HALAL TRADE AND MARKETING CENTRE

NEWSLETTER

October 2023 Edition

 THE HALAL BRIEF
As a trusted hub for all your Halal needs, we are dedicated to creating
commercial opportunities in the ever-evolving global Halal space. Our
newsletter brings you the latest developments, insights, and trends in
this dynamic industry. In each edition, you will discover top market
trends and opportunities, while staying updated on the Centre’s recent
events and achievements.

A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR

Mr. Tomás Guerrero

Dear readers,

The month of October set the ground for what promises to be a challenging yet productive last lap of 2023. This last
quarter heralds a turning point for many industries, where we seek to forge a powerful end to the year and gaze with
anticipation at the horizons that 2024 holds.

In this edition, we take great pleasure in illuminating the spirit of invention that enlivens regions and markets, striving
to meet the ever-shifting demands of our global community. The Halal industry, as always, stands as the beacon of
innovation, driving the creative surge in many sectors such as food and beverages or cosmetics.

We're delighted to unveil the groundbreaking developments taking place in non-traditional markets, particularly in the
realm of non-alcoholic beverages. Here, the principles of Halal are leaving a lasting and significant impact, igniting a
new era of possibilities.

Our loyal readers, we extend our deepest gratitude to you. Your unwavering support has been the bedrock of our
journey, and your dedication is the compass guiding our way. Be assured that we remain vigilant, ready to seize
opportunities amidst the ever-changing landscape of the Halal industry.

Together, let us embrace this new season with boundless enthusiasm, for each new dawn holds the promise of fresh
horizons. With your continued presence, we march forward, excited for the wonders that lie ahead.

Warmest regards,

01 OCTOBER, 2023
 THE HALAL
TRADE AND
MARKETING
CENTRE
(HTMC)
We are a global business
development centre focused on the
Halal economy opportunities for the
industry, including manufacturers,
suppliers, distributors, and retailers
of Halal products and services.
DUBAI AIRPORT
FREEZONE (DAFZ)
Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ) was established in 1996
and serves as a vibrant business hub located at the
centre of global trade. It benefits greatly from its direct
access to the world’s busiest international airport,
providing an ideal gateway to the Middle East and
excellent connectivity to Europe, the Indian Subcontinent,
02 OCTOBER, 2023
The Centre was founded by the Dubai Airport Freezone
(DAFZ) and it’s supported substantially by key partners
across the Halal economy ecosystem. The Centre was
formulated to fulfill an identified gap in enabling
companies to grow in the Halal space. It serves as a
one-stop shop for all their market intelligence, Halal
compliance, and, most importantly, growth support
services. HTMC aims to provide a platform to link Halal
economy companies to core Halal trade and marketing
services.
and the Far East. Currently, DAFZ hosts over 2,500
registered businesses representing more than 20 sectors
and various industries. These businesses employ over
20,000 professionals who enjoy the advantages of a
business-focused regulatory framework and a tax-free
environment. The Centre’s services complement those
provided by DAFZ to companies in the free zone, helping
them expand their operations in the region. This initiative
contributes to positioning Dubai not only as a destination
but also as a threshold to the global Halal market.
Ms. Amna Rashed Lootah
Director General, Dubai Airport Free Zone
BREAKTHROUGH REGION
CENTRAL EUROPE

EMBRACING HALAL: A PERSISTENT ELEMENT IN CENTRAL EUROPE'S

INTERNATIONAL TRADE AGENDA
Nestled within Central Europe lies a latent powerhouse for the global Halal industry, boasting both a well-developed
industrial sector with a sizable Muslim consumer base. By investing in transformation and relying on key allies like the
Centre, the region is tipping the scale and emerging as a dynamic force in the global market.

Germany
By an invitation of our esteemed partners at the German
Emirati Joint Council for Industry & Commerce (AHK), the
Centre had the privilege of participating in a Roundtable
held in Abu Dhabi during the visit of Parliamentary State
Secretary H.E. Mrs Claudia Mueller and the Federal
Ministry of Food and Agriculture business delegation.

This gathering united an array of experts to delve into the

ever-evolving agriculture and food landscape in the UAE.
Guided by AHK CEO, Mr. Oliver Oehms, we engaged in
discussions covering pivotal themes, such as sustainable
agricultural practices, food security, and the distinctive
challenges confronting the UAE's food industry. The
Centre contributed alongside distinguished speakers from
Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority
(ADAFSA), Organic Farm Resort, or Greener Crop
among others.

The latest delivery of this strategic cooperation with AHK

took place during ISM Middle East in Dubai a few days
ago. Right before the trade show opened its doors to
visitors, the Centre met with the German exhibitors
present at the event to introduce a detailed market and
regulatory briefing, helping them harness the Halal
certification in the international sweets and confectionery
market.

Poland
The Centre was among the esteemed attendees at the
Polish Food & Beauty Showroom, meticulously
organized by the Polish Investment and Trade Agency
(PAIH). This event served as a testament to Poland's
excellence in culinary and cosmetics.

The Centre had the privilege of being selected as an

invitee, alongside prominent buyers and importers from
the GCC countries, all with a shared determination to
explore the potential of the Polish brands in the region.
This select group of attendees had the unique
opportunity to witness the unwavering commitment of
Polish businesses to quality and innovation.

This collaboration marks the beginning of our upcoming

endeavors with PAIH. Together, we are actively working
on delivering an in-depth seminar to Polish consumer
goods producers, helping them maximize their reach
within the GCC market. Stay tuned for more exciting
developments in this promising partnership.

03 OCTOBER, 2023
 BREAKTHROUGH REGION

Austria
The Centre was proud to support the recent Marketplace
Austria event in Vienna, which brought together over
270 F&B producers from around the globe. This event
provided an excellent window for businesses to
collaborate on a global scale. Additionally, the Centre
played a role in coordinating a commercial mission for
representatives of LuLu Group's Al Tayeb, a major
player in the local market, to participate in the event
alongside over 100 Austrian firms.

Furthermore, the Centre has established a fortified

partnership with Advantage Austria offices in the GCC
countries, connecting with pioneering Austrian brands
seeking to expand into the Halal Market in the GCC.
This strategic exchange promotes trade relations and
serves as a platform for innovative insights, ultimately
contributing to market expansion.

Belgium
In partnership with our longstanding collaborators, the
Walloon Export and Foreign Investment Agency, we are
thrilled to announce an upcoming webinar. This event
will serve as a pivotal preparatory step for Wallonian
exporters, eager to navigate and succeed in the
challenging and promising GCC markets.

During this online session, the Centre will assume the

role of guiding the path for F&B producers seeking to
penetrate this highly competitive market. The agenda
includes the exploration of success stories, featuring
seasoned industry players, including both buyers and
experienced exporters.

Our collective effort is laser-focused on laying the

groundwork for a comprehensive face-to-face B2B
program. This initiative will transform knowledge into
actionable opportunities, equipping F&B companies with
the tools they need to engage with significant GCC
buyers and convert potential into tangible success. It's
time for Wallonian exporters to conquer new horizons
and harness the potential of the GCC markets.

Once again, the Centre is laying down the red carpet to

host an exclusivee breakfast briefing for German
exporters, in collaboration with Flanders Business
Breakfast, during the upcoming edition of Gulfood 2024.
UAE

This event promises to be an enlightening exploration of

Halal opportunities in the global market, mirroring its
previous editions.

German exporters will have the opportunity to connect

with industry leaders, experts, and esteemed buyers
before the event opens its doors. Our focus is on
addressing the soaring demand for Halal-certified
products in the GCC market, presenting an avenue for
German exporters to explore and capitalize on these
emerging opportunities.

04 OCTOBER, 2023
 BREAKTHROUGH REGION

NEXT ON THE AGENDA

In a strategic collaboration, HTMC and the Slovak
Governmental Agency, SARIO, are set to orchestrate an
impactful online session. This forthcoming event will
bring together firms keen on exploring the export of food
products to the GCC countries.

The event will feature seasoned experts who will shed

light on market dynamics and regulatory intricacies. The
Slovak participants will be equipped with invaluable
insights, poised to navigate the complexities of this
thriving sector.

This alliance between the Centre and SARIO is poised

to lay the foundation for a concerted effort, providing
entrepreneurs with the tools to thrive in the realm of
future food exports to the Muslim-majority markets.

05 OCTOBER, 2023
RISING MARKET
SOUTH AFRICA

BLAZING A TRAIL IN THE HALAL MARKET, SOUTH AFRICA'S JOURNEY

TOWARDS BECOMING A LEADING HALAL HUB
As South Africa navigates this path, its vision is clear: to emerge as a key player in the Halal industry within the African
continent and beyond. The Centre has played a key role as a supporter and guide as the country recognizes the
immense potential that the Halal market holds and is committed to delivering top-quality Halal products.

HTMC’s steady collaboration with South African institutions and companies reflects the nation's commitment to offering
excellence in the Halal space, not only to meet the growing demand for Halal products but also to elevate its status as a
preferred destination for discerning Muslim consumers.

The ongoing collaboration between the Small Enterprise

Development Agency (SEDA) and the Centre is focused
on harnessing the immense potential of small and
medium producers food and beverages in South Africa,
positioning Halal as their catalyst for growth.

This collaborative journey is divided into three pivotal

stages. It began with an impactful online session that
brought together over 120 South African F&b producers,
setting the stage for knowledge exchange and strategic
alignment.

Subsequently, the Halal Marketing Centre's team had

the privilege to meet with SEDA's Delegation at the Free
From Food Expo in Dubai, where buyers gained a
firsthand perspective of the exceptional offerings from
South Africa.

The upcoming phases are equally exciting, with a Halal

Training Session in the pipeline, aimed at equipping
exporters with the confidence to meet the demands of
the global Halal market. The journey culminates in a
dynamic B2B program that will showcase South African
firms and their products to key GCC buyers, forging
valuable connections and opening doors to new
opportunities.

06 OCTOBER, 2023
 RISING MARKET

The Centre is now officially in the last mile of

preparations for our upcoming Halal/Muslim-Friendly
Tourism Training Course. In partnership with BLeisure
Africa, this specialized training is poised to empower
hospitality professionals and tourism service providers
across Africa.

As the continent gains recognition for its rich cultural

heritage and diverse landscapes. The Centre seeks to
support its transition from being solely a source of
goods to a highly sought-after destination for Muslim
travelers from around the world.

NEXT ON THE AGENDA

As request of our strategic partner, WESGRO, the
Centre is set to roll out promotion campaing, aimed at
enhancing West Cape companies' performance at the
upcoming Gulfood edition next February 2024. This joint
initiative emphasizes optimizing the market presence of
West Cape products, organizing networking and
performance-focused activities, enabling active
engagement with key stakeholders, and fostering critical
business connections. Through these efforts, West
Cape producers will not only expand their reach but also
unlock the potential for prosperous collaborations, both
during and after Gulfood.

07 OCTOBER, 2023
SECTOR IN FOCUS
FOOD AND BEVERAGES

THE CENTRE HAS EMBRACED ITS ROLE AS A KEYHOLDER FOR THE HALAL
F&B MARKETS
F&B sits at the core of the Halal-regulated consumer goods sectors, the Centre plays a pivotal role in actively
collaborating with trade promotion agencies and chambers of commerce to empower global exporters in expanding
their F&B products into Muslim-majority markets, fostering growth and economic opportunities worldwide.

In collaboration with Portugal Foods and Maab

Consulting, the Centre orchestrated an enlightening
webinar dedicated to the burgeoning Halal market within
the GCC region. This webinar served as a pivotal
platform to enhance awareness among producers,
setting the stage for an upcoming virtual B2B program
with a specific focus on the Qatari market.

The two-part business matchmaking program fostered

meaningful interactions between Portuguese food and
beverages companies and the procurement team from
LuLu Group International, spanning not just one but two
of their key European offices, in Spain and Italy. The
primary objective was to present their value propositions
and explore avenues for market entry through one of its
most iconic platforms. This opportunity represented a
premium gateway for these Portuguese companies to
introduce their exceptional products and establish a
strong and enduring presence within this thriving
market.

The Centre has recently initiated its collaboration with

CADEXCO, the Chamber of Exporters of Costa Rica, to
orchestrate an online session aimed at providing local
exporters with the key to unlocking predominantly
Muslim markets.

This online session featured a comprehensive panel

discussion, with participation from representatives of
Cafe Rey, a Halal-certified Costa Rican coffee producer.
The discussion delved deep into the intricacies of Halal
certification, offering a thorough explanation of its
requirements and the myriad opportunities it presents.
The conversation served as a testament to the added
value of Halal certification, emphasizing that its benefits
extend well beyond animal protein and processed
animal-based foods. It illuminated the potential for a
diverse range of products to tap into this lucrative and
expanding market.

08 OCTOBER, 2023
 SECTOR IN FOCUS

In the most recent installment of the collaborative efforts

between the Centre and the Association for Peruvian
Exporters (ADEX), a remarkable journey was initiated.
This journey is dedicated to empowering Peruvian food
and beverage producers, enabling them to thrive in the
fiercely competitive and swiftly growing Halal market.

Through the creation of a captivating online event, this

session served as a prelude to an upcoming Halal
regulation course, which has been meticulously crafted
by the Centre and ADEX’s consultancy arm (ADEX
Consulting) to cater exclusively to the needs of
association members.

The Centre is thrilled to celebrate its robust partnership

with Zimbabwean institutions. This emerging market is
dedicated to fostering stability by embracing trade
opportunities and bolstering its growing exports within its
distinctive economic context.

To contribute to this transformation, the Centre

collaborated with the Confederation of Zimbabwean
Industries (CZI) to host an online session. During this
event, the Centre outlined a strategic roadmap to turn
Zimbabwe's export potential into a reality, leveraging the
Halal market as a gateway to access new markets in the
region and the broader Muslim world.

To celebrate their new partnership, the Lima Chamber of

Commerce (CCL) and the Centre collaborated to
organize an insightful virtual seminar. This event served
as a platform that brought together enthusiastic
Peruvian producers and exporters who were eager to
unravel the complexities of Halal certification, as well as
explore the vast opportunities in predominantly Muslim
countries.

Leveraging its extensive network of experienced

exporters with a strong understanding of international
markets, the Chamber will be working closely with the
Centre to orchestrate and celebrate a virtual Business-
to-Business (B2B) program. This initiative will signify a
promising step forward in expanding the reach of
Peruvian F6B products and establishing valuable
connections in the global Halal market.

09 OCTOBER, 2023
 SECTOR IN FOCUS

HTMC Director had the honor to represent the Centre at

the latest edition of Gulfood Manufacturing in Dubai, a
prominent event that will be co-located with The
Speciality Food Festival, Private Label Middle East, and
IMS Middle East, all happening under one roof.

During this event, the Centre seized the opportunity to

share the most current and influential developments in
the Halal regulatory framework. Moreover, it will serve
as a platform to set the stage for industry stakeholders
to harness the full potential offered by Halal Certification
in the processed food sector.

NEXT ON THE AGENDA

To mark the commencement of our exciting new
partnership, the Centre, in collaboration with the Export
and Investment Promotion Corporation of Ecuador
(CORPEI) is thrilled to announce a pioneering in-person
B2B program next December in Dubai.

Our shared goal is to establish a direct commercial

gateway between Ecuador and the UAE. The game-
changing initiative will unite key Ecuadorian F&B
producers with prominent retailers from the UAE market.
This first encounter will roll out the red carpet for
Gulfood 2024, where we will be conducting another
business matchmaking program with GCC buyers.

10 OCTOBER, 2023
PRODUCT OF INTEREST
NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
EXPLORING THE INTERSECTION OF WELLNESS AND HALAL IN BEVERAGE
OFFERINGS, MEETING THE DEMAND FOR HALAL DRY DRINKS IN THE
THRIVING WELLNESS ECONOMY
The wellness trend and the world of dry, non-alcoholic beverages are merging, creating exciting opportunities for
businesses targeting the Muslim majority market. In this evolving landscape The Centre plays a crucial supporting
companies as they navigate the Halal and non-alcoholic dry drink market, addressing marketing and trade challenges
while aligning with the wellness trend.
Austria
Capitalizing on our solid partnership with Advantage
Austria, the Centre hosted representatives of the brand
AlpDrinks at their offices during their commercial
mission to Dubai. The meeting featured an enlightening
tasting session and an exploratory agenda to promote
their 0% alcohol wine and champagne lines.
11 OCTOBER, 2023
Estonia
During the recent B2B event, conducted in collaboration
with Sesam Connect and the Estonian Embassy, the
delegation introduced a range of health-conscious drink
options. They showcased handcrafted non-alcoholic
Switchel, health shots, and apple vinegar from Öselwise
OÜ, along with non-alcoholic Brewery Saku. Estonia's
innovation offered a refreshing twist on traditional
beverages.
Greece
On top of a distinguished offer of dairy and sweets and
meat by-products, the delegation of Greek producers
that participated during the latest B2B program featured
the fresh beverages producer Nektar. The company had
the opportunity to display for the main keyholders of the
GCC market their ultimate category of soft drinks,
looking to tap into the expanding markets of the Gulf
countries.
Italy
The Centre has played a pivotal role as Italian
winemaking traditions make their mark in the non-
alcoholic domain. During our recent participation in the
Free From Food event, our team had the privilege of
engaging with MaluItalianFood from Italy and exploring
potential collaborations to introduce their Sparkling
White 0% brand to the GCC markets.
South Africa
Also at the Dubai FFF edition, the Centre had the
pleasure of connecting with South Africa's FEHMZ
MOCKTAILS team. They have a unique approach to the
sugar-free trend. This meeting was a valuable
opportunity to assist the brand in integrating Halal into
its value proposition, ensuring a strong foothold in the
Muslim-majority consumer base.
 PRODUCT OF INTEREST

NEXT ON THE AGENDA

As we approach the holiday season, also a time of
events and celebrations driving the consumption trends,
the Centre is excited to unveil a compelling case study
that underscores the Halal certification for non-alcoholic
beverages as a strategic marketing tool and a
reassurance for the consumer base.

This feature will showcase groundbreaking examples,

such as the recent Halal Certification of the Austrian
brand Grapesecco, a proud member of the AlpDrinks
family of brands.

Similarly, the Centre is reigniting its collaboration with

DryStore, a local leader in the dry industry, to enhance
our joint efforts in highlighting the profitability of
emerging market trends and breaking away from
tradition, with the excellent example of the Halal
Certified brand, French Bloom.

12 OCTOBER, 2023