The halal meat market in France

In the Muslim religion, halal refers to everything authorized by Sharia, or Islamic law, as opposed to haram, which is prohibited or impure. The prohibitions of the Muslim religion include the consumption of alcohol, drugs and pork (including the pork gelatin used to make sweets), as well as " blood, the dead beast or the beast on which one has eaten. ( Sura 5 of the Koran), i.e. any meat from an animal that has not been slaughtered alive.

Thus, according to Muslim rites, to be halal, the animal must be turned towards Mecca, its throat cut and bled by a Muslim who pronounces sacred words. This practice contravenes French legislation, which requires the animal to be stunned before slaughter.

The global halal market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.8% between 2022 and 2027, according to industry forecasts. Reflecting sustained demand for halal worldwide. In the same direction,the halal food market is expected to develop positively, with a CAGR of 14.5% over the period 2023 - 2027.

In 2022, on a global scale, the halal food market segment will account for 63.5% of the market, making it the largest halal market segment in comparison with other halal sectors such as cosmetics, clothing, "muslim friendly" tourism...

In 2023, nationwide, the halal supermarket market saw a12.69% increase in sales over the previous year. The main market segments are

- Halal charcuterie

- Halal frozen foods

- Fresh delicatessen

The halal prescription has given rise to some controversy in Europe, particularly among animal rights groups. What's more, there is no halal label in France, unlike kosher products, which are guaranteed by the Consistoire Central des Juifs de France: there are therefore different methods of certifying halal.

Despite the difficulties of certification, the halal market in supermarkets and hypermarkets is very much alive and kicking, with sales growing by 12.69% in value in 2023 compared with 2022 , and the 1st Halal Franchise Fair held in Paris in 2020. This market therefore appears to be growing steadily, with market structuring tending to develop, as Isla Délice has shown with a steady 8-10% increase in sales between 2010 and 2020.

In fact, the main players in the halal meat market are, on the one hand, major groups such as Fleury Michon, Isla délice and Réghalal (a subsidiary of the LDC group) and, on the other, independent stores such as butchers, which are smaller players.