a large Muslim population. These economies are likely to emerge as popular destinations for food and fashion. The Middle East halal market is expected to witness a double-digit growth generating revenues of US$6.53 trillion by 2024.

The demand for qualified halal products among non-Muslim customers has been on the upsurge as more consumers are looking for high superiority, safe and righteous products*. Non-Muslim consumers in Asia Pacific are likely to play a vital role in driving the regional market making it the second largest marketplace after the Middle East, contributing to 30.9% of the global revenues by 2024.

The Islamic economy is being driven primarily by the increasing youth population with high disposable incomes. These factors are likely to drive segments of the halal market such as fashion, food, finance, travel, as well as media and recreation.

Several food companies including KFC and Nestle are already offering halal products to their Muslim consumers. The emergence of Islamic finance institutions offering finance and banking assets are expected to provide further impetus to businesses that are focusing on venturing into the halal industry

Key players analysed include:

• Diana Kotb

• INAYAH

• Al-Rajhi Bank

• Al-Salam Bank

• MMA Bio Lab

• Ivy Beauty Corporation

• Nema Food Company

• Midamar

• Chemical Company of Malaysia (CCM Pharmaceuticals)

• Pharmaniaga

Source: Hexa Research website. Global halal market revenue, 2014 - 2024 (US$ trillion)

Details:

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APAC to drive global halal cosmetics and personal care market through to 2022

Source: Technavio, via Businesswire. Infographic on the global halal cosmetics and personal care market 2018-2022.

Technavio forecasts that the global halal cosmetics and personal care market to grow at a CAGR of 13.55% from 2018 to 2022. To calculate market size, the company considered the revenue generated from the sales of halal cosmetics and personal care through online and offline channels.

A key factor driving growth is the rising Muslim population worldwide. Technavio said an increase in demand from the growing Muslim population and rising awareness of halal cosmetics and personal care products are pushing demand up.  Improved standardisation and certifications are another market driver.

As the Asia Pacific region (APAC) is home to more than 55% of the Muslim population, the region is experiencing a relatively higher demand for halal cosmetics and personal care products. EMEA led the market in 2017 with a global halal cosmetics and personal care market share of close to 52%. During the forecast period, the APAC region is expected to register the highest incremental growth, while the other two regions will witness a decline in their market shares.

Brands listed in the report include: 

• Amara Halal Cosmetics
• Ivy Beauty Corporation
• Martha Tilaar Group
• PT Paragon Technology and Innovation, the parent company for Wardah
• Total Beauty Network, parent company of Inika
• WiproEL

Vendors in the market are trying to capitalise on the demand for halal personal care and grooming products for men. Although many vendors manufacture halal cosmetics and personal care products for women, not many cater to men. Segment categories include skincare products, haircare products, and fragrances. Celebrity endorsements are also encouraging men to use personal care and grooming products.

“Presently, Millennial Muslim consumers are becoming conscious of their looks and appearance, propelling an interest in personal grooming among young men. This expands the consumer base of the market. Therefore, the interest in personal grooming is expected to spike the volume sales of halal cosmetics and personal care products during the forecast period,” says a senior analyst at Technavio.

As halal cosmetics and personal care become more popular, the counterfeiters will also have a field day, Technavio warns.

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Non-alcoholic malt beverages to shine through to 2028

Future Market Insights (FMI) says the global non-alcoholic malt beverages market is projected to register a CAGR of 4.0% during the forecast period of 2018-2028.

The global non-alcoholic malt beverages market is expected to represent an incremental opportunity of US$856.2 million by end-2018 over 2017. By product type, the dairy-based non-alcoholic malt beverages segment is expected to register a CAGR of 4.1%. 

Non-alcoholic malt beverages and other non-alcoholic drinks are becoming popular as a healthier alternative to alcoholic drinks, FMI notes. Non-alcoholic malt beverages are already very popular in the in the Middle East due to them getting halal certification. Consuming non-alcoholic malt beverages has also become a statement of higher living standards. They also taste good as compared to that of alcoholic beverages, FMI said. 

Non-alcoholic malt beverages such as Milo, Vitmalt, and Hollandia Chocomalt have extra nutritional content incorporated, raising their value and changing their positioning to energy drinks.

"Non-alcoholic malt beverages are available in the market in many different flavors so that people get a choice to select their preferred drink. A few non-alcoholic malt beverages resemble beer in taste, and the only difference remains that these non-alcoholic malt beverages contain zero percent alcohol," FMI stated.

"Non-alcoholic malt beverages is also an upcoming trend seen in countries that have an improved economic condition, where the consumption of beverages is a must in social gatherings, and the standard of living is high. The appeal of non-alcoholic malt beverages is also increased due to social media, which is being used by most companies, especially targeting the youth population. 

"Women are also seen to be consuming ready-to-drink (RTD) non-alcoholic beverages such as non-alcoholic malt beverages. Women have always been known to try different flavours and experiment with their drinks. Also, the health factor is given importance by women, and non-alcoholic malt beverages, having no alcohol, are proving to be a healthy option," FMI said.

FMI believes that there are untapped markets to focus on, including producing in-country. "There are several regions where malt-based beverages are imported from other countries. This leads to the high cost of premium products, as such, affecting sales in these regions. Companies are focusing on expanding and manufacturing their premium products in these regions itself, leading to comparatively lower costs. Low penetration in a few regions, coupled with the high costs of premium imported products, create an opportunity for manufacturers to expand in such regions," the company said.

Details: 

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Growing demand for food certification

The Food Certification Market by Type (ISO 22000, BRC, SQF, IFS, Halal, Kosher, Free-From Certification), Application (Meat, Poultry, and Seafood, Dairy, Infant Food, Beverages, Bakery & Confectionery), Risk Category and Region - Global Forecast to 2023 report from Markets and Markets has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The food certification market is estimated to be valued at US$8.87 billion in 2018, and is projected to reach US$11.45 billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2018. Growing international trade, coupled with increasing stringency in food safety regulations, has been fuelling the demand for food certifications.

Increased consumer awareness about certified food products, a rising number of processed meat product recalls, and the prevalence of foodborne illness are some of the additional driving factors during the forecast period.

The "free-from" certifications segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR among all food certification types from 2018 to 2023. It includes gluten-free, allergen-free, vegan, USDA Organic, and GMO-free certifications. Government bodies of various countries are actively promoting gluten-free certification schemes, systems, and programmes, Markets and Markets notes.

The high-risk foods segment, by risk category, is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the review period.

Companies mentioned in the report include:

ALS
Asurequality
Bureau Veritas
Dekra
DNV
Eurofins
Intertek
Kiwa Sverige
Lloyd's Register
SGS
Tv Sd
UL

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Global halal food market to reach US$739.59 billion by 2025

Source: Grand View Research. Global halal food and beverage market revenue by product, 2016. 

The global halal food market is forecast to reach US$739.59 billion by 2025, says Grand View Research. The boost is from a growing Muslim population and substantially increased expenditure on food and beverage. 

According to the consultancy, the concept of "halal" has transformed into universal conception that covers the entire concept of fresh, clean, and healthier production as well as services of food. "This is completely contradictory to the traditional notion, which was restricted to only slaughtering of animals according to Islamic law or merely free from swine and alcohol," the company notes. "It is no more a mere religious obligation but has moved beyond that to become a standard of choice for both Muslims and non-Muslims*."

Demand is driven by a "large, diverse, and educated" consumer base of approximately 1.7 million predominantly young Muslims globally, which is growing at nearly double the rate of the world population, Grand View said. The total Islamic population is expected to increase from 23% today to around 30% of the total world population by 2030. 

The Asia Pacific and the Middle East and African regions are the top two regions contributing to the growth of the global market. The Middle East and Africa is home to over 327 million Muslims, Grand View said, while the overall average fertility proportion of Muslims in the Asia Pacific was three offspring per woman in 2012 to 2017 period - higher when compared to the region’s total average fertility rate of two children.

Source: Grand View Research. Indonesia halal food and beverage market by product, 2014 to 2025.

A major bilateral initiative to highlight is a collaboration between Abu Dhabi, UAE and South Korea, which has allowed South Korea to gain further access to the global halal food market. Korea agreed to adopt UAE halal certification standards in 2015. The UAE's halal national mark was introduced in 2014.

According to the State of the Global Islamic Economy, the Muslim consumer spending across halal food and lifestyle in 2014 was reported to be worth US$1.8 trillion and anticipated to increase to US$2.6 trillion by 2020. 

Meat and alternatives were the largest product segment in 2016 with a net market worth of over US$590 billion globally. According to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), meat products is the preferred diet of Muslims. "The Islamic population in addition to the religious value is fascinated by several central doctrines such as to protect the forthcoming generation, to preserve life, to maintain integrity and self-respect. Moreover, respect for the welfare of animals, health consciousness and a degree of acculturation are also some of the vital influencers in the growth of the halal meat and meat products market," Grand View said.

On the flip side, the international halal standardisation industry is confusing, Grand View added. Certification bodies include government-owned and linked enterprises, independent halal certification bodies (HCBs), private organisations, national standards agencies, regional bodies such as the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), European Commission and international establishments including the OIC and the Standards and Metrology Institute for the Islamic Countries (SMIIC).

"The primary concern for the manufacturers is to determine the specific standard that is likely to offer them the best possible access to a target market. Also, these companies have to constantly update various certifications to optimise the trade process at several instances where these become mandatory for exports. Nevertheless, leading organisations for halal standardisation and accreditation have been taking steps to harmonise the standards," Grand View said.

Food safety and traceability has also become a major concern, Grand View said. "It is highly expected that every stakeholder must be fully accountable and responsible for procuring, handling, manufacturing, and quality control of halal foods," the company stated. 

Key findings from the report include:

• The global halal foods industry was valued at US$436.8 billion in 2016 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% over the next eight years

• Milk and milk products such as processed milk, cheese, and yogurt are expected to be one of the primary product segments driving growth for the global industry

• Beverages such as carbonated drinks, packaged juice, and sweeteners with halal certification are expected to witness substantial demand over the forecast period. The segment is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 4.9% in Turkey.

• Asia Pacific was the leading consumer region in 2016. Around 63% of the global Muslim population resides here. Indonesia and Malaysia together accounted for over 55% of the regional demand in 2016.

• Major companies actively operating in the global halal food industry include Nestlé, Glanbia Cheese and Kellogg's**

• Companies have been trying to strengthen consumer trust with several marketing campaigns trying to be transparent about their production process of packaged halal foods

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Buy the Halal Food and Beverage Market Size Report By Product (Meat & Alternatives, Milk & Milk Products, Fruits & Vegetables, Grain Products), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025 report from ReportBuyer (published February 2018)

Read Nestle's halal certification FAQ

*This view is often mentioned in forecasts about the halal market. This author has never encountered such views among non-Muslims. There is indeed a shift towards clean and healthy eating and a corresponding focus on the food chain. However, non-Muslims are looking for foods which satisfy the criteria for clean and healthy eating and it does not matter to them if the foods are halal or not. They are not seeking out halal foods to satisfy their preference for clean and healthy eating. Nor do they feel that the halal label means that the food is cleaner or healthier.

 **Glanbia announced halal certification in 2012. Kellogg's has dropped halal certification as of 2017. 

KSA halal food and beverage market to have a CAGR of over 9% through to 2023

The KSA halal food and beverage market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 9%, in value terms, from 2018 to 2023, says TechSci Research.

Source: TechSci Research. KSA halal food and beverage market by size, region and value, 2013 to 2023 (forecast). The west region includes Tabuk, Madinah and Makkah, while the Central region is home to Qassim and Riyadh, capital of KSA.

Increasing demand for packaged halal foods among non-Muslims*, strong import and export regulation and policies regarding halal food and beverages and increasing Muslim population in the country will spur further growth of the halal food and beverage market in the country, the consultancy said.
 
Major players operating in the KSA halal food and beverages market include Al Islami Foods, Amana Foods, One Foods Holdings, Khazan Meat Factory, Al Kabeer Group, Albatha, Midamar, Prairie Halal Foods, JM Foods, AL RAWDAH, Nestlé Dubai Manufacturing and Agthia.

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Buy the Saudi Arabia Halal Food & Beverages Market By Product Type (Bakery, Candy & Chocolate, Meat Products, Beverages), By Product Type (Bakery, Candy & Chocolate, Meat Products, Beverages), Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2013 – 2023 report (December 2017)

*This view is often mentioned in forecasts about the halal market. This author has never encountered such views among non-Muslims. There is indeed a shift towards clean and healthy eating and a corresponding focus on the food chain. However, non-Muslims are looking for foods which satisfy the criteria for clean and healthy eating and it does not matter to them if the foods are halal or not. They are not seeking out halal foods to satisfy their preference for clean and healthy eating. Nor do they feel that the halal label means that the food is cleaner or healthier.