14 February 2025

2 minute read

By: Global Ag Media

Europe

Halal export requirements for British dairy produce have come under the spotlight ahead of a major trade show in the Middle East.

AHDB held a webinar on these requirements for key markets in Asia and the Middle East. The webinar aimed to help British exporters expand their knowledge of halal certification requirements for different countries in these regions and ensure they are fully informed about opportunities in these markets.

While halal certification is not mandatory for all dairy products in most exporting countries, it can be helpful in certain situations or with certain buyers. Our webinar was aimed at helping exporters understand more about halal in dairy products.

The webinar covered:

• The criteria for what makes dairy halal
• The certification process
• Where products can be exported
• How certification is monitored

It came ahead of Gulfood which takes place in Dubai on 17–21 February, where we will be joined by exporters showcasing world-class British produce.

“Markets in Asia and the Middle East present significant opportunities for our world-class dairy produce," said Tanveer Parkar, AHDB senior market access manager. "As someone who is part of the Muslim community, I understand that halal can sometimes feel like a complex or unfamiliar concept, so our webinar was aimed at helping provide more clarity for our dairy exporters."

“A question often asked is ‘Isn’t all dairy halal?’, which is not necessarily the case," he added. "While milk itself is inherently halal, the way it is processed, handled and the ingredients added can affect its halal status."

"For example, certain additives like enzymes, flavourings or stabilisers derived from animals that are not slaughtered according to Islamic practices can make a dairy product non-halal," Parkar said. "While obtaining the correct halal certification may not always be mandatory, it can be beneficial for exporters targeting markets like Indonesia, Malaysia and the GCC. Not only does it ensure compliance with local requirements but it also enhances your brand profile and builds trust with consumers, adding significant value to your offering."

“With Gulfood imminent, our webinar was designed to provide exporters with the clarity they need to navigate certification processes and empower them to succeed in these high-potential markets," he added. "Part of AHDB’s role is to provide resources to our exporters to maximise opportunities in both existing and prospective markets. Our webinar is another illustration of our commitment to provide the knowledge and insight to help realise their export ambitions."