Mexico seeks to expand agri-food exports to markets with a Muslim majority population
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development held the Information Seminar on Halal certification, in order to expand knowledge of this certification and find strategic partners and allies.
10 July 2024
3 minute read
By: - The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development held the Information Seminar on Halal certification, in order to expand knowledge of this certification and find strategic partners and allies in marketing projects towards the markets of Muslim-majority countries.
- Mexico increased the value of agri-food exports to more than 80 countries in recent years; In 2023 alone it reached a record figure of 223 million dollars.
- Countries with a Muslim majority population represent a market of more than 1.6 billion consumers, who live in economies with high purchasing power, have increasingly refined and sophisticated tastes and demand products and services in accordance with their customs and the religious regulations of the country. Islam.
Mexico seeks to consolidate its brand as a reliable supplier of healthy, nutritious and safe foods in markets of countries with Muslim-majority populations, which represent more than 1.6 billion consumers in the world, reported the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
By participating in the information seminar on Halal certification, the General Coordination of International Affairs of the Ministry of Agriculture highlighted that Mexico is considered a world power in the export of agri-food products, because they are distinguished by their flavor, health and quality.
In recent years, he indicated, our country has significantly increased the value of agri-food exports to more than 80 countries and reached a record figure of 223 million dollars, in 2023 alone.
He stressed that this result is due to strict compliance with phytozoosanitary matters, the promotion of Halal certification and the ever-increasing demand for food.
The Ministry of Agriculture organization specified that avocado, berries, vegetables, beef, poultry, honey and chickpeas are among the main products exported to Asia Pacific, the Middle East and North Africa.
The director of Economic Studies of the Agri-Food Sector of the federal agency, Juan Bernardo Orozco Sánchez, pointed out that the signing of various cooperation instruments in agriculture and the mutual recognition of the accreditation of Halal certification with countries with a majority Muslim population such as Indonesia, Palestine and the United Arab Emirates, will allow more Mexican agri-food products to be sent to the tables of consumers in those nations.
For this reason, he said that it is relevant to accompany exporters and expand knowledge of Halal certification to choose suppliers and service providers, who will be their best partners and strategic allies in their marketing projects towards those markets.
This is because Mexico has one of the most important modern agriculture industries in the world, with high-tech greenhouses, shade netting, technical irrigation infrastructure, packaging and cold chain, which allow it to reach consumers in 197 countries, he added.
The general director of the Mexican Halal Authority (MEHA) agency, Imene Khelifi, stressed that this organization is recognized by the Government of Mexico as an authorized body to issue Halal certification in our country and has the approval of the Council's Accreditation Center of Gulf Cooperation (GCC).
He maintained that the activities of this company are based on compliance with international quality standards of the Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa region and promotes the precepts established in Islamic laws, health safety, ethics, consumption responsible, consumer health and environmental care.
Hence the importance of increasing the knowledge that exists about MEHA in the Mexican agri-food sector and promoting the certification process, which takes one to two months and is for one, two and three years, although it will depend on the needs of each company, he explained.
He called on producers to consult the requirements to obtain this certification on the official website https://halalauthoritymx.com/ , and learn about the support and programs aimed at small, medium and large companies interested in reaching Muslim markets.
The Ministry of Agriculture reiterated that countries with a Muslim majority population represent a market of more than 1.6 billion consumers, who live in economies with high purchasing power and have increasingly refined and sophisticated tastes.
Potential consumers demand products and services in accordance with their customs and the religious regulations of Islam, which set specific guidelines on what is allowed "Halal" and what is prohibited to consume "Haram."
He added that it is important to expand knowledge about technical-religious regulations, such as Halal certification, in each of the regional markets with a Muslim majority population, as it will give the opportunity to build greater opportunities for Mexican agri-food exporters and open access to our products.
