Panelists Chart a Path Toward Sustainable Halal Food Innovation at MFH 2025

The Makkah Halal Forum 2025 , held under the esteemed patronage of H.E. Dr. Majid Bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Commerce, opened with a groundbreaking panel discussion on “Industry Innovation for Sustainable Halal Food & Beverage.” Moderated by Dr. Wael Eldesouki Bedda , Secretary General of the Saleh Kamel Sustainable Entrepreneurship & Enterprise Development Organization (SKSEED), the session brought together global experts to explore how sustainability and innovation can shape the future of the halal food and beverage sector.

The panel featured prominent voices in the halal industry, including Mr. Zulfiqar Hamadani , CEO of Tanmiah Food Co; Prof. Dr. Irwandi Jaswir , Deputy Dean of the International Institute for Halal Research and Training (INHART) at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM); and Mr. Igor Marti , Vice President of the Halal Market at BRF FOODS, who joined virtually. Together, they addressed critical themes such as advancing sustainable production, fostering cross-border collaboration, and integrating technology into halal supply chains.

Mr. Hamadani emphasized the importance of aligning industrial practices with environmental stewardship. “Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a business imperative,” he stated, citing Tanmiah’s adoption of circular economy models to minimize waste and energy consumption. His remarks underscored Saudi Arabia’s leadership in leveraging its strategic position to promote ethical and sustainable halal production.

Prof. Jaswir expanded on this theme, linking halal principles to ecological responsibility. “Halal certification must go beyond compliance—it should integrate green metrics to reduce pollution and water waste,” he said. He argued that such measures not only build consumer trust but also position the halal industry as a driver of environmental preservation.

Joining from Brazil, Mr. Marti highlighted the role of global partnerships in scaling sustainable practices. “BRF FOODS collaborates across borders to share best practices and technologies,” he explained. “Halal sustainability requires collective action—from farms to processing facilities to retail shelves.”

Technology and Collaboration: The Future of Halal

The discussion also explored how digital tools like blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and e-commerce are transforming the halal sector. Dr. Bedda moderated a segment on supply chain transparency, where panelists agreed that technology is essential for verifying halal integrity and meeting the demands of increasingly conscientious consumers.

“Digital solutions are not just about efficiency—they’re about trust,” noted Mr. Marti. Blockchain, for instance, enables end-to-end traceability, ensuring that products meet halal standards at every stage of production. Similarly, AI-driven analytics can optimize resource use, reducing waste and enhancing productivity.

The panelists also stressed the need for collaboration between governments, private companies, and international organizations. “Unified global standards are critical to overcoming trade barriers and fostering market integration,” said Prof. Jaswir. Such harmonization, he added, would not only benefit producers but also empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to access global markets.

Saudi Arabia’s Leadership in the Halal Economy

The session underscored Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global hub for halal innovation, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. Mr. Hamadani praised Saudi investments in sustainable infrastructure, while Prof. Jaswir commended the country’s efforts to harmonize halal standards across borders.

Dr. Bedda concluded the discussion by emphasizing the transformative potential of sustainability and innovation. “The halal food and beverage sector is poised for exponential growth, but it must be guided by ethics and responsibility,” he said. “This forum is a testament to Makkah’s role as a leader in shaping that future.”

With the global halal food market projected to reach $4 trillion by 2030, the insights shared during this session could not have come at a more critical time. By advancing sustainable practices, fostering collaboration, and integrating cutting-edge technologies, the panelists charted a roadmap for ethical growth in the halal economy.

As the Makkah Halal Forum 2025 continues through February 27, attendees can look forward to masterclasses, roundtable discussions, and exhibitions that further explore the intersection of tradition, innovation, and sustainability.

For more information, visit www.makkahhalalfourm.com