How Hong Kong Firms Meet the Rising Global Demand for Halal Food Products

Hong Kong businesses are stepping up to meet the growing worldwide demand for halal food, with more companies now offering certified halal products for both local consumers and international markets. From pre-packaged halal meals for tourists to restaurant supplies for the Middle East, Hong Kong is working to strengthen its position in the fast-expanding halal industry.

Growing Halal Certification in Hong Kong

In recent years, the number of food producers in Hong Kong applying for halal certification has increased noticeably. Industry experts say demand for certified products often rises sharply during major Muslim holidays, when more Muslim tourists visit the city. However, supply still falls short of the growing demand, showing there is plenty of room for business expansion.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong have been encouraging more restaurants, hotels, and food producers to apply for halal certification. This not only helps Muslim residents and visitors but also opens doors for businesses to export their products to global markets.

Government and Industry Support

The Hong Kong government is also supporting this growth. Through InvestHK, the city has opened consultant offices in Cairo and Izmir—two major hubs in Muslim-majority regions. These offices aim to build stronger trade and investment connections with countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, many of which have large halal markets.

In addition, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has been working with CrescentRating, a global authority on Muslim-friendly travel, to make the city more welcoming for Muslim visitors. By mid-2025, more than 60 hotels and several attractions had received Muslim-friendly ratings. The number of halal-certified restaurants has also grown rapidly—from around 100 at the start of 2024 to over 170. Local bakeries are joining in too, with more brands now producing halal-certified bread, pastries, and snacks.

Expanding Opportunities in the Global Halal Market

The global halal food market is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the food industry. Experts predict it will grow from about US$1.73 trillion in 2024 to nearly US$2 trillion in 2025, with strong demand not only in Muslim-majority countries but also in non-Muslim markets like China, Japan, Germany, and the United States.

For Hong Kong businesses, this presents a huge opportunity. By producing halal-certified packaged foods, increasing exports, and making the city more Muslim-friendly, local companies can attract more international customers while contributing to economic growth.

The combination of government support, rising certification rates, and the global popularity of halal products is setting Hong Kong up to become a stronger player in the worldwide halal market. With demand still outpacing supply, businesses that invest in halal certification and marketing now are likely to benefit the most in the years ahead.