Halal-certified airline caterers witness growth

Growing demand for halal-certified food by airlines is encouraging suppliers worldwide to develop new products and enhance their production capacities. Worldwide, the spending on global halal food and lifestyle products is estimated to rise by 10.8 per cent every year until 2019, creating an international industry worth  $3.7 trillion, according to a Global Islamic Economy Report. The halal food sector alone is estimated to grow to $2.537 trillion by 2019, up from $795 billion in 2014, which is 21.2 per cent of global food expenditure.

Airlines worldwide have been eager to tap into this growing segment. World Travel Catering and Onboard Services expo Middle East (WTCEME) witnessed more than 70 exhibitors from 20 countries, utisiling the platform to introduce their new products and innovations to the aviation industry in the Middle East. Amid rising number of international passengers worldwide, estimated to cross 7 billion by 2030 according to IATA, airlines in the region are keen to ensure a comfortable and positive passenger experience. Catering to the food preferences of the passengers and providing them innovative and high quality food options is a critical factor determining happiness of passengers.