Honoring Excellence in Halal Innovation, Certification, and Advocacy

Chicago, IL — April 15, 2025 — On the evening of April 13, 2025, the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®️) hosted its Banquet & Awards Night at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare’s Grand Ballroom, bringing together global Halal leaders for an evening of celebration, connection, and culinary excellence.

The elegant event preceded the 22nd International Halal Food Conference and served as a platform to recognize outstanding contributions to Halal science, product innovation, certification, and advocacy. Attendees included dignitaries, corporate leaders, academics, and Halal certification experts from across the globe.

Guests were treated to a multi-cultural dining experience featuring vegetarian and fish options by the hotel’s culinary team and authentic Pakistani cuisine from local favorite Ali Nihari, which received enthusiastic praise for both flavor and quality.

IFANCA presented awards to five companies for leadership in Halal-certified product innovation:

•Company of the Year: Kerry

•Company of the Year – Nutritional Ingredients: Abbott

•Company of the Year – Flavors: McCormick

•Company of the Year – Dairy: Darigold

•Company of the Year – Retail: McCain

Rafi-uddin Shikoh, CEO of DinarStandard, delivered the keynote, emphasizing the vast potential of the Halal economy:

“The global Halal market represents 2 billion Muslims worldwide. Almost 17–20% of global consumption is tied to Halal consumer needs. If you haven’t considered producing for these markets, then a large opportunity is missed.”

Industry voices also echoed the importance of the event:

Laura LaCourse, Director of Flavor Regulatory, shared:

“We truly value the partnership with IFANCA. We need these programs. It is hard to bring everyone from industry, dignitaries from around the world, and the real community together—bringing this group together is important.”

Mary Anne Jackson, President and Founder of My Own Meals, Inc., remarked:

“We are like family to IFANCA. They are thankful to have someone recognize that they are contributing something to the Halal community.”

The Banquet & Awards Night reaffirmed IFANCA’s commitment to fostering excellence in Halal certification, innovation, and global engagement.