Al Islami Foods, a leading provider of halal food in the Middle East, today announced a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Halal-Industry Development Corporation (HDC), an organistaion wholly owned by the Government of Malaysia. The announcement was made in a press conference held in Kuala Lumpur.
The objective of the MoU is to provide a stepping stone into the region’s vast potential market for halal food, starting with the introduction of Al Islami Cart franchise concept to the diverse business entrepreneurs of Southeast Asia. This initiative aims to tap into the US$580.91 billion global halal food market.
“Al Islami-HDC partnership is a catalyst to create much-needed awareness about ‘Real and Authentic Halal’ in the world. The partnership demonstrates Al Islami’s long-term commitment to the society for setting global Halal standards and best practices, for the Muslim and non-Muslim markets alike.” said Saleh Abdullah Lootah, Chief Executive Officer, Al Islami Foods.
The Halal-Industry Development Corporation (HDC), which works under the Ministry of Finance, is an initiative by the Malaysian government to ensure the integrated and comprehensive development of the national Halal industry. The Corporation coordinates efforts to review standards, development of Malaysia Halal industry, promotion of Halal products and services in the global market, as well as support domestic and international Halal sector.
Dato’ Jamil Bidin, Chief Executive Officer of Halal-Industry Development Corporation, commented: “We welcome Al Islami in Malaysia. Company’s initiative is macro move which will consolidate the strengths of Middle Eastern and Asian Halal food markets. Experiences of both regions will remarkably help in devising industry standards for global Halal food economy.”
Under the terms agreement, HDC will harmonize, in collaboration with Al Islami, on setting up Al Islami franchise system in Malaysia by liaising with relevant local government agencies and departments, helping to establish Master Franchisor that will operate and monitor the network of franchisees in Malaysian market, recommending suitable partners to localize production of Al Islami products along with finding suppliers of key ingredients and logistics services. In addition, HDC will help identify opportunities for Al Islami to invest in capacity as a means of expansion into other countries of Southeast Asia.
Al Islami has recently introduced The Cart franchise model in Egypt and at Gulfood Exhibition 2007 Dubai, company debuted this system for young entrepreneurs in the UAE, in collaboration with state-owned Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment For Young Business Leaders. The potentially-rich business concept received an overwhelming response and is being implemented successfully by UAE’s young entrepreneurs. The Cart includes microwave oven, chiller for sandwiches, chair, hotdog grill, counter-display chiller, cash-machine, where sandwiches and hotdogs can be prepared and sold instantly.
About Al Islami Foods
Established as CO-OP ISLAMI in 1981 to cater to the growing demand for halal food in the Arab world, AL ISLAMI FOODS was formed as a result of the long relentless efforts commenced in the early seventies when Hajj Saeed Bin Ahmad Lootah instituted Dubai Co-operative Society. Starting with its successful frozen chicken product line, AL ISLAMI FOODS expanded its operations to include mutton and beef.
In 1991, Dubai Co-operative Society's efforts were culminated by establishing its "CO-OP ISLAMI" meat processing plant in Jebel Ali Free Zone. This plant is considered a recognizable breakthrough as it became the real producer of a variety of food products under the name "CO-OP ISLAMI", after being produced outside the country on its behalf. AL ISLAMI FOODS products are considered as quality benchmark trusted by consumers across the UAE and the GCC, and this has made it one of the best and most preferred brands in the region. www.alislamifoods.com
About HDC:
Incorporated on September 18 2006 as a private company, the Halal-Industry Development Corporation (HDC) is wholly owned by the Government of Malaysia through the Ministry of Finance. The organisation is currently placed under the National Implementation Task Force (NITF) which is chaired by His Excellency Dato’ Seri Abdullah Badawi, the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
The HDC is fully committed to fulfilling Malaysia’s vision of playing a leading role in the development of Halal as a powerful market force, bringing the benefits of Halal products and services to both Muslims and non-Muslims throughout the world. www.hdcglobal.com
