The global halal market is expected to grow significantly by 2035

IndexBox, a platform specializing in market research, economic analysis and international trade data, forecasts strong growth in the global halal food market over the next ten years. According to its study devoted to the sector, the halal market is no longer considered as a simple niche market intended only for Muslim consumers. It is gradually becoming a global food market structured around certification, traceability and transparency of supply chains.

Annual growth estimated at 6.2%

IndexBox forecasts an average annual growth of 6.2% in the global halal food market between 2026 and 2035. Based on 100 in 2025, the market index could reach around 182 in 2035.

This progression is mainly explained by the growth of the global Muslim population, the increase in purchasing power in many Muslim countries, rapid urbanization in Asia, the Middle East and Africa, the development of processed and ready-to-eat food products, the growing importance of halal certification, the demand for more transparent, traceable and ethical products, as well as the development of international trade and halal tourism.

Certification becomes a central element of the market

One of the key takeaways from the IndexBox study is the growing importance of certification. For consumers, the value of a halal product no longer rests solely on its composition. It also depends on the ability of manufacturers to guarantee the origin of ingredients, the conformity of manufacturing processes and the traceability of the entire supply chain. Companies capable of providing these guarantees will be able to benefit from a significant competitive advantage. The development of digital technologies, traceability systems and even blockchain should also facilitate the control of halal products.

The main difficulties of the sector

However, the market faces several obstacles. Halal standards remain very different depending on the country and certification bodies. This lack of harmonization complicates exports and increases costs for manufacturers.

The sector also faces a lack of accredited auditors and certification bodies. The traceability of certain ingredients also remains complex, particularly for enzymes, flavorings, colorings, emulsifiers and technological aids used in the food industry. Finally, in certain emerging markets, price remains a determining factor. Consumers are not always willing to pay more for certified or premium products.

The main segments of the halal market

Meat, poultry and seafood: 38%

This is the largest segment of the global halal market. Consumption is gradually evolving from fresh or poorly identified products to packaged, certified products marketed under recognized brands. The traceability of slaughtering, processing and distribution is becoming a major issue. The market is expected to grow in particular in Asia and Africa.

Processed foods and prepared meals: 24%

This is one of the fastest growing segments. Urbanization and changing lifestyles favor prepared meals, frozen products, snacks and ready-to-eat products.

New markets should also appear around halal plant-based products, functional or intended for consumers looking for a healthier diet. E-commerce is expected to play a significant role in this growth.

Drinks: 15%

The market concerns in particular juices, soft drinks, milk drinks, functional drinks and halal-certified vegetable drinks. Low-sugar drinks, fortified products and plant-based alternatives are particularly expected to grow.

Bakery and confectionery: 13%

This sector also has significant potential. Halal certification is particularly important for products using gelatin, emulsifiers, flavors or certain additives.

Artisan, premium, organic or reduced sugar products are expected to see significant growth. The development of specialized halal bakeries, cafes and catering is also expected to support this market.

Ingredients and food additives: 10%

This segment is strategic for the entire halal industry. It concerns in particular enzymes, flavorings, colorings, emulsifiers and other ingredients used in the manufacturing of food products.

The ability of suppliers to guarantee complete traceability and reliable certification should become a determining criterion for manufacturers.

Asia-Pacific largely dominates the market

The Asia-Pacific region is estimated to account for around 45% of the global market. This domination can be explained in particular by the large Muslim populations of Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan and India. Malaysia and Indonesia also play a major role in the certification and development of the international halal industry.

Middle East and Africa: 25%

The Middle East and Africa represent around a quarter of the global market. The Gulf countries constitute both important consumer markets and re-export platforms.

Africa, for its part, represents significant growth potential, particularly with the development of distribution infrastructures and the increase in food consumption.

Europe: 15%

Europe represents around 15% of the market. Demand is driven mainly by European Muslim populations, but also by certain consumers looking for products considered more transparent or ethical.

Western Europe is the main market and is expected to see more premium and certified halal products develop.

North America: 10%

The United States and Canada already have a structured halal market. Growth is driven both by Muslim consumers and the demand for natural, transparent and ethical food products.

Latin America: 5%

The region still represents a small share of global halal consumption. However, it plays an extremely important role in the production and export of halal meat.

Notably, Brazil is one of the world’s leading suppliers of halal meat and poultry.

The major players in the market

Among the important companies cited by IndexBox are Nestlé, Cargill, BRF, Al Islami Foods, Midamar, Kawan Food, Crescent Foods, Ramly Food Processing, Sofina Foods, Allana Group, Unilever and Isla Délice.

These companies operate in different sectors: meat, poultry, processed products, frozen products, food ingredients, dairy products or beverages. The market should gradually experience more consolidation, particularly among integrated manufacturers and certification bodies.

A market that is becoming increasingly global

Above all, the IndexBox study shows a profound transformation of the halal market. Historically focused on meat and the consumption of Muslim populations, it now extends to numerous categories: prepared meals, drinks, pastries, confectionery, ingredients, plant-based products and functional food.

At the same time, certification and traceability are gradually becoming as important as the product itself. Companies that can ensure a reliable, certified and transparent supply chain should therefore be best placed to benefit from the predicted market growth over the next decade.

With an expected annual growth of 6.2% through 2035, the global halal food market is expected to continue to grow faster than many traditional food categories.