Price watch
As more competition enters the market, produce prices are ultimately pushed down. Exchange rates may also be unfavourable for some foreign exporters.
“The market is getting tighter on margins as the exchange rate is not an advantage for the Chilean exporters,” says Salas.
Aossey adds that the increasing costs of animal feed and demand for beef products, and the seasonality of business, also affect profitability, which overall, he feels, has declined.
“But high-end products with higher value added have much better opportunities and margins,” adds Salas.
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Midamar’s Aossey also suggests the higher-end market is more lucrative: “We cater to a market that demands premium quality products. Our products are not mass produced and consumed. We still source our products from small, family-owned farms – not the cattle factories.”
With consumer-driven demand and interest in quality halal produce, alongside higher margins on higher-end products for suppliers, it seems we could soon be seeing more luxury halal products on menus and shelves.
Non-meat products
The following is a partial list of halal non-meat products that are subject to critical processes or ingredients that can affect the product’s halal integrity, according to the Islamic Services of America
• Bread products
• Cereals – breakfast, natural, and organic
• Cheese, cheese products and coatings
• Coffee mixes
• Dairy products – whipped toppings and drink mixes
• Desserts – cakes and pastries
• Eggs – powdered, frozen, and processed
• Fish and Seafood
• French fries and processed potatoes
• Fruits – fresh and/or dried
• Grains
• Honey
• Ice cream and ice cream toppings
• Jams and jellies
• Nuts
• Milk (from species considered halal)
• Pastry items – frostings and coatings
• Pastas
• Peanut butter
• Pizzas
• Plants (which are non-intoxicating)
• Sauces and dressings
• Seasonings
• Soup and soup base
• Syrups – table and flavoured
• Tea blends
• Vegetables – fresh and frozen
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