Customizing the offer based on the customer's needs is one of the basic practices for increasing your audience and retaining the existing one by making them feel important. For this reason, we must pay attention to food intolerances and religious and cultural dietary needs. Previously we talked about intolerances, especially with respect to gluten , with this article instead we want to explain what Halal certification is and why it is important to obtain it.

What is Halal certification


Halal is an Arabic term which means lawful and which is used to indicate products that conform to Islamic doctrine. Halal certification includes many production sectors, from agri-food to health, influencing consumers also in economic and financial choices. It is an all-round certificate which, as far as food is concerned, guarantees that the food is prepared according to certain precise rules. These rules are of two types: ethical and hygienic-sanitary, and allow the products to be marketed in Islamic countries or more generally to be purchased by Islamic consumers.

What are the standards


The word halal has its opposite term, haram which means forbidden. The rules that establish which food products are illicit mainly have to do with the ingredients contained in the foods and their processing. Pork meat and derivatives are prohibited, as well as all foods of food origin that have not been slaughtered following Islamic rites. Alcohol and intoxicating substances cannot be present, and products that have been contaminated by Haram substances during their preparation are not certified. Halal foods must be recognizable thanks to the logo that certifies their integrity.

How to get a Halal certification


In Italy, Halal certification is awarded by the Halal Italy Authority and is a documented procedure, consistent with HACCP and valid internationally. In addition to the certificate for the activity, the Italian Halal Authority offers the staff the opportunity to attend courses on food preparation and packaging.

Because it is important


Halal certification allows you to expand your offer to a vast audience with special needs. According to the latest estimates, in 2016 the Muslim faithful in Italy are around 1 million and 400 thousand, a figure that has increased compared to previous years and which highlights how important market niches should be taken into account to increase one's success. Furthermore, halal products are also appreciated by non-Muslims, as demonstrated in France and the United Kingdom where one third of consumers of these foods are not Muslims. Diversifying and personalizing are two necessary methods with a global market such as the contemporary one, which is why Halal certification is one of the trump cards for increasing one's clientele.
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March 30, 2017