Thailand ’ s halal exports ready to surge as country wins global recognition
MAY-JUNE . 2023 | @ Halal
Foreign News
05
Wardah and Kahf partner with Garuda Indonesia Airlines
Maintaining halal standards
Thailand ’ s halal exports ready to surge as country wins global recognition
THAILAND , a predominantly Buddhist country , is one of the world ’ s largest exporters of halal food . In 2021 , Thailand ranked 15th among the world ’ s leading halal food exporters . With halal food exports worth almost US $ 6 billion in 2021 / 2022 , the country targets a three per cent increase in 2023 .
Rice , sugar , canned seafood , processed fruits and vegetable products , non-alcohol beverages , organic and functional foods are among the top halal food exports from Thailand .
One of the key challenges for Thailand ’ s halal industry is bolstering consumer confidence in its products . To address this , the Central Islamic Council of Thailand ( CICOT ) has been promoting the use of international halal standards and certification procedures with the support of the Halal Standard Institute of Thailand ( HSIT ).
“ Our approach to maintaining the standards of Thai halal products is based on the principles of ‘ Religious confirmation and scientific support ’,” said HSIT Director Prof . Dr Pakorn Priyakorn .
The CICOT has worked with various halal certification bodies , such as the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries , to get international accreditation for Thailand ’ s halal certificate . Additionally , the Halal Science Center of Chulalongkorn University has helped to ensure top halal quality by using science-based methods and advanced technologies to detect haram ( forbidden by Islamic law ) ingredients in its inspection and certification processes .
As of April 2023 , more than 160,000 products , 33,000 brands , and 14,000 companies have received halal certification in Thailand .
“ Our halal certification process is globally recognised . We have the highest number of halal-certified products globally ,” said the HIST head .
Thailand ’ s Tao Kae Noi-brand seaweed snack , which is already exported to more than 37 countries , is seeking new markets after recently being granted halal certification .
Tao Kae Noi is not unique in going halal . Major Thai food-processing conglomerates such as CP Group and Betagro have likewise invested significantly in halal food production processes and overseas marketing . These strategic investments align with the global trend among companies to tap into the growing halal market and capture Islamic consumers .
Besides food , Thailand ’ s halal industry covers many other products and services , including cosmetics , fashion , pharmaceuticals , and tourism . Halal tourism is a rapidly growing market , with Muslim consumers seeking travel experiences catering to their religious and cultural requirements . Thailand was ranked among the top five most popular travel destinations for non-Muslim countries in the 2022 Global Muslim Travel Index .
To reinforce its reputation as a hub for halal manufacturing , Thailand is dedicating a special halal market section in its showroom at the upcoming THAIFEX , one of Asia ’ s most extensive food and beverage industry events to be held in May 2023 . The event will showcase trending and innovative halal products and services .
With a robust support system and an established reputation for certified-halal quality products , Thailand ’ s halal industry is poised for a bright future .
Our approach to maintaining the standards of Thai halal products is based on the principles of ‘ Religious confirmation and scientific support ’.”
– Prof . Dr Pakorn Priyakorn
PARAGON Technology and Innovation ( Paragon Corp ), the parent company of renowned halal skincare brands for women Wardah , and Kahf for men , announced a collaboration with Garuda Indonesia Airlines to enhance the experience of Umrah and Hajj pilgrims . Along with this partnership , the company is introducing a skincare special for Umrah & Hajj Packages , designed for those embarking on the sacred journey .
Carrying 400 pilgrims directly from Jakarta to Jeddah , Garuda Indonesia ’ s Boeing 777 with flight number GA 980 took off on April 17 , 2023 . During the flight , the female passengers received an exclusive collaboration product , ‘ Journey of Soul ’ Umrah & Hajj package by Wardah and Kahf ’ s ‘ Towards New Beginning ’ Umrah and Hajj package for the male passengers .
Wardah ’ s The Journey of Soul package comprises The Head-to-Toe Cleanser , Sun Shield , Intensive Moisturiser , Anti-Perspirant Deodorant , and Multipurpose Sanitiser . While the Towards New Beginning package by Kahf includes Refreshing Hair & Body Wash , Face Wash , Face & Body Sunscreen , Anti-Perspirant Deodorant , and Multipurpose Moisturising Balm . Both packages will also contain a Zam-zam Spray Bottle , a guidebook for Umrah and Hajj , and each package will come in a pouch or a drawstring bag to carry conveniently .
These non-alcohol and non-fragrance products of Wardah and Kahf are carefully curated with natural ingredients and improved formulations to maintain moisturised , clean , and healthy skin in extreme weather and climate , ensuring the pilgrims comfortably and confidently embark on their # Perjalanan- BerkahPenuhMakna ( meaningful journey ).
Harman Subakat , CEO of Paragon Corp , said : “ We are delighted to offer these Umrah & Hajj Packages to support and bring comfort during their pilgrimage . We want our consumers to have the best experience during their sacred , spiritual journey and rest assured that their skincare needs are cared for by a trusted brand .”
As a national flag carrier , Garuda Indonesia consistently strives to support local products and therefore highly appreciates the partnership , says Irfan Setiaputra , Director of Garuda Indonesia .
“ This collaboration with Paragon is part of our commitment to support local industries and accelerate the national economy recovery by providing a platform to introduce local halal-certified products , especially for our valued customers .”