Halal foods and ingredients will feature at this year's World Food Market.

The exhibition returns to London ExCel on November 21st and 22nd, and is said to be the premier opportunity for buyers to source Halal foods and ingredients.

The Halal food seminars sparked lively debate at the show in 2006, something show director Jon Irwin believes will continue: "Last year the debate on Halal food inspired huge interest and controversy!

"This can only be good for a market that suffers from a distinct lack of clarity. What is the best way of certifying Halal food? Once certified, how can we ensure the conditions governing Halal production are not broken?

"These are two questions at the heart of the debate surrounding Halal food, and I sincerely hope that at World Food Market 2007, we will be able to make significant strides towards resolving them."

This year UK Halal Corporation, Halal Food Authority and Halal Monitoring committee will all take the stage in three separate 30 minute discussion sessions.

"These will be repeated at the same time on the second day of the show ensuring that no visitors miss out on their expertise.

There are many stands at this years World Food Market focusing on Halal products and ingredients, one of the most comprehensive is set to be the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).

Abu Bakar Koyakutty, trade commissioner at MATRADE, comments: "Malaysia has, for a long time, recognised the potential of Halal products and services. As such, MATRADE's participation at World Food Market is aimed at strengthening Malaysia's position as the main supplier of Halal products to the UK."

Mr Koyakutty continues: "In Malaysia, the Halal industry has been developed progressively, as a significant contributor to Malaysian exports. In fact, the development of Halal food is seen as so important that it has been incorporated by the government as a strategic focus in the national industrial plan.

The Malaysian government is promoting the country as the premier hub for the production and supply of quality Halal products, and championing the Malaysian standard and certification as global benchmarks for the industry."

Other exhibitors showcasing Halal food include Al-Falah, Kohlico Brands UK Ltd, Vista, Sandwell UK Ltd and Forrest Tree Foods.

Featuring over 250 exhibitors from more than 20 different countries - a substantial increase on last year - World Food Market covers the entire scope of ethnic and world speciality foods from Oriental, Eastern European and Afro-Caribbean to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.

In addition, it remains the only trade fair to have a dedicated focus on community foods such as Halal.

11:26am Wednesday 3rd October 2007

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