Thailand’s halal food exports, worth almost US$6 billion in 2021/2022, are set to surge as the country gains recognition as a leading exporter of halal products. The predominantly Buddhist country ranked 15th among the world’s leading halal food exporters in 2021. Thailand’s top halal food exports are rice, sugar, canned seafood, processed fruits and vegetable products, non-alcohol beverages, and organic and functional foods.
To address consumer confidence in Thai halal products, the Central Islamic Council of Thailand (CICOT) has been promoting international halal standards and certification procedures with the support of the Halal Standard Institute of Thailand (HSIT).
“Our approach to maintaining the standards of Thai halal products is based on the principles of ‘Religious confirmation and scientific support’,” said HSIT Director Prof. Dr Pakorn Priyakorn.
Over 160,000 products, 33,000 brands, and 14,000 companies have received halal certification in Thailand as of April 2023. Thailand has the highest number of halal-certified products in the world.
The global halal market is worth over US$2 trillion and is expected to reach US$3 trillion by 2026. This rapid growth is driven by an increase in the global Muslim population and a heightened awareness and appreciation of halal products among non-Muslim consumers. Non-Muslim countries like Brazil, India, the USA, Russia, and China are the major producers and exporters of halal food.
Thailand’s Tao Kae Noi-brand seaweed snack, already exported to over 37 countries, recently received halal certification and is now seeking new markets. Major Thai food-processing conglomerates, such as CP Group and Betagro, have also invested in halal food production processes and overseas marketing, in line with the global trend among companies to tap into the growing halal market and capture Islamic consumers.
Thailand’s halal industry covers various products and services, including cosmetics, fashion, pharmaceuticals, and tourism. Halal tourism is a rapidly growing market, with Muslim consumers seeking travel experiences catering to their religious and cultural requirements. Thailand was ranked among the top five most popular travel destinations for non-Muslim countries in the 2022 Global Muslim Travel Index.
To reinforce its reputation as a hub for halal manufacturing, Thailand will dedicate a special halal market section in its showroom at the upcoming THAIFEX, one of Asia’s most extensive food and beverage industry events to be held in May 2023. The event will showcase trending and innovative halal products and services.
With a robust support system and an established reputation for certified-halal quality products, Thailand’s halal industry is poised for a bright future.
Written by: Supaporn Pholrach (Joom)
