Saudi Arabia Chooses Prime As The Sole Halal-Certification Body In The Philippines

Saudi Arabia has chosen Prime Certification and Inspection, a subsidiary of the United Arab Emirates-based Prime Group of Companies, the only Philippine-based halal-certification body authorized to give certification for food exports bound for the Kingdom

Prime Certification and Inspection, a subsidiary of the United Arab Emirates-based Prime Group of Companies, has been recognized by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and the only Philippines Halal BrandsPhilippine halal-certifying body authorized to give certification for food exports bound for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In a statement, Prime said this followed after new regulations were implemented by the Saudi government last November 2020 stipulating that meat, poultry, and their derivative products can only be exported to the country if they have halal certificates issued by a body accredited and approved by the SFDA, which regulates food, drug, and medical devices both imported and domestic for the conservative Islamic country. The new regulation comes as the global halal food industry continues to grow with a total deal value of $6.3 billion in 2020.

With the approval of the SFDA, Prime Certification and Inspection serves as the only halal certifier in the Philippines with direct ties to the kingdom.  A leading quality and compliance solutions provider specializing in helping Philippine brands export halal products to Muslim-majority markets, Prime Certification and Inspection have certified 22 multinational companies and homegrown Philippine brands.

Dr. Mary Jane Alvero – Al Mahdi, Group CEO, Prime Group of Companies, said: “Prime Certification and Inspection – Asia Pacific is proud to be the first and only halal certifying body in the Philippines recognized by the Saudi Food & Drug Authority. With the growing demands brought about by the rapid increase of Muslim populations worldwide, we look forward to providing the first step for Filipino brands to penetrate this growing global market.”

Prime Group, headquartered in the UAE, is a leading quality and compliance solutions provider in Asia, Middle East, and North Africa.

It has established a name as the most trusted 360-degree quality and compliance solutions provider in the region has issued millions of reports and certificates.

With more than 600 staff members spread across its branches worldwide, the company takes pride in its large pool of experienced, competent, and highly qualified professionals in the field of testing, inspection, certification, training, research & study, trading, and facilities management.