‘Halal Expo 2008’, the definitive event for the ‘Halal’ industry in the region, has concluded in Dubai with global and local exhibitors closing more than USD 11 million worth of deals over the course of the event, according to show organisers - Orange Fairs & Events. The three-day show, which was sponsored by JAWHARA, the first Group of Islamic hotels in the UAE, hosted more than 55 global companies and international exhibitors from 17 countries including the UAE, Malaysia, Australia, France, Hong Kong, Pakistan, UK, Brunei and the Philippines. Among the top exhibitors, the manufacturers of Cham'alal, a sparkling non-alcoholic alternative to champagne, have announced that they secured a total of 38 international contracts during the show, thereby prompting them to ensure a repeat participation for the event’s 2009 edition.
The manufacturers of the much sought-after product have further revealed that their participation at ‘Halal Expo 2008’ resulted in potential contracts amounting to USD 4 million, from partners and investors originating from countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE and Iran. In addition to revolutionary and top-quality Halal offerings, the event also featured a host of Shari'ah-compliant lifestyle products and services, including food items, hospitality management, cosmetics and health and pharmaceutical products.
Daas Salim, Business Developer, Cham'alal, said: “We were very impressed with the scope and reach of ‘Halal Expo 2008’, which has confirmed our initial impression that this event will be the perfect platform for our product’s launch in the global market. Our participation has presented us with an outstanding opportunity to expand the market of Cham'alal and talk directly to our target audience, who comprised the bulk of the visitor turnout at the event. Having closed a significant number of global contracts and bolstered our international network to a remarkable breadth, we are very much looking forward to a stronger participation during next year’s show.”
Among the other success stories during ‘Halal Expo 2008’ was Ozzy Meat Exporters (Halal) PTY. LTD., having closed deals worth USD 5 million, with around 19 local traders and companies from Zambia, Somalia, Belgium, KSA, Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Egypt, Yemen and Jordan placing significant meat orders. ERAPOLY OIL & FATS SDN. BHD., a company that exports Halal products to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, also confirmed to have secured around USD 1 million in contracts, mostly for the first half of 2009, during its participation at ‘Halal Expo 2008’, thereby boosting the company’s expectation to increase its market presence by 10 to 20 per cent.
"’Halal Expo 2008’ has achieved tremendous success largely because of the impressive array of Halal products that have been showcased. The exhibitors have really exerted considerable effort to prepare for this event and this shows the rapidly increasing global interest in the region's Halal market, particularly in the UAE. Halal Expo is truly becoming the region's definitive event for all key players in the industry and we will certainly build on the momentum we have gathered to further expand the coverage and mileage of this event in the future,” concluded Raees Ahmed, Director, Orange Fairs & Events.
With aims to provide a suitable platform to discuss new business opportunities for Halal products and services, ‘Halal Expo 2008’ has gathered companies within the catering, hospitality, food and beverage, health and pharmaceuticals industries, as well as representatives from government bodies such as regional and international Halal certification authorities, Chambers of Commerce, and international Halal associations. Majority of the Halal products showcased at the event fell under the categories of sauces, health food supplements, vegetable oil, snacks, dairy products, chocolates, coffee and tea, ready-to-eat frozen foods, cocoa, confectionery items, biscuits, health food and fruit juices. The expo also had a dedicated segment for ‘Halal Tourism’, which offers tailored Halal products and services for the increasing number of tourists in the GCC.
