A MARKET TOO LARGE TO IGNORE!
Dr. Hüseyin Kâmi BÜYÜKÖZER
The global Halal economy is valued at over $2 trillion annually and is growing steadily, driven by the two billion Muslim consumers worldwide who demand goods and services aligned with their faith.
From food and beverages to pharmaceuticals, cosmetics to logistics, hospitality to fashion, tourism to finance, the Halal seal of approval has become a symbol of quality and trust.
This presents a tremendous opportunity for Turkish businesses. Our Muslim-majority country, combined with its growing role in supplying Halal products to Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Far East, puts us in an unrivaled and unique position to thrive.
THE ROLE OF CERTIFICATION – Certification ensures that products and processes comply with Sharia law and the Islamic ethical framework, while also meeting international standards for hygiene, safety, and quality.
Halal and Tayyib certification, while primarily a religious service, is also a business enabler:
For producers: It provides access to new markets.
For retailers: It provides assurance to diverse consumer bases.
For exporters: It eliminates trade barriers in Muslim-majority countries.
For consumers: It builds trust and loyalty.
For two decades, GIMDES has played a leading role, recognized locally and internationally as a certification body committed to integrity, transparency, and global cooperation.
Business and Certification: Natural Allies
Synergy with business associations: By partnering with industry organizations, certification bodies like GIMDES can provide clearer pathways for businesses to participate in the Halal economy.
Innovation through collaboration: From blockchain traceability to smart audit systems, there’s room for businesses and certifiers to jointly develop solutions that increase trust and reduce costs.
Joint advocacy: A collaborative effort between GIMDES and the Muslim business community could strengthen Türkiye’s voice in global standard-setting forums and ensure our exporters aren’t disadvantaged by fragmented regulations abroad.
As GIMDES, we organize and participate in fairs and festivals every year to further our efforts in this area. We believe we’ve captured this spirit by meeting with the public at our recent Halal Lifestyle Events Festival, and by engaging in productive discussions with university students and NGO representatives at NGO-Fest.
As the only “HALAL CERTIFICATION INSTITUTION” sought after by Muslims in Islamic countries and all regions where Muslims live as a minority, GIMDES continues its work with open arms, both domestically and internationally. Since its inception, it has facilitated approximately $25 billion in exports. Certification demands are increasing daily, and to date, 20,000 different products from 450 companies have been granted GIMDES Halal Certification.
Under GIMDES’s leadership, Türkiye is progressing toward global halal leadership, driven by its mission of “Halal Food, Halal Certification.” The Muslim community is awakening globally to the concept of “Halal Lokma.” In this context, GIMDES has an even greater responsibility.
