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Brunei, China Sign An MoU To Develop Halal Food Sector

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Waqaf Mosque at NightBrunei Darrussalam: The Halal Industry and Bio Industry are among the sectors identified for expansion in the Government’s effort to diversify the economy. Development of the two industries will not only contribute to the nation’s gross domestic product but also create job opportunities to Bruneians, ©BRUDIRECT.COM reported.

In this regards, the Government of His Majesty the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and the Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam makes a new commitment towards the Implementation of the Brunei Bio-Innovation Corridor (BIC) by partnering the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of People’s Republic of China and Chile.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of His Majesty the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and the Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomus Region of People’s Republic of China to explore opportunities in creating a new supply chain linking Brunei Darussalam and the Guangxi.

Signing on behalf of the His Majesty’s government was the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, Dyg Hjh Normah Suria Hayati Pehin  Jawatan Dalam Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama Dr Hj  Awg Md Jamil Al-Sufri while the Guangxi was represented by its Deputy Governor, Zhang Xiaoqin.

The signing ceremony took place at Marriot Hotel in Nanning and was witnessed by the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Yahya Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar and the Governor of Guangxi, Chen Wu.

In addition to the interests from Japan, Korea and Europe, new initiatives are established with a number of countries in South America which are interested in exporting Halal Certified Food into the Chinese Market. Brunei Darussalam is well positioned to bridging the gap between Europe, South America and China.

Originally published on religion.einnews.com

Spain Interested In Developing Local Halal Industry

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andalusia-halal-marketAndalusia, Spain – When you hear the name of Andalusia, you are reminded of the Grand Mosque of the city, its spacious palaces and other countless remnants of Islamic culture and history spread all over the city and other parts of Spain. However, this time, the country is bracing for expanding its halal offerings to the Muslim world.

The country  is keen to involve more Muslim countries in business and trade, especially in halal food sector as the country is supported by a strong agricultural industry and the history of Islam in Andalusia. Director General of Fundacion de Cordoba, Agropolis Ranchal Antonio Fernandez said that the halal market in Spain had already been serving two million people. Their country could evolve into a strategic gateway for growing Muslim population in the whole of Europe. “In addition to the Muslim community and Islamic history, we also have the food and agriculture industry which is already established, and the infrastructure, and transportation networks are well connected,” said Ranchal told Bernama, the Malaysian news agency.

Located two hours from Madrid and near the Port of Malaga, Andalusia is the Spanish agricultural center with Cordoba as one of the important cities nearby. Spanish produce food for Europe. Although incorporated in the EU, the country is also on good terms with the North African countries such as Morocco and Algeria. It has a growing Muslim population as well. “We are leaders in certain products such as fruit and olive oil, cattle, citrus fruits, vegetables, and strawberries. We have laboratories that can test the Halalness of its food products. 

Additionally, there are more than 300 scientific groups which perform variety of innovations,  According to Ranchal, Andalusia could gather knowledge in the food and agriculture industry practice, the focus of this potential for the Halal industry.

Agropolis Fundacion de Cordoba acts as a coordinating local body to enhance, and deploy available resources related to the food industry.  Cordoba. Assembly supervisor consists of the city council, ministries, local governments, universities, and public and private companies. “University of Cordoba is a leader in the food industry and agricultural research in Spain. 

We also act as a forum for access to public and private resources for research, innovation, and investment from sources such as the European Union and private funds, “said Ranchal. The Foundation is also collaborating with the Institute of Halal Islamic Council of Spain for standardization and development of brands’ Cordoba Halal ‘. “If you create a good environment, concentrate on providing good service to interested investors, they will come and settle there. “They know our certification bodies, they know we have a lab that can test and ensure the manufacturing of truly halal products based on the Koran and scientific analysis.

This is our strength, “said Ranchal.process of industrial and agricultural Spain clean and safe because it is under European Union legislation. “Actually, we’ve been practicing kosher but did not realize it. We need to adapt to a particular section, “Ranchal said, adding that Cordoba City Council are conducting related research grants and incentives for the halal industry. Ranchal say that Agropolis Fundacion de Cordoba has hired a consultant to develop all the programs incorporated in the long-term project. “Our first plan is to provide halal industrial services group. We can do it in less than five years. After that, we want to develop a network of Halal parks in the whole of Spain, “said Ranchal. *The Foundation plans to work with Malaysian universities such as Universiti Putra Malaysia,  Islamic Advancement of Malaysia (Jakim), and the Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC). “Cordoba was once a knowledge center for Muslims. We still like it, and we want to revive the status of Gordoba of the 11th century, “concludes Ranchal.

Originally published on food.detik.com

Plan For Halal Chicken Slaughter Centre

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animal_slaughter centerGEORGE TOWN: Penang plans to set up a centralised facility to slaughter chickens the halal way under hygienic and clean environment.

State Islamic Religious Affairs, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Malik Abul Kassim said the halal certified facility would ensure that the slaughtered chickens are cut, cleaned and packed in plastic which would be properly labelled.

With the proposal in the pipeline, he said their aim was to ban the slaughter of chickens in all wet markets.

“The ban is scheduled to begin this year and the details of the facility will be worked out hopefully by next year,” he said at a press conference today.

Earlier, Abdul Malik said action will be taken against chicken traders who did not slaughter chickens the halal way but sold them as such.

He said this not only involved Islamic rules but the issue of cleanliness.

“I am disappointed that some chicken sellers are not slaughtering the halal way but selling them as halal chicken,” he added.

He said there were instances when those slaughtering the chickens were found to be smoking. This is not accepted as cleanliness should be maintained at all times.

Originally published on http://www.thesundaily.my

Blackburn Halal Food Firm Seals Euro Deal

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                                                                                                     EXPANDING Blackburn halal food manufacturer KQF has agreed a series of new deals providing a strong foothold in Eblackburn halal1urope.

It has just sealed an agreement to sell it products through one of France’s largest hypermarket chains Leclerc, which operates more than 500 stores in France and a further 114 elsewhere in Europe.

This follows similar deals with Alphaprim, which has 11 stores in the Paris suburbs, and distFresh, an independent halal distributor serving 20 key outlets in and around the French capital.

This follows what KQF managing director Faruk Vali described as an ‘exceptional sales month’ in June and a recruitment drive that has seen 12 new staff join the George Street West firm.

The main export to Europe is the Khan Exotique range of halal burgers, kebabs and sausages, all made to authentic recipes from India and South Africa.

Mr Vali said: “Leclerc is a very important player in the market.It’s also an excellent strategic partner because it has a high profile and is expanding fast.

“The listing of our products with such a significant retailer gives us an excellent means of introducing our halal certified convenience foods to a new group of European customers.

“Our research suggests that the European market for halal foods is buoyant. It’s currently worth around $30 billion and the figure is rising by approximately 15 per cent a year.

“France has the largest Muslim population in Europe — a little under five million — so we developed a new product range, Khan Exotique, as our way of reaching out to that market. European consumers seem to be responding very well.

“Across Europe, Muslims are increasingly looking for high quality halal foods that are convenient but also of a reliable provenance.

“This is particularly true of a new generation of young, well informed consumers who — in the wake of the horse meat scandal and similar problems — want more proof of manufacturers’ halal claims.”

Originally published on http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk

Muslim Foodies: Halal la carte

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muslim-foodies

Muslim Foodies:  Halal la carte

WHEN Shazia Saleem took a recent flight from London to Washington, DC, she requested a halal meal. On her outbound journey she was served a curry; coming back she got the same. “I’m grateful that the halal option is there,” laughs Ms Saleem, a businesswoman, “but it’s 2014–I think we’d be okay with something other than chicken tikka.”

For years Britons hungry for halal food, especially meat, have tended to patronise specialist butchers in areas with large Muslim populations. Diners seeking restaurants that eschew pork and alcohol have mostly had to pick curry houses. But as the tastes of Muslim consumers, especially younger ones, change, so too do the businesses that serve them.

Ready meals are one growing market. Ms Saleem runs I Eat Foods which pumps out halal shepherd’s pie and spaghetti bolognese. Those are a hit among the increasing number of Muslims who, like herself, grew up in Britain, craving the same grub that their non-Muslim friends ate. Willowbrook, an organic halal farm in Oxfordshire, produces bacon from beef and boned, rolled shoulders of lamb—ideal for Sunday roasts.

Halal food is also getting posher. Haloodies (a portmanteau of “halal” and “foodies”) is a brand of neatly packaged halal meats. Unlike many traditional halal butchers, it offers cuts such as fillet steaks. It helps that Muslim shoppers are increasingly concerned about where their food comes from. Halal is about more than just the ritual of slaughter, argues Lutfi Radwan, the farmer at Willowbrook. It is also about the animals’ welfare while they are alive. This is one reason why Ms Saleem avoids factory-farmed meats in her ready meals.

This can be expensive. At TheMeatCo, a restaurant in west London with a separate halal menu and dining area, a T-bone steak is £50. The non-alcoholic Tempranillo at Meat and Shake, a fancy burger joint, is as pricey as the boozy kind elsewhere. But Britain’s Muslims are getting wealthier. The average monthly income of those born locally, with at least one parent born in Britain, is £1,219, compared with £815 for those who arrived aged six or older. And the growing number of converts–estimated at around 100,000–like food that unites their old eating habits and new faith.

Big businesses are recognising this market’s potential. Haloodies meat is sold through Ocado, an online supermarket popular with the middle class. Ms Saleem’s meals are available at large supermarkets. Haute halal is on the up.

Originally published on www.economist.com

Blackburn Halal Food Firm Seals Euro Deal

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halal-food-atblackburn-firmEXPANDING Blackburn halal food manufacturer KQF has agreed a series of new deals providing a strong foothold in Europe.

It has just sealed an agreement to sell it products through one of France’s largest hypermarket chains Leclerc, which operates more than 500 stores in France and a further 114 elsewhere in Europe.

This follows similar deals with Alphaprim, which has 11 stores in the Paris suburbs, and distFresh, an independent halal distributor serving 20 key outlets in and around the French capital.

This follows what KQF managing director Faruk Vali described as an ‘exceptional sales month’ in June and a recruitment drive that has seen 12 new staff join the George Street West firm.

The main export to Europe is the Khan Exotique range of halal burgers, kebabs and sausages, all made to authentic recipes from India and South Africa.

Mr Vali said: “Leclerc is a very important player in the market.It’s also an excellent strategic partner because it has a high profile and is expanding fast.

“The listing of our products with such a significant retailer gives us an excellent means of introducing our halal certified convenience foods to a new group of European customers.

 “Our research suggests that the European market for halal foods is buoyant. It’s currently worth around $30 billion and the figure is rising by approximately 15 per cent a year.

“France has the largest Muslim population in Europe — a little under five million — so we developed a new product range, Khan Exotique, as our way of reaching out to that market. European consumers seem to be responding very well.

“Across Europe, Muslims are increasingly looking for high quality halal foods that are convenient but also of a reliable provenance.

“This is particularly true of a new generation of young, well informed consumers who — in the wake of the horse meat scandal and similar problems — want more proof of manufacturers’ halal claims.”

Originally published on www.thisislancashire.co.uk

Ramadan: Ideal Meals For A 15-hour Fast

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ramzan 15 hour mealOur biological clock adjusts to the worst of the discomfort within a period of 24 to 48 hours, doctor said

Dubai: For an average person, fasting 15 hours a day requires a certain amount of preparation.

While mental and spiritual preparation is a fundamental part of Ramadan, physically training your body to adjust to the fasting routine depends on the food you decide to regularly consume before and after your fast.

Ramadan is a month of devotion and self-discipline.

However, it is important to follow a nutrient-rich diet plan that maintains your health and endurance levels throughout the day, Dr Chandy George, Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant at Balance Wellbeing 360, told Gulf News.

Discussing the philosophy of fasting, Dr George pointed out that scientifically and medically speaking, fasting helps cleanse the body of toxins.

“Essentially this is something the body already knows how to do — every night as we sleep we are on a mini-fast. However, toxins tend to build up over the years and the body needs help to cleanse itself fully.”

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During Ramadan a person who is fasting consumes a meal early in the morning before dawn or Fajr called ‘suhour,’ and ends their fast with another meal after sunset or Maghreb called ‘iftar.’

The approximately 15-hour fasting cycle, however, ensures that while the individual has to encounter challenges, it does not harm the body in any irreversible manner.

“The changes brought about by fasting can result in increased stress and moodiness but the body and the biological clock usually adjusts to the worst of the discomforts within a period of 24 to 48 hours,” explained Dr George.

While many wake up very early to consume suhour, some people choose to sleep. “The suhour happens earlier than the body is prepared for food intake — for those that actually stay awake, by 9am the body is already craving breakfast and caffeine,” said Dr George.

Around noon, fatigue resulting from staying hungry, followed by a lack of rest, may result in dehydration, low blood pressure and also a feeling of faintness, he explained. There is also a likelihood of feeling tired, experiencing headaches and nausea. “It is advisable to rest in the afternoon and wake up just before prayer time.”

Ideal iftar:

End your day-long fast with a light meal. Start with dates and plenty of water along with green tea or coffee (kahwa), Dr George said. Recommending tender coconut water as the best juice to end a fast, Dr George advises people to avoid citrus fruit juices and instead opt for juices like water melon, bananas, and kiwi. Fasting throughout the day fills your stomach with acidic gastric juices, and citrus fruit juices will add to the acidity, he said.

“Home-made soups are also good for breaking your fast. Be gentle on your stomach and consume easily digestible foods and juices.” Iftar meals should include foods with simple carbohydrates such as breads and pastas. The tendency to consume a lot of food while ending your fast also tampers with the body’s metabolism and causes acidity. Greasy and sugary foods should be avoided as they are high in fructose corn syrup and sodium that can result in high cholesterol levels, explained Dr George. To satisfy your sweet tooth, use natural ingredients such as cane sugar, real honey, and fruits that are rich in fibre, such as figs.

Ideal suhour:

For suhour, water and fluids are highly recommended before starting your 15-hour fast. “It is better to have juices, tender coconut water and soups so that your body is hydrated enough while the intake of solids should be kept minimal as it allows the body to burn conserved fats,” explained Dr George.

Choose foods that are rich in fibre, as foods that release energy slowly should be your priority during fasting. These include sugary fruits like banana and kiwi, as well as lentils and grains such as kidney beans, millets, semolina and wholegrain rice. “I also advise staying away from all fried, oily and dried foods to avoid constipation and indigestion, and it’s best to reduce the consumption of leafy vegetables.”

The key is to eat foods with complex carbohydrates such as wholegrain breads, starchy vegetables and beans during the suhour meals. Fluids like tender coconut water also help to maintain the electrolyte balance.

Originally published on http://gulfnews.com

The Purpose of Ramadan

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ramzan mealsThe month of Ramadan has arrived and Muslims all around the world will be observing the fast. For those who are not familiar with Islam and Ramadan, the purpose of this holy month is much more than abstaining from food and drink; it is a source of purification for the soul, heart, mind, and body.

The observance of Ramadan is obligatory for all Muslims as fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. This excludes children (who have not yet reached puberty); those who are ill, traveling, pregnant, or menstruating are excused. If they are not able to make up their fast, then they are required to give in charity enough to feed one person for each day they have missed of fasting.

The month of Ramadan changes each year as it is based off of the Islamic lunar calendar. The sighting of the new moon marks the first day of Ramadan. From sunrise to sundown, Muslims will abstain from consuming food and drink, as well as sex (with spouses), smoking, and profanity. To validate their fast, each person must make the sincere intention to fast within their heart and mind before dawn. Also, many Muslims will eat a meal known as “suhoor,” before the daybreak then shortly after, will make their first prayer of the day known as Fajr. Sunset marks the break of the day’s fast and is known as “iftar.” At this time Muslims will typically break their fast with water and a date, make the Maghrib prayer, then eat their meal.

This month will be a true trial of one’s character, testing each individual on any bad habits that they may have and allowing them to purify themselves of these behaviors. Ramadan serves as a tool for Muslims to practice on increasing their patience and self-control. It is also a humbling reminder of those who are living in hunger and poverty on a daily basis, and allows for one to truly count their blessings and give thanks from within as well as with their actions.

The month of Ramadan serves a dual purpose that goes hand in hand: it helps Muslims purify themselves and build upon their character, as well as increase in their spirituality. As each individual detaches themselves from worldly desires such as food, drink and sex, they allow themselves to become closer to God. During Ramadan, Muslims are expected to spend their free time in acts of worship such as prayer, Quran recitation, and attendance of the nightly prayers at the mosque during Ramadan known as “Taraweeh.”

Taraweeh comes from the Arabic word “raha,” which means to rest and relax. Due to the lengthiness of these prayers, it became customary to take short breaks in between them which resulted in the name Taraweeh. During the Taraweeh prayers, sections, known as “juz” of the Quran are recited each night of Ramadan, and by the end of the month, all 30 “ajiza” that the Quran is comprised of are completed. Men, women and children are all encouraged to attend these voluntary prayers.

Charity is another one of the five pillars of Islam and is known as “zakat” which means “to purify.” Muslims who have the means are required to give an obligatory charity to the poor during Ramadan, known as “Zakat al-Fitr.” The word “fitr” means to break fast, therefore the purpose of this charity is to provide food for those who are in need and it must be given before the Eid prayer which concludes the month of Ramadan. Furthermore, Zakat al-Fitr is meant to serve as a method of building relationships among the people of society, bringing together the rich and poor by personally delivering the charity to those in need.

During Ramadan, the one night in particular that is most significant is “Laylat al-Qadr,” known as “the night of power.” This night is when the first revelation of the Quran was sent down to Prophet Muhammad. Laylat al-Qadr is believed to have taken place on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days of Ramadan. During these 10 days, many mosques hold “qiyams,” which translates to “standing,” where Muslims gather and spend the entire night in prayer and worship. The Quran states that Laylat al-Qadr is “better than a thousand months” of worship.

Ramadan is typically 29-30 days long, depending on the sighting of the moon. It ends with “Eid al-Fitr,” meaning “the celebration of breaking fast.” During this holiday Muslims will attend the Eid prayer in the morning then spend the rest of their day with family and friends in celebration, exchanging gifts and enjoying food and drink. With the ending of Ramadan, Muslims will once again begin their regular routine of eating, drinking and intimacy, however, it is upon each individual to remember the purpose of this holy month and carry with them the lessons that they learned.

Originally published on http://guardianlv.com

Halal Food A Cut Above Others

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HALAL ABOVEHalal food has become a global trend, and not just for religious reasons — it is seen as a cultural statement and is connected to a healthy lifestyle and the welfare of animals.

In line with the rise of the Islamic economy as a whole, halal food consumption is growing rapidly worldwide. The industry has a 16 per cent market share of the total global food industry, with Asia, Africa and Europe accounting for 63 per cent, 24 per cent and 10 per cent respectively, according to a recent research and markets study. Given the fact that the global Muslim population — currently about a quarter of the world population — is also growing at a steady pace and the Muslim middle class is becoming more affluent, there is still a huge potential for halal food.

Shepherd’s pie goes halal

A number of non-Muslim countries and multinational food producers have discovered the importance of halal food, adding new products to the shelves and restaurants that offer everything from halal hot dogs and burgers to shepherd’s pie and sushi.

In Japan, where the halal food culture has already developed into a popular niche segment, the Japan Halal Association accredited last year a Nagano-based miso paste company to produce the world’s first halal miso paste, one of the most common ingredients in traditional Japanese cuisine. Apart from that, the University of Tokyo recently introduced menus that contained certified-halal food such as zaru soba noodles, a popular summer dish in Japan, and stewed udon, spicy noodles eaten with lamb or chicken.

Hind Hitomi Remon, Director, Japan Halal Association, says, “These halal certifications enable Japanese cuisine to be welcomed in Muslim countries and encourage other Japanese producers to explore possibilities in the halal industry.”

Thailand, the country with arguably one of the most popular food cultures worldwide, has also embarked on the halal trend. There are numerous halal restaurants in Bangkok and most of the tourist destinations in the country. It has become so popular that one of the country’s most important industry events, Phuket Halal Expo, held in May this year, saw a record 300 representatives from global halal-related organisations engaging in various seminars that focused on product innovations.

“Halal food currently accounts for 20 per cent of Thailand’s global food exports, but supply is inadequate to meet demand for the growing Muslim population,” Associate Professor Winai Dahlan, Director, Chulalongkorn University’s Halal Science Center in Bangkok, tells GN Focus. “The industry will also need new products to expand its reach further.”

Foie gras too

Western countries with a large Muslim population are also tapping the market. In the UK, halal meat and sausages are available at big supermarket chains such as Tesco, and others have introduced halal baby food or organic halal food. Some chicken fast-food chains in the UK only serve halal chicken.

In France, the European country with the largest Muslim population, supermarkets and grocery stores also offer a wide variety of halal food including French specialities such as foie gras. In Germany, the number of halal-only food companies is growing steadily, producing salami, bologna and other popular sausages strictly following halal standards.

According to the Federal Association of German Food Retailers, the halal food industry has become larger in terms of revenue than the organic food segment and has become “an important pillar of business”.

Multinational food producers also have a number of halal products in the market, but their problem is that there is no harmonised global halal food standard, which makes it difficult to sell the same halal product globally.

“It is estimated that there are currently around 122 active halal certification bodies around the world, including local government departments that have taken charge of halal certification,” says Dr Evangelia Komitopoulou, Global Food Certification Manager, SGS, a Switzerland-based certification company. “Each country is attempting to establish itself as the global hub for halal certification based on its own national and regional interests.”

In a bid to harmonise global halal standards, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in 2012 appointed the UAE to produce a unified standard that could be applied across all 57 Islamic countries within three years. If such a standard were introduced, it would certainly give the global halal food industry another strong boost.

Originally published on http://gulfnews.com

Halal Producer Clinches European Supermarket Deals

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halal-producer-in-europeA leading halal food producer is celebrating after landing a series of deals to give it a strong foothold across a number of European markets.

Lancashire-based KQF, which produces the Khan Exotique range of Halal certified burgers, kebabs and sausages, has signed a deal with Le Clerc, a major hypermarket chain across France, and other European countries. The deal builds on agreements with store chain Alphaprim and distFRESH, an independent halal distributor, both of which serve the Paris area.
Faruk Vali, managing director of KQF, said: “Le Clerc is a very important player in the market. It’s also an excellent strategic partner because it has a high profile and it’s expanding quickly. The listing of our products with such a significant retailer gives us an excellent means of introducing our halal-certified convenience foods to an entirely new group of European customers.
“Our research suggests that the European market for halalfoods is buoyant. It’s currently worth around $30 billion and the figure is rising by approximately 15% a year. France has the largest Muslim population in Europe – a little under 5 million – so we developed a new product range, Khan Exotique, as our way of reaching out to that market. European consumers seem to be responding very well.”

Originally published on http://www.meatinfo.co.uk
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