IFANCA 2012 White Paper: The Halal Industry Drives U.S. Economic and Export Development

Introduction

Halal food constitutes the fastest-growing consumer market in the United States. In 2011, Halal consumers spent as much as $15 billion on food and related services. This significant growth is also reflected in the change in the number of Halal meat specialty stores-from only 10 stores in 1970 to more than 2,300 stores in 2012 (according to Zabihah.com and its white-page statistics). In addition, there are now more than 6,900 restaurants serving Halal consumers. Our survey results show that the Halal market provides jobs for tens of thousands of Americans.

Halal Food Service

The growth of the Halal food-service industry can be traced to many factors, which are in turn interrelated. Restaurants offering Halal catering have undoubtedly seen the business opportunity in the growing demand from an expanding Halal consumer base. The different taste needs of Halal consumers have also promoted the development of new Halal dishes beyond the traditional Halal menu. Today, at American subway stations, one can find American, Italian, and Mexican halal dishes everywhere, in addition to Middle Eastern, South African, and Turkish dishes. And the equal enthusiasm with which consumers at large accept dishes of different flavors has in turn promoted the development of the Halal market. As the number of Halal consumers on U.S. university campuses