In a significant development, the Russian food quality regulator Roskachestvo has taken a step towards accommodating the needs of Muslim consumers by accrediting an agency to conduct domestic halal certification for products. This move, announced by the head of the watchdog, Maxim Protasov, holds great promise for the Muslim community in Russia.
The newly established organization, Roskachestvo-Halal, is all set to commence certification of the market this month (August 2023). It is projected that approximately 100 companies will seek the halal label by the end of the year. With a sizable Muslim diaspora, including many ethnic Azerbaijanis, integrated into the Russian national food supply chain, this certification is a vital step towards inclusivity and diversity in the food industry.
Beyond the food sector, Russia is also keen on implementing halal certification in various service industries, encompassing catering, tourism, hotels, financial services, and medical facilities. By ensuring halal compliance in these sectors, Russia aims to elevate the quality of halal products and services, instilling confidence in both domestic and international consumers.
The trend towards halal products has been gaining momentum in Russia in recent years. Many local producers have recognized the significance of adhering to Muslim standards, emphasizing the exclusion of antibiotics and soybeans from their food products.
According to the Russian veterinary watchdog Rosselhoznadzor, halal products held a share of approximately 10% in the Russian food market in 2022, a testament to the increasing popularity of these products.
In a bid to expand food exports to Muslim countries, the Russian government adopted its first nationwide halal standards in February. This move has already borne fruit, as Russia managed to double its supplies of halal products over the past three years. Notably, in 2021, Russia exported halal products worth a record US$180 million to the Persian Gulf, with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates emerging as the largest importers.
Russia has ambitious plans to further enhance its halal exports to Muslim countries, with targets of reaching US$400 million by 2024 and US$700 million by 2030.
The eHalal Group, in partnership with Russia and Thailand, is taking significant strides to assist Russian businesses in exporting halal food to Southeast Asia and importing certified Thai halal food into Russia. With Thailand boasting around 12,000 Halal certified food products and 79,000 SKU’s, this collaboration promises to strengthen trade ties and foster mutual understanding between Russia and Muslim-majority nations.
As the journey towards achieving widespread recognition for the Russian Halal brand continues, the involvement of key halal certification agencies such as JAKIM in Malaysia and CICOT in Thailand will be crucial. Their support will help ensure the credibility and reputation of the Russian Halal brand among Muslim consumers.
It is worth noting that Russia is home to approximately 25 million Muslims, representing the highest number of Muslims in Europe outside Turkey. This presents a significant opportunity for exporters from Iran, Thailand, Malaysia, and hopefully soon Indonesia, who should consider Russia as a priority market for halal products.
For the next two years, eHalal will focus on regions like Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Crimea and Karachay-Cherkessia to develop a robust long-term strategy, catering to the specific needs and preferences of the local Muslim communities.
In conclusion, Russia’s standardization of halal certification procedures marks a progressive step towards empowering Muslim consumers and expanding its halal exports to the global market. By embracing halal standards, Russia is fostering a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and mutual respect within its food and service industries.
