THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has estimated growth in halal exports to come in at about 6-8% each year amid strong global demand.
In a news conference on Thursday in Makati City, the Undersecretary overseeing the Trade Promotions Group and Special Concerns, Abdulgani M. Macatoman, said the 6% to 8% estimated growth for the halal industry is driven by increasing demand both from countries with large Muslim populations, with halal products also viewed favorably by health-conscious consumers.
DTI Export Marketing Bureau Assistant Director Anthony B. Rivera said 2018 halal exports were estimated at $560 million in 2018.
Of this total, 90% consisted of food and non-alcoholic beverages, with the remainder personal care products, cosmetics pharmaceuticals, and detergents.
These exports were supplied to the Middle East, Southeast Asia and South Africa, according to Mr. Rivera.
Mr. Macatoman said the marketing of halal products is “nearing the end of the awareness stage.”
He added that recent talks with Malaysia, which committed to recognize all the country’s halal certifying bodies, may yield increased access for Philippine halal products.
The Philippines has nine halal certifying bodies, but only six have so far been recognized by Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development, according to Mr. Macatoman.
During the 2019 Gulfood exhibit, held in February in Dubai, Filipino exhibitors posted sales of $83 million, up from $80 million a year earlier.
Gulfood is the world’s largest annual food, beverage and hospitality exhibition.
Meanwhile, at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) held earlier this month, Philippine sales also grew to $11 million from $10 million in the previous year.
MIHAS is hosted by Malaysia’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry and organized by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corp. — Janina C. Lim
