Despite being a non-muslim nation with only 10% of its population being muslims, Thailand is now one of the world’s largest exporters of Halal Food.
In 2021, Thailand ranked 15th among the world’s leading halal food exporters. With its halal food exports worth almost US$6 billion in 2021/2022, the country is now targeting a 3% increase in 2023. Rice, sugar, canned seafood, processed fruits and vegetable products, non-alcohol beverages, organic and functional foods are among the top halal food exports from Thailand.
One of the key challenges for Thailand’s halal industry is bolstering consumer confidence in its products. To address this, the Central Islamic Council of Thailand (CICOT) has been promoting the use of international halal standards and certification procedures, with the support of the Halal Standard Institute of Thailand (HSIT).
“Our approach to maintaining the standards of Thai halal products is based on the principles of ‘Religious confirmation and scientific support,” said HSIT Director Prof. Dr. Pakorn Priyakorn.
The CICOT has worked with various halal certification bodies such as the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries to get international accreditation for Thailand’s halal certificate. Additionally, the Halal Science Center of Chulalongkorn University has helped to ensure top halal quality by using science-based methods and advanced technologies to detect haram (forbidden by Islamic law) ingredients in its inspection and certification processes.
As of April 2023, more than 160,000 products, 33,000 brands, and 14,000 companies have received halal certification in Thailand. Dr Priyakorn said, “Our halal certification process is globally recognized. We have the highest number of halal-certified products in the world.”
Halal refers to food and other products that adhere to Islamic dietary laws. The global halal market is currently worth over US$2 trillion and is expected to reach US$3 trillion by 2026. This rapid growth is driven by rapid increase in the global Muslim population and a heightened awareness and appreciation of halal products among non-Muslim consumers.
The world’s Muslim population is projected to reach 2.2 billion by 2030, comprising a huge market for halal food and products. Interestingly, many of the major producers/exporters of halal food are non-Muslim countries, including Brazil, India, US, Russia and China.
Many domestic Thai companies including CP Group and Betagro have achieved halal certification with the most recent entry being Tao Kae Noi, known for its seaweed snacks and already being exported to more than 37 countries.
Apart from Halal Food, Halal Tourism is also a rapidly growing market as countries seek to capture a larger portion of muslim travellers globally. Thailand was ranked among the top 5 most popular travel destinations for non-Muslim countries in the 2022 Global Muslim Travel Index.
Thaifex Anuga Asia 2023, one of the region’s leading food and beverage industry events, will dedicate a special Halal market section from 23 to 27 May.
