Over the past two years, plant-based food consumption has grown by 49% across the EU, reaching a total sales volume of €3.6 billion.
Halal food: the new force behind the rapid growth of my country's food industry
2025-05-15
Xinhua News Agency, Xining, August 11 (Reporters Ma Yong, He Huiyuan, Wang Bo) - Reporters at the 2010 China Qinghai International Halal Food and Products Exhibition held in Xining, Qinghai Province, learned that my country's halal food industry has maintained an average annual growth rate of over 10% in recent years. Halal food, characterized by its unique system of "good food, careful selection, strict hygiene, emphasis on nutrition, and health care," is becoming a rapidly growing force in my country's food industry.
Halal food is closely tied to unique cultural and culinary customs. It's not only a daily necessity for Muslims but also a favorite among non-Muslim consumers. Due to the high demand for halal food among diverse consumers, halal food has become a significant sector in the global food industry. Currently, the global annual halal food trade reaches $2 trillion.
Since the reform and opening up, especially the western development, the economy and society in my country's ethnic minority areas have continued to develop, and the living standards of Muslim people have continued to improve. my country's halal food industry has also entered a period of rapid development. The scale of the halal food industry has continued to expand and its characteristics have continued to emerge.
Long history, rich variety and raw material advantages
my country has 10 Muslim ethnic minorities, totaling over 20 million people. Over a long period of time, my country's Muslims have created a rich and splendid culinary culture. Halal food production in China has a long history, dating back over 1,200 years.
Over the long-term course of social development, China's traditional halal food industry has experienced significant growth. According to food experts, my country now boasts approximately 5,000 traditional halal dishes and nearly 1,000 snacks. Since the reform and opening-up policy, my country's halal food industry has experienced significant development, encompassing a wide range of halal food categories, including grains, oils, meats, dairy products, pastries, sugar processing, canned goods, candy, condiments, soy products, starch, salt processing, egg products, additives, yeast, tea processing, children's food, health foods, processed fruits and vegetables, and frozen and freeze-dried foods.
my country boasts abundant resources of raw materials for halal food. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the grasslands of Inner Mongolia abound in high-quality forage, resulting in high-quality beef and mutton. Currently, my country is a major global producer of cattle and sheep, ranking first in sheep breeding, slaughter, and mutton production. Annual beef production reaches nearly 5 million tons, ranking third in global exports. my country also boasts an abundance of plant resources suitable for halal food production.