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 is increasingly popular in the UK and Europe, as its traceability appeals to many consumers.
2025-05-15
Food Futurist Linden Halal food is growing in popularity in the UK and globally, according to a new report published by Lyndon Gee on behalf of halal convenience food manufacturer TAKUL. The report suggests that halal food is gaining popularity in the UK and globally, as the growing Muslim middle class spends more on food and even more non-Muslims see the importance of hygiene andconform toThe ethical benefits of halal food are such that the market shows no signs of slowing down.
Halal, which translates to "permitted" in Arabic, describes food that has been prepared, processed, and consumed in a specific manner outlined in the Quran, Islam's central religious text. It must be free of impurities or forbidden substances and adhere to Islamic ideals of cleanliness and purity. Beverages, cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and even finances can also be halal.
Growing market
Britain's Muslim population is growing with immigration from countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Iran, Afghanistan and Somalia, as well as Eastern European countries.The Muslim population in the UK is expected to rise from 4 million today to 13 million by 2050.
However, according to the report, sales of halal food are growing not only in the UK but also globally. Fortune magazine predicts that the global halal food and beverage market will grow fromIt will grow from $2.09 trillion in 2021 to $3.27 trillion in 2028.
Not only the UK, but Europe is also a key growth area.By 2050, Europe's Muslim population will grow from the current 4.9% to 74%.
France will have the largest proportion, accounting for % of the population12.7%. Inevitably, this population growth will drive demand for halal products, so they will become morewideConsumers are already willing to eat food they know is halal, such as food from Indian, Middle Eastern or Moroccan restaurants. Many mainstream chains, such as KFC andNandos, in areas with large Muslim populations, uses halal chicken.
As European manufacturers produce more halal food for their domestic markets, more non-Muslim consumers will be exposed toTheseHalal food. There is also significant potential for manufacturers to export halal products, which would lead to higher levels of halal production and, consequently, more halal food available on supermarket shelves.
One of the main reasons for the market growth is the increase in average Muslim income. More and more Muslims are entering the middle class and becoming entrepreneurs in their own right. In addition to investing more money in the market, this has also enabled Muslims to travel more, which means that the halal food market has begun to expand. When it comes to Muslims in the UK, almost50% are under 24 years old, and Muslim women in Generation Z are more willing to work than their mothers, which means that the revenue of the halal food market is expected to increase over time.few, cash-rich, they are looking for convenient halal food. Companies like TAKUL have opened up the market by releasing halal convenience foods.
Confidence in Halal Food
Halal food is also becoming increasingly popular among non-Muslims. The report states that one of the main reasons for this is its strict processing rules, which provide consumers with assurance that the product is safe and adheres to certain ethical standards, which they do not always expect with other meat products.
Halal foodofTraceability appeals to many consumers, especially in countries that may not have the mandatory high production standards that European producers must adhere to.becauseHalal food must not only meet ethical standards but also hygiene standards. Continuous monitoring of hygiene and cleaning processes provides consumers with consistent hygiene and food safety assurance.As mentioned above, this is particularly important in non-European countries, where the standards of other foods may not be rigorously scrutinized. Halal foods must undergo a certification process before they can be sold as halal, providing the foundation for such assurance. There are many certification bodies around the world, but there is a basic process that foods must undergo before they can be certified as halal.
Through ongoing monitoring, halal certification is the assurance that a product has been thoroughly investigated and found to comply with Islamic dietary law, as well as comply with applicable national and international laws. The certification process verifies all aspects of the product’s slaughter, manufacturing, processing, and sale.