Gigi Coffee, a rapidly expanding homegrown coffee chain in Malaysia, has recently achieved a milestone that sets it apart in the food and beverage industry: halal certification from JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia). For coffee lovers, this news means they can indulge in their favorite Gigi Coffee beverages knowing the products align with halal standards, catering especially to the needs and expectations of Muslim consumers. This development is not only a seal of quality but also a significant move to build inclusivity and trust in Malaysia’s diverse society.
What is JAKIM Halal Certification?
The JAKIM halal certification is more than just a label; it is one of the most stringent and respected certifications in the food and beverage industry. For Gigi Coffee, obtaining this certification was a comprehensive process that involved not just the quality of the food and drinks they serve but also the entire business’s operational framework. From sourcing raw materials to food handling, storage, and preparation, all aspects of their outlets were closely scrutinized to meet JAKIM’s rigorous halal standards.
The JAKIM halal certification is a seal of trust for the 19 million Muslims in Malaysia, making it essential for any F&B business aiming to win over the country’s majority consumer base. Halal, which means “permissible” in Arabic, requires adherence to strict dietary rules laid out in Islamic law. However, the certification process goes far beyond just ensuring that food and beverages are free from pork and alcohol. It extends to various factors like cleanliness, equipment usage, layout of the premises, and even the employment of a minimum number of Malaysian Muslim staff to ensure proper compliance with halal requirements.
Journey of Gigi Coffee
The journey to halal certification for Gigi Coffee has been thorough and comprehensive, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality and inclusivity. Their outlets underwent detailed inspections and evaluations to align with JAKIM’s standards. This step was a part of Gigi Coffee’s larger vision to maintain the highest standards in its food and beverage offerings while catering to the growing Muslim customer base that seeks halal-certified products.
As of now, a significant number of Gigi Coffee’s outlets have received JAKIM’s halal certification, and the company is actively working on certifying the remaining locations. The dedication to getting every outlet certified demonstrates the brand’s relentless commitment to inclusivity, quality, and customer trust.
“We’re delighted to announce that we have officially received the halal certification, and with this achievement, it reflects our ongoing dedication to product quality and our goal of serving a broader customer base,” said Ts. Au Soon Yong, Gigi Coffee’s Group COO. “We’re committed to maintaining the highest standards across our outlets, ensuring that Gigi Coffee offers halal-certified products and services. This will allow us to create an environment where everyone can enjoy our meals and beverages with full confidence in our adherence to strict product quality and regulatory standards.”
Halal Certification for Muslim Consumers
The halal certification is particularly significant for Muslim consumers, who form approximately 60% of Malaysia’s population. With this certification, Gigi Coffee offers its Muslim patrons a space where they can enjoy their coffee and meals without any reservations or concerns about halal compliance. This also aligns with Malaysia’s broader societal values, ensuring that food and beverage options cater to the diverse cultural and religious landscape of the country.
Globally, the halal food market is witnessing exponential growth, driven not just by Muslim consumers but by health-conscious individuals who prefer food that adheres to strict standards of cleanliness and ethical sourcing. The halal food market is projected to reach $2.4 trillion by 2024, according to a report by DinarStandard. As awareness of halal standards grows, both within Muslim-majority countries and beyond, businesses like Gigi Coffee are seizing the opportunity to tap into this burgeoning market.
A Comprehensive Approach to Quality
Beyond gaining JAKIM’s halal certification, Gigi Coffee aims to reflect its values of quality and inclusivity in every aspect of its operations. Their coffee offerings—ranging from classic espressos and lattes to locally-inspired flavors—are crafted with care, ensuring that every cup meets not only taste standards but also the meticulous guidelines of halal compliance.
The company’s efforts extend beyond product quality and into the customer experience. By creating an environment that is inclusive for all, Gigi Coffee aims to foster a space where every patron—regardless of their religious background—feels comfortable and confident in their choice of coffee. This focus on inclusivity has been a part of the brand’s ethos since its inception, and obtaining halal certification is a natural progression of this commitment.
The Barista Training Program
In addition to achieving halal certification, Gigi Coffee has also invested in training its workforce to maintain excellence in all facets of its operations. The company recently received accreditation from the Ministry of Human Resources for its barista training program under the National Dual Training System (SLDN). This initiative aims to provide practical and theoretical training to upskill baristas, covering not just coffee-making skills but also customer service and workplace hygiene, all of which are crucial for maintaining high standards in alignment with halal guidelines.
The barista training program reflects Gigi Coffee’s dedication to nurturing a skilled workforce capable of delivering both exceptional coffee and impeccable service. It aligns with the brand’s goal to maintain a high-quality, welcoming environment for all customers, ensuring consistency in product and experience across all outlets.
By investing in human capital and skills development, Gigi Coffee is not just focusing on the quality of its products but also on enhancing the overall customer experience. A well-trained barista is more than just a coffee maker; they are a brand ambassador who plays a pivotal role in establishing a connection with customers and upholding the company’s values of quality, inclusivity, and trust.
A Smart Business Move
Gigi Coffee’s move to obtain halal certification from JAKIM is a strategic one. In Malaysia’s competitive F&B market, halal certification serves as a significant differentiator that helps brands reach a broader consumer base. As the demand for halal-certified food and beverage products continues to grow, Gigi Coffee is positioning itself as a trusted choice for consumers who value both quality and adherence to halal standards.
In addition, the halal certification opens up opportunities for potential expansion beyond Malaysia. Countries in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and even Western markets with sizable Muslim populations are increasingly seeking halal-certified products. By meeting JAKIM’s stringent standards, Gigi Coffee is setting the foundation for potential growth and establishing itself as a brand that can confidently serve both local and international markets.
Building Brand Loyalty
The halal certification not only enhances Gigi Coffee’s appeal to Muslim consumers but also strengthens its brand image overall. In today’s market, consumers—Muslim and non-Muslim alike—are more discerning and value transparency, quality, and inclusivity in their food and beverage choices. By aligning with halal standards, Gigi Coffee shows a commitment to meeting these consumer demands, building brand loyalty and trust in the process.
The company’s proactive approach to meeting halal standards, combined with its dedication to quality and customer service, reflects a broader business strategy focused on long-term growth and sustainability. It’s not just about meeting the immediate needs of Muslim consumers; it’s about creating a brand that resonates with all customers who value ethical practices, quality ingredients, and a welcoming environment.
What’s Next for Gigi Coffee?
Gigi Coffee’s achievement of JAKIM halal certification and its efforts to upskill its workforce are part of an ongoing commitment to quality, inclusivity, and operational excellence. As the company works to certify all remaining outlets, it continues to build a brand that is trusted by all, particularly the Muslim community that forms a core segment of its customer base.
With its vision of serving quality coffee that meets the highest standards of halal compliance, Gigi Coffee is on a path to becoming a preferred choice for coffee enthusiasts across Malaysia and beyond. The company’s dedication to maintaining strict regulatory standards, combined with its commitment to customer satisfaction, sets it apart as a leader in Malaysia’s coffee scene.
For both loyal patrons and those discovering Gigi Coffee for the first time, the halal certification marks a significant chapter in the brand’s journey—one that emphasizes respect for cultural values, quality in every cup, and a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy their favorite brews.
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