2018-07-04 |
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Meetings to Give Insight Into Supplying the Halal Food Sector
More than 100 farmers attended the first in a series of open meetings, providing information and advice on the supply requirements for the halal food sector, during a busy market day at Welshpool Livestock Market on Monday 2nd July.
Under the auspices of the Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA), guest speaker and AHDB halal sector manager Awal Fuseini, alongside Rizvan Khalid of Euro Quality Lambs, spoke of market requirements, with a focus around supply for Muslim festivals and Qurbani.
John Brereton, LAA chairman and partner at St Asaph and Oswestry Livestock Markets
A rapidly growing market, made up of a largely younger, more affluent demographic, is seeing demand for halal-certified foods continue to increase.
“While most sheep farmers will be very aware of the halal market opportunities and demand around Muslim festivals, it is detail that is all important,” explains John Brereton, LAA chairman and partner at St Asaph and Oswestry Livestock Markets.
“It is important to be aware of the specifics. Both speakers were able to provide very informative presentations not just on the market opportunity and requirements, but also the science and method of halal slaughter techniques.”
The meeting also heard how cultural differences within the Muslim trade can influence demand between, for example, mutton or lamb. Attendees also heard how taste preferences are changing amongst the younger UK demographic.
“What came across clearly is that the Muslim market is increasingly important to the sheep trade in the UK,” adds Mr Brereton.
The event on 2nd July was the first of a series of meetings to be hosted at livestock auction markets around the country, with the next scheduled at Ruthin Livestock Market on Wednesday 11th July at 6pm. The meetings are free to attend, and visitors are welcome.
