The increasing number of Vietnamese agricultural and food items receiving Halal certification presents a significant opportunity for local products to swiftly enter the global Muslim market.
Vietnam is actively working to restructure its export markets, with the Halal market emerging as a promising avenue for deeper trade integration in line with the country’s vision of sustainable growth.
The global Muslim population, as reported by international organizations, now surpasses two billion people, representing around 25% of the world’s population. The Halal economy is forecasted to reach approximately US$5 trillion by 2030, expanding beyond food and beverages to include cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, logistics, tourism, and Islamic finance.
The Halal market has evolved from a niche to a comprehensive consumer market, prioritizing ethical standards, traceability, transparency, and production integrity. Non-Muslim consumers are also increasingly drawn to Halal products, seeing certification as a mark of quality, safety, and sustainability.
With its expertise in tropical agriculture, food processing, and extensive integration through advanced free trade agreements (FTAs), Vietnam is seen as having significant potential to cultivate a well-structured Halal industry.
To transform this potential into a competitive edge, Halal certification must not only be a standard but also an industry-wide development strategy. Businesses are now actively engaging with the Halal market in a proactive and strategic manner.
HR Essence Co, Ltd recently announced that several of its products, including coffee, cereals, and premium bird’s nest cereals, have obtained Halal certification from the National Halal Certification Centre. This move signifies a comprehensive restructuring of the value chain, emphasizing sourcing, production processes, quality management systems, branding, and market access strategies.
Obtaining Halal certification is more than just a means to access export markets; it compels businesses to elevate their governance standards, standardize procedures, and invest significantly in the inherent value of their products.
Tân Nhiên Co, Ltd, producing rice paper, has obtained JAKIM Halal certification, ensuring compliance with Islamic Shariah requirements, demonstrating a shift towards higher value-added positioning, branding, and traceability for Vietnamese Halal products.
Following certification, HR Essence successfully exported its first shipment to Malaysia, a demanding Halal market aiming to become a global Halal hub by 2030, with a target Halal GDP of $58.5 billion.
While gaining access to the Malaysian market is a significant achievement for Vietnamese goods, challenges remain, mainly in integrating into the complex and costly Halal ecosystem of Malaysia.
Vietnam’s National Halal Certification Centre, recognized by Malaysia, provides a valuable institutional advantage. However, to fully benefit from this, the centre should expand its role to offer strategic advisory services, training, market connections, and the development of a national Halal database.
For businesses, Halal certification should be viewed as a long-term strategic direction, necessitating investments in market research, product enhancement, supply chain standardization, and brand-building based on ethical and sustainable values.
At a broader level, Halal integration should be part of national trade promotion programs, high-value agricultural development strategies, and efforts to enhance Vietnam’s national brand in the evolving growth phase.
To thrive and expand in the competitive Halal market, companies must exhibit strong governance, strategic foresight, and enduring commitment.
