MUSLIMS make up the majority of the population in Saudi Arabia . As this population grows , so will the demand for halal-certified goods . With this promising scenario , more and more players are exploring halal opportunities in the kingdom . It was evident with prominent halal players ’ participation during the Saudi International Halal Expo 2022 at Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre .

Organised by 1st Arabia Tradeshows & Conferences , the expo featured exhibitors such as the Federation of Muslim Associations in Brazil ( FAMBRAS ) Halal Certification Ltd , Pasta Diamond ( part of Agro Blend Group ), Vietnam Halal Centre and Korea Halal Association .

Brazil ’ s halal certification body

Gracing the largest pavilion at Saudi International Halal Expo 2022 , was FAMBRAS Halal , a company with more than 40 years of history , acting as a halal certification body for products in Latin America . It is the largest certifier of halal products and services in Latin America and was a pioneer in implementing the halal system in Brazil .

According to Ali Hussein El Zoghbi , the Vice-President of FAMBRAS Halal , as of 2021 , Brazil had exported two million tonnes of halal meat to the world , turning the country into the world ’ s biggest exporter of halal meat and poultry .

“ We are very proud of working in this field . We have over 1500 employees working with us , making this dream come true . We are responsible for over 2 million employees directly or indirectly dealing with the halal process ,” said Ali .

“ Now , halal is not just about the halal food . Our company is also responsible for the social aspect where we help people who are in need . Halal is now much broader , spreading over the pharmaceuticals and medical aspects . We are proud to spread this Islamic concept to the whole world .”

Ali said they came to the expo to showcase their new system , Sys Halal - which will bring security and transparency and ensure final consumers see the whole process online .

Malaysia ’ s halal as the standard Ali shared that FAMBRAS Halal had halal

Ali Hussein El Zoghbi

Iljaz Idrizi ( left ) and Pasta Diamond team .

Mohamed Hussein El Zoghbi

accreditations from everywhere , including Malaysia , Singapore and Indonesia .

“ Malaysia , for us , is a reference . Malaysia has a very high halal standard , and they are the ones who taught us about it . We are proud to establish our requirements according to the halal standards from Malaysia .”

FAMBRAS Halal President Mohamed Hussein El Zoghbi noted that the halal market was increasing worldwide . The world now understands that products produced based on the halal concept are healthy .

“ Halal is not just for Muslims ; it is for the whole world ,” he highlighted .

When asked about incorporating technology in the halal process , Mohamed opined that today ’ s technology improved the overall process . He also shared that he was proud of FAMBRAS Halal ’ s outstanding achievements in the halal industry , despite being based in a non-Muslim country .

“ Since the beginning , we ’ ve been following international standards and requirements . We based our standards on Malaysian standards .”

Secretary-General of the World Muslim Communities Council ( WMCC ), Dr Mohamed Bechari , who visited the FAMBRAS Halal pavilion , said the Saudi International Halal Expo was one of the biggest halal expos . He asked the media to help spread the halal concept so it would be known worldwide .

Best halal pasta in Albania

Iljaz Idrizi , Regional Director of Pasta Diamond , shared that the company was founded in 1992 in Albania . It started with agricultural activities before establishing two wheat flour and pasta factories .

“ We are producing top quality products with 14 per cent protein in three brands , Pasta Diamond , Pasta Vittale and Pasta Bella . We are exporting to different countries , including the Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia , Dubai and others . We have also obtained the halal certificate for our products and are open for the global market .”

Ijlaz said the Saudi International Halal Expo was an excellent opportunity for the company to showcase their halal products . They have a good aim for these products to be marketed extensively in the Arabian countries .

“ It is a great potential for our company