Page 30 - FoodFocusThailand No.230 May 2025

SPECIAL FOCUS

South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, as well as in non- 3. North African Countries (Egypt, Algeria, and
Muslim countries with rapidly growing Muslim populations. Tunisia) In North Africa, halal standards are becoming
Currently, the halal food market is no longer limited to Muslim- increasingly stringent, aligning with the requirements of the
majority countries; it has rapidly expanded into non-Muslim GSO and Codex. The halal food market in this region is
nations as well. However, halal markets in Muslim countries growing rapidly, especially in Egypt, which implemented
remain the primary focus, while the halal food market in non- Sharia-based halal standards in 2023. This shift reflects a
Muslim countries presents a new opportunity with growing heightened focus on certification, as Egyptian consumers
potential and challenges for Thai entrepreneurs. place great importance on the origin of meat products, which
must be halal-certified. Despite the stricter regulations, the
Muslim-Majority Countries: market in this region is expected to grow at an average rate
The Primary Target of the Halal Food Market of 9.8% per year over the next five years, particularly in the
The halal food market in Muslim-majority countries remains the segments of frozen and processed foods, which are projected
primary target for Thailand’s exports. These countries exhibit a to experience significant growth.
strong demand for products certified halal in accordance with 4. South Asian Countries (Pakistan and Bangladesh)
Islamic principles. This crucial factor allows Thailand to steadily The halal food market in South Asia has significant growth
expand its market in these regions. Thailand has a significant potential due to its large and rapidly expanding population.
presence in several areas, as outlined below: Pakistan and Bangladesh are key markets in this region.
1. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Although both countries face political instability and violence,
the Middle East are regarded as net importers of halal food, which may hinder economic growth, they could emerge as
with a diverse consumer base that includes high-income groups high-potential markets in the future if the situation stabilizes.
and foreign laborers. This diversity requires a wide array of The strength of these markets lies in their substantial
products in terms of both quality and price. The GCC nations— consumer base, urban expansion, and the high proportion
particularly Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar— of young people, who represent a major consumer group—
act as key markets in this region, both for consumption and factors that contribute to the market’s growth potential.
re-export purposes. Halal standards in the region are governed However, entrepreneurs should carefully choose products
by the widely recognized GCC Standardization Organization that align with consumers’ purchasing power and be prepared
(GSO). Furthermore, providing products across all price ranges to navigate political uncertainties.
and nurturing personal relationships with Muslim business
partners are essential for achieving success in this market. Non-Muslim Countries: Future Opportunities
2. ASEAN countries (Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei) for the Halal Food Market
are key halal food markets in the region, as consumers are highly The halal food market in non-Muslim countries continues to
aware of and place great importance on halal food products. grow steadily, driven by consumers from both Muslim and
Malaysia, in particular, is viewed as an open market for Thai non-Muslim backgrounds. Products that adhere to high
halal products, as consumers are familiar with Thai cuisine— standards and promote health and wellness are increasingly
especially its spicy foods, beverages, and snacks. Importers in popular, serving as a key factor supporting the growth of this
Malaysia often engage directly with Thai producers. Meanwhile, market segment.
Indonesia, which has a Muslim population of around 280 million, 1. The halal food market in Europe is steadily expanding
is projected to become a rapidly growing market over the next in line with the growing Muslim population, particularly in
five years, with an average growth rate of 6% annually. Although countries with large Muslim communities such as the United
the country has a relatively low per capita income, the expansion Kingdom, France, and Germany. Projections indicate that
of urban areas and the increasing proportion of young people the number of Muslim consumers in Europe will rise from 44
continue to serve as major driving forces behind the steady million (6%) to 58 million (8%) by 2030, making this a key
growth of the halal food market in Indonesia. driving force for the halal food market across the continent.

ที่่�มา: สถาบัันอาหาร ประมวลผลจากฐานข้้อมูล Global Trade Atlas และ HIS Markit
Source: National Food Institute, based on Global Trade Atlas and IHS Markit data.
30 FOOD FOCUS THAILAND MAY 2025

24/4/2568 BE 13:25
26-30_Special Focus_NFI.indd 30 24/4/2568 BE 13:25
26-30_Special Focus_NFI.indd 30