March-April. 2026 | @ Halal

FOREIGN NEWS

INCLUSIVE TEA TIME: Tim Hortons Singapore attainment of halal certification allows wider community access while strengthening brand presence during upcoming festive Ramadan and Eid celebrations.

The certification, granted by Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura( MUIS), comes as the brand prepares to welcome the upcoming Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr season.

The recognition allows Muslim consumers to enjoy the full menu across its 17 outlets with confidence, further solidifying the brand ' s position as a neighbourhood gathering spot.

More than a compliance measure, the certification reflects a broader effort to align with Singapore ' s multicultural dining culture, where food often plays a central role in bringing communities together.

In a city known for its diversity, shared dining experiences carry cultural significance beyond the meal itself. By securing MUIS certification, the brand strengthens its promise of inclusivity, enabling more customers to participate in its offerings without hesitation.

The timing also aligns with a period where communal meals and social gatherings take on deeper meaning.

With the certification in place, customers can access the brand ' s full range of products, including signature coffee and iced beverages, as well as sandwiches and baked goods.

These options are expected to appeal to both daily diners and those preparing for festive gatherings, particularly during iftar and Hari Raya celebrations.

Menu highlights include hearty meals suitable for breaking fast, as well as shareable treats such as bite-sized pastries and assorted baked goods. Beverage offerings, including espresso-based drinks and iced selections, are also prepared in accordance with halal-certified processes across all outlets.

The certification process involved a comprehensive review of operations, including ingredient sourcing, supply chain management, and food preparation practices. This ensures that quality standards are maintained while meeting the requirements set by MUIS.

Looking ahead, the achievement is expected to support the brand ' s continued growth in Singapore. As their expansion plans progress, the certification will serve as a foundation for future outlets and allow the company to maintain consistent standards across its operations.

By aligning global brand practices with local expectations, Tim Hortons is positioning itself as a more inclusive player within Singapore ' s competitive food and beverage sector.

The move reflects a growing recognition that accessibility, cultural awareness, and trust are increasingly important in shaping long-term customer relationships.

THE global halal food and beverage industry is entering a new phase of expansion, driven by shifting consumer preferences, demographic growth, and evolving perceptions of quality.

Market projections indicate that the sector will grow from US $ 876.74 billion in 2026 to US $ 1.30 trillion by 2031. Then, the numbers reflect steady momentum across multiple regions.

While demand continues to be anchored by Muslim-majority markets, a notable shift is taking place among non-Muslim consumers.

Increasingly, halal products are being associated with safety, traceability, and ethical sourcing. This positions them beyond a niche category and into the broader mainstream market.

Packaged halal foods are expected to play a central role in this growth. Ready-to-eat meals, frozen meats, and bakery items are gaining traction as urban lifestyles drive demand for convenience.

At the same time, halal beverages are emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments, with innovation in dairy alternatives and functional drinks attracting younger consumers.

Digital transformation is also reshaping how halal products are accessed. Online platforms and halal-focused e-marketplaces are gaining popularity, particularly among urban populations seeking greater transparency and convenience.

New technologies such as blockchain and Internet of Things( IoT) systems are being explored to strengthen traceability and ensure compliance across supply chains.

Across regions, brands are responding to this demand by strengthening certification processes and expanding product offerings.

Global companies such as Nestlé and Kellogg ' s have introduced halal-certified variants in multiple markets, while regional players like Al Islami Foods and Almarai continue to diversify their portfolios.

Halal certification itself is increasingly seen as a marker of quality and authenticity. In Southeast Asia and the Middle East, it is often associated with higher product standards, while in Western markets it is gaining recognition among health-conscious consumers as an indicator of cleaner, more transparent production practices.

However, the sector also faces challenges. Differences in certification standards across countries can complicate market entry, particularly for smaller businesses. In markets without unified regulatory frameworks, inconsistencies may affect both operational efficiency and consumer confidence.

Geographically, the Asia-Pacific region remains the largest halal market, supported by robust certification systems and a growing consumer base.

Meanwhile, the Middle East and Africa continue to expand through substantial infrastructure and governmental initiatives, while Europe and North America are seeing rising demand driven by demographic shifts and increased product availability.

As the halal industry evolves, its growth is increasingly shaped by a combination of innovation and changing consumer expectations. What was once considered a specialised segment is now becoming a defining force within the global food and beverage landscape.-

MARKET GROWTH SURGE: Rising demand and innovation on halal products continue to reshape global food and beverage markets across regions and consumer segments.