Halal-certified businesses on a roll

Over the past eight years, the number of halal-certified businesses in Singapore has grown nearly four-fold from 530 to over 2,000, and an increasing number of eateries are catering to more adventurous palates.

Observers said there is still plenty of room for the industry to grow as the spending power of the Muslim community is going up. That is why more businesses are keen to tap the global halal food market that is estimated to be worth over $760 billion.

One such player is Sakura International, which serves up a wide range of cuisines that are all halal-certified. It said the variety gives them the edge in a very competitive industry.

Mr Roger Soh, operations manager of Suki Group of Restaurants, said: "Mirin, which is a kind of sweet wine, is often used in preparing Japanese food. It is very difficult to get a replacement to meet the halal requirements, so we need to bring in more of these ingredients."

The company, which is opening a fifth restaurant soon, said sales have gone up by 70 per cent since it turned halal in 2005.

Another business that has seen the benefits of halal-certification is Qi Ji, which is known for its hawker-style fare. Even though Qi Ji still has its eye firmly on the Singapore market for the time being, it said that being certified will definitely open doors if it moves overseas.

Mr Alan Lau, operations director of Qi Ji, said: "In fact, we have offers from overseas business partners for joint ventures in Dubai, Indonesia and Brunei."

Ms Dewi Hartaty Suratty, head of Halal Certification Strategic Unit from Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (Muis), said: "Many manufacturers want to export their products to Muslim countries like the Middle East, Indonesia and Malaysia. These countries would require them to have a halal certificate."

Muis said for the past few years, it has seen a 10 per cent growth every year in the number of applicants for halal-certification and it expects this growth to continue going forward.