Demand for Halal Food Products in Russia Rises 30 to 40% - Among Non-Muslim Consumers

05 August 2011

Halal products volume in Russia is growing 30-40 percent annually, according to research commissioned by the Tatarstan Halal Standard Committee.

The head of the Russian Consumer Rights Protection Union, Mikhail Anshakov, agrees. He adds that most of these Halal products are consumed by Russians who have no connection with Islam.

"The demand for food products manufactured under control of any religious community is on the rise because consumers become more careful in selecting their food," Anshakov said. "Halal products are well-known as high quality food. For instance, they use minimum chemical additives or by-products and, thus, consumers have more trust in them."

The halal food industry is growing rapidly throughout Europe, though unlike in Russia, in most countries the majority of consumers for halal products are Muslims.

Halal products only began appearing in French supermarkets a few years ago. But soon specialized brands like Isla Délice and Reghalal were later joined by large French food industry players like Fleury Michon and Panzani. The supermarket chain Casino launched its own range of halal products under the umbrella brand Wassila. And Carrefour, France's top food retailer, sells approximately 50 of its own halal products as well.

“Halal isn’t a niche anymore,” says one Carrefour spokesperson. "It carries more weight than organic food."