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.
India, a global emerging halal market, has huge potential yet to be tapped
2025-05-15
Halal, translated as "halal" in Chinese, refers to food, medicine, cosmetics, and food, medicine, and cosmetic additives that comply with Muslim lifestyles and needs. It applies to all areas of life, including food, clothing, finance, and personal care products. Halal products do not include pork and alcohol. The halal market is booming globally.
Halal market becomes fashionableShafeeq Rahman said that purely halal Muslim products are a large part of India's economy.
Emerging markets are emerging globally, particularly in Europe and Southeast Asia, for halal services and products that comply with Islamic law's halal dietary regulations and other strict Muslim norms. The halal market has expanded beyond halal food to include new areas such as halal cosmetics, halal logistics, halal fashion, and travel services. Islamic finance, a relatively mature, interest-free market, caters to a large number of Muslim consumers. Globally, total assets in halal-compliant products were estimated at approximately $95.1 billion at the end of 2008, a 25% increase from $75.8 billion in 2007. This compares to approximately $15 billion in the mid-1990s.
Muslims account for over 10% of the world's population, with 0.8% projected to reside in India by 2030. India, home to over 17.5 million Muslims, is the world's third-largest halal consumer market, after Indonesia and Pakistan. However, significant halal-certified products from mainstream brands remain untapped. According to Pew Research Center, the Muslim population in India is projected to increase from 1.773 million in 2010 to 2.362 million in 2030. The proportion of Muslims in India's population is projected to rise from 14.6% in 2010 to 15.9% in 2030. The halal market holds enormous untapped potential.
Most Muslims prefer to purchase only products with halal certification. Furthermore, Muslim consumers have increased their awareness of their religious obligations in recent years, which has increased demand for halal food items. Based on population, Muslims in India account for 15% of the consumer market, but due to their economic constraints, it is estimated that Muslim consumers only account for 10% of overall private consumer spending in India.
Halal certification attracts Muslim consumers
Beyond the domestic market, India is a major hub for exporting meat and processed products to Muslim-majority countries. Malaysia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Jordan, and Oman are among India's top ten meat importers, with the UAE being the leading destination for Indian processed food in 2009-2010. Halal-labeled products attract Muslim consumers in overseas markets, particularly in the Middle East and Arab regions, which are India's key trading partners.
Indian Halal MarketAl Kabeer, Allanasons, Alhind and Vinkeys are the major players in the halal meat processing industry in India, with a wide range of products under their brands. Currently, there are no serious investors and promoters of halal certified products in India.
Besides the halal food market, "Islamic finance" is another controversial topic in India regarding halal economic services. Because Islam prohibits profit-based transactions, Indian Muslims are reluctant to participate in banking and economic activities. The Bombay Stock Exchange has introduced its Shariah-compliant companies, aiming to increase investment from Indian Muslims. The Kerala government has introduced Shariah-compliant companies among mainstream financial institutions. Some private brokerage firms also offer Shariah-compliant portfolios in India. We hope that relevant Chinese businesses will pay more attention to the halal market and seize business opportunities.