São Paulo – Demand for halal certifications went up 12% last year, maintaining the upward trend of the last few years, according to data by the Federation of Muslim Associations in Brazil (Fambras). Brazilian industry’s still a global reference as a supplier of halal products in a market that doesn’t experience ups and downs, according to Fambras’ president Mohamed El Zoghbi.
“It’s a steady market that opens up opportunities for Brazilians, who have gained credibility and visibility thanks to the work that Fambras, the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, the ministries and the government in general have done in the last few years. That’s why imports from Arab countries are increasing and Brazil is the world’s largest halal producer,” said Zoghbi in an interview to ANBA.
The president highlighted the increase in demand by companies from the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors for halal certification. Companies such as Prolab, cosmetics manufacturer, and Ajinomoto, Kin Master and Centroflora, which supply inputs to the pharmaceutical industry, were certified last year, according to the federation.
There’s also an increase in the search for companies from different sectors of the food industry, such as manufacturers of sweets, chocolate mix and sausages. “This shows that it’s possible to adapt the products, to replace one item to another without loss of quality or cost increase,” explains the president.
Fambras says that the Islamic market represents near a third of global consumption. According to the Brazilian Trade and Investments Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil), last year Brazil exported over USD 6 billion to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Oman, some of the largest consumers of halal products.
Zoghbi pointed out that the expansion in the supply of halal products in the domestic market – and not only for the large Muslim community in Brazil, but also for the general population, which sees the halal stamp as the guarantee of a high-quality product, proper handling and a healthier concept.
According to him, since Fambras became a halal certifying authority in Brazil, in 1979, there’s was never a year in which certifications didn’t increase from the year before. Thus, the forecast for 2017 is one of expansion: “There’s already an increase early this year,” added Fambras’ president.
*Translated by Sérgio Kakitani
