Demand for Halal meat and products is increasing in Canada, due to the growth of Canada's Muslim population and the general public's increased awareness of high product quality. Many mainstream companies are eyeing this opportunity and considering how to satisfy Halal consumers.
St-Hubert Considers Adding Halal Options
One such company is Rôtisseries St-Hubert Ltd., a Quebec icon and the province's largest local restaurant chain. It is known for its affordable traditional roast chicken and ribs. According to media reports, its owners and management are considering whether to add Halal options to the menu.
St-Hubert estimates annual restaurant sales of US$420 million, and it also plans to open restaurants in other provinces. When considering demographic data, it makes sense to consider adding Halal-certified options.
Canada's Muslim Population Expected to Reach 2.7 Million by 2030
The Muslim population is currently 940,000. A report published earlier by the Washington-based Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life predicts that Canada's Muslim population is expected to more than triple over the next 20 years. They expect 2.7 million Muslims by 2030, or 6.6% of the total population.
Some enterprises are afraid that when they introduce Halal dining, some segments of society will react negatively. However, such reactions are often the result of a lack of understanding of the Islamic faith and its values. Once people recognize the hygiene of Halal products, many are even more willing than others to choose Halal products.
In addition, Halal food enterprises also preserve and create jobs. Many slaughterhouses and related enterprises in the United States, on the verge of bankruptcy, have survived by switching to Halal operations. In Norfolk, the European Halal Food Park in the UK is expected to create 500 new jobs.
There are huge business opportunities in the Halal food market, as many Muslim countries need to import large quantities of meat, poultry, dairy products and other foods from countries such as Europe, Australia, the United States, New Zealand and Southeast Asia.
FAQ
- Why is demand for Halal meat increasing in Canada?
- The reasons are the growth of Canada's Muslim population and the general public's increased awareness of high product quality. Canada's Muslim population was then about 940,000, and according to a Pew Forum report it is expected to more than triple over the next 20 years, reaching 2.7 million by 2030 (about 6.6% of the total population). Many mainstream companies (such as Rôtisseries St-Hubert, Quebec's largest local restaurant chain with annual sales of about US$420 million) are considering adding Halal options to their menus.
- What positive role does the Halal food industry play in employment?
- Halal food enterprises can preserve and create jobs. Many slaughterhouses and related enterprises in the United States, on the verge of bankruptcy, survived by switching to Halal operations; the European Halal Food Park in Norfolk, UK, is expected to create 500 new jobs. Many Muslim countries need to import large quantities of meat, poultry, dairy products and other foods from Europe, Australia, the United States, New Zealand and Southeast Asia, presenting huge opportunities.
