TFK Becomes First In-Flight Halal Certified Caterer In Japan

TFK Corporation, a leading airline caterer in Tokyo, has achieved halal certification for its dedicated halal kitchen, marking a significant milestone in Japan’s growing efforts to cater to the burgeoning Muslim travel market.

A subsidiary of Singapore-based ground handling and inflight catering giant SATS, TFK undertook an extensive renovation of its halal kitchen, a process that spanned two months. The facility was outfitted with new equipment and underwent structural enhancements to meet halal compliance standards. Following this, a four-month certification process was completed, ensuring every aspect of food preparation adhered to halal guidelines.

Dig deeper: Are In-Flight Meals Halal? A Guide to Airline Food Certification

The project, which required an investment of approximately 60 million yen (US$549,820), has doubled the kitchen’s meal production capacity from 3,000 to 6,000 meals daily. This expansion aims to meet the growing demand for halal meals among the increasing number of Muslim travelers visiting Japan.

To ensure adherence to global halal standards, TFK engaged Warees Halal, a division of Warees Investments, which operates under the purview of Singapore’s Islamic Religious Council, Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS). The renowned MUIS and Warees Halal certification logos will now appear on TFK’s food packaging, offering Muslim travelers peace of mind that their meals meet Singapore’s rigorous halal standards.

Commenting on the certification, TFK President Makoto Fukada stated, “A survey revealed that 66.8% of Muslims traveling abroad for leisure consider the availability of halal food a top priority. With Muslim visitors to Japan projected to reach one million annually by 2020—three times the 2013 level—ensuring access to certified halal meals will be essential to meet their needs.”

This certification positions TFK as a pioneer in Japan’s airline catering industry. As the first airline caterer in the country to establish a dedicated halal kitchen, TFK has been serving halal meals since 2001. The certification not only strengthens its competitive edge but also highlights Japan’s growing commitment to accommodating the diverse dietary needs of international travelers.