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August 9, 2010

HALAL AND KOSHER BEEF MARKETS IN MANITOBA AN OPPORTUNITY WAITING TO HAPPEN: STRUTHERS
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Research Confirms Local, National, International Consumer Demand


Taking advantage of new and growing specialized kosher and halal beef markets is an opportunity waiting to happen for Manitoba beef producers, Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) Minister Stan Struthers announced today.

“A recently completed study by Interpoc Inc. clearly demonstrates there is a growing market for specialized beef products in Manitoba, Canada and internationally, driven by people who follow Jewish and Muslim religious food practices,” said Struthers. “This research also identifies the need for new suppliers and the potential for developing new halal and kosher products such as seasoned and marinated meats, hamburgers, hotdogs, sausages, beef jerky and deli meats.”

The total halal meat market in Canada is estimated at $214 million and the nationwide kosher beef market is calculated to be about $130 million. The study indicates a limited number of companies currently service the specialized halal and kosher demand in Canada, indicating there is room for more competition in this growing market.

“Unique processing and production requirements are necessary to meet halal and kosher specifications and often contacts are needed to enter the market supply chain,” said the minister. “Researchers have uncovered this growing market opportunity for Manitoba’s quality beef and MAFRI’s business development specialists can provide a valuable service of linking the two.”

These specialized products are expensive and are often only available frozen instead of fresh because of limited production and availability.

Part of the research focused on how to link stakeholders in the supply chain of halal and kosher beef production with sales channels in order to inquire about business opportunities, leads and prospective sales into the future. Struthers also stated that, while the study focuses on the opportunity for beef, similar substantial opportunities exist for lamb, goats and poultry.

“Improving access to fresh, kosher meat products fits into our strategy of encouraging greater Jewish connection for more members of our growing community,” said Bob Freedman, chief executive officer of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg.

“The Canadian Islamic Chamber of Commerce supports the findings of the MAFRI study on North American export opportunities for the halal meat industry,” said Dr. Asim Ashique, president of the chamber. “There is an attractive opportunity available for a Manitoba producer and we would support any company that steps up to serve the Muslim community with appropriately certified and reasonably priced high-quality halal meat products.”

The halal and kosher market study is available from MAFRI’s Livestock Knowledge Centre by contacting Mamoon Rashid at 204-945-7557 or at mamoon.rashid@gov.mb.ca.

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