Paris Halal Expo underlines lucrative prospect of French Halal market

Demand for Halal products in France is increasing by as much as 15 per cent annually, fueled by a growing Muslim population now numbering over seven million.

Many large restaurant chains are serving Halal meals in selected branches including Quick the largest fast food restaurant in Europe. Many French supermarkets are also offering Halal food products on their shelves.

The Paris Halal Expo is fast becoming a main rendezvous point for Muslims in Europe.

A French economic consultants’ office said in a study published in December, 2010 remarked that the French Halal market is witnessing noticeable development contributing to as much as 5.5 billion euros in 2010.

The report further pointed out that approximately 4.5 billion were spent on food products and about one billion euros at the restaurants. It also highlighted the fact that the Halal market is targeting not just the seven million Muslim population in France alone but also the overall 17 million Muslims throughout Europe.

It is not only restricted to food products but extends to consumer goods such as cosmetics with a growing number of cosmetic manufacturers now offering alcohol and lard-free products.

The 8th edition of the Paris Halal Expo or simply Halal Expo, was recently held from March 29-30, 2011, at Porte De Versailles in the French capital of Paris.

Antoine Bonnel, the Expo’s director said the exhibition is aimed at creating awareness and explaining the concept of Halal and highlighting the variety of Halal products available to the general French and European market.

The event was also targeted to those looking to distribute Halal products and services in Europe, and the expo is the best place to source for a number of healthy and Halal food and non-food products. He pointed out that these products complied not just with the basic Islamic requirements but also observed and respects the local European culture and traditions.

Bonnel said the Halal market in France has really prospered within the past 15 years as new products are being introduced every year to almost all common stores in France.

From a manufacturer’s perspective however, the Halal sector is one of the toughest markets to penetrate and understand due to its specific requirements and regulations. There was therefore a distinct need to organize the Halal Expo to familiarise the industry with basic Halal requirements as set by the French religious authorities, Bonnel explained.

The event is also fast becoming the de facto gathering venue for European Muslims as it witness an ever increasing number of visitors. The 8th edition saw an increase of visitors by 38 per cent as compared to 20 per cent in 2010.

This year’s expo also witnessed the participation of companies from the UAE, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Turkey, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Thailand and India – a clear indication of the vast potentials of the French Halal market.

Adapted from zawya.net by Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

Posted by admin on 01.04.2011. Filed under Europe. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry