Organic, Halal and Kosher Foods Have Become Global Consumer Product Trends

The Department of Trade and Industry's Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) has identified at least three product categories that are currently 'trending' among global consumers, providing new avenues for growth and expansion for Philippine exporters.

EMB Assistant Director Agnes R. Legaspi said: organic food, Halal food and Kosher food—three consumer products—offer new opportunities for exporters whose products have been certified by certification bodies.

Organic food

At the recent 2018 BSP Exporters' Forum, Legaspi said:

In 2013, the global organic product consumption market reached US$56.5 billion and continues to grow rapidly. High-income markets such as Europe and North America, especially the UK and the US, account for more than 90% of the global organic product consumption market. Exporters can label their products organic and sell them at a premium. But you must ensure that your certificate is accepted by the market you want to export to. The world's best-selling organic products are dairy products and eggs.

Halal food

The Halal market is another potentially huge market for Philippine producers, who strive to become certified Halal food suppliers.

The market for Halal products and services is one of the fastest-growing consumer markets in the world, and this US$2.6 trillion industry is expected to grow to US$10 trillion by 2030.

The total trade in Halal food accounts for 62% of the global Halal market, estimated at US$632 billion. Other important Halal products include cosmetics and personal care products, pharmaceuticals and health products.

Legaspi noted that consumers of Halal food are not only from the Muslim community, but also include non-Muslim consumers looking for healthy food as stipulated in strict Islamic dietary law. Philippine exporters wishing to enter this market 'should ensure that you are qualified to call your products and services Halal-certified.'

Kosher food

Meanwhile, the largest market for Kosher products remains the United States, which has a large Jewish population, but demand in the EU and Israel is also strong.

Data from the Department of Trade and Industry shows that since 2004, the US Kosher market alone has had more than 12 million consumers, with an annual growth rate of 10%-15%.

It is very important to ensure that exported products are Kosher-certified. Kosher certification guarantees that raw materials, processing and traceability are all controlled according to Jewish rituals.