Over the past two years, plant-based food consumption has grown by 49% across the EU, reaching a total sales volume of €3.6 billion.
Pakistan - Halal market has huge potential
2025-05-15
Halal food market in non-Muslim countries worth $580 million
FAISALABAD (January 15, 2011): Non-Muslim countries have a $580 million halal food market as they cater to the needs of 2 billion Muslim halal consumers worldwide. Pakistan needs to seize the opportunity of exporting to the 9 million halal market in the United States. Each potential halal consumer spends approximately $6 per day.
On Friday morning, the International Seminar on Halal Food Production, organized by the National Institute of Food Science and Technology, opened at the Nestle Hall. Professor Ahmed Khan Iqrar, Vice Chancellor of the Agricultural University, stated that OIC member states only account for 8% of trade, leaving huge potential and opportunities in the Middle East.
Dr. Khan stated that the production of halal food involves a complete value chain. He believes that 3 million Muslims remain unvaccinated annually. He called for multidisciplinary research by academics to maximize the potential of this vast trade.
Earlier, Dr. Dahia, Director of the Center for Halal Science at Chulalonghorn University in Thailand, stated in a keynote speech that Muslim countries have overlooked the potential for halal food trade. Consequently, Brazil, China, India, Thailand, and Switzerland have become major players in this market. Dr. Dahia emphasized the importance of understanding the origins and different processes involved in producing halal food, as the halal nature of its ingredients is crucial for halal food.
He emphasized the need to establish a local halal food certification system in Pakistan that strictly adheres to Islamic traditions and principles to ensure full compliance with Shariah. Pakistan has the potential to become a global halal food hub, directly connecting with millions of consumers across the Middle East, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. He stressed the need to strengthen ties between Pakistan's public and private sectors and international organizations to benefit from their experience.
Earlier, Professor Anjum of GD NIFSAT said that Pakistan's agro-climate, which ranges from tropical to temperate, is conducive to the growth of the agricultural market. He said that agricultural production is mainly composed of animal husbandry and crop properties, which account for 53.2% and 43.9% of the total agricultural output value, respectively.
In order to adapt to the country's food shortage, especially the shortage of edible oil, he said the country has to continue to rely on imports. Pakistan is also blessed with good agricultural products, as the climate here is very suitable for the cultivation of various fruits and vegetables.