Halal Forum 2025: A global lens on the future of halal at Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL
With the global demand for halal products continuing to rise the halal food sector is no longer just a niche market. The Halal Forum 2025—held during Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL—is an influential gathering for professionals navigating this fast-evolving space.
Taking place in Kuala Lumpur, a recognised hub for halal expertise, the forum is a timely and vital platform designed to unite thought leaders, industry experts, and entrepreneurs from around the world and explore the commercial opportunities within the halal sector, as well as the cultural, ethical, and technological shifts shaping its future. Building on the success of the last edition of Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL (FDM), which brought together over 300 exhibitors and welcomed more than 8,000 visitors, this year’s Halal Forum promises to be a focal point for business, innovation, and knowledge exchange in the halal food industry.
A market on the rise
Recent data reflects the sector’s strong momentum. According to the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2023, global halal food and beverage spending is forecast to reach over €1.6 trillion by the end of 2025, fuelled by both demographic growth and increasing demand from mainstream consumers. Malaysia continues to play a pivotal role in this ecosystem, exporting over RM 61,79 billion (approximately €12.66 billion) worth of halal products last year alone, with government-backed initiatives pushing for even greater international market access.
The forum brings together a diverse mix of voices from across the halal value chain: regulators, certification authorities, manufacturers, brand owners, and market strategists. Together, they will tackle key challenges and emerging trends in halal food production, distribution, and consumption. Topics such as consumer behaviour, traceability, cross-border certification, and halal compliance in digital marketplaces are expected on the agenda. In a landscape where expectations around transparency and quality are rising, halal certification is increasingly viewed not only as a religious requirement, but as a mark of integrity.
Sessions like “Why Halal” and “Halal is not just for Muslims” underscore this broader positioning. The global appetite for halal products is no longer limited to Muslim-majority countries. In fact, a growing number of non-Muslim consumers are seeking halal-labelled goods as part of a lifestyle choice tied to cleanliness, animal welfare, and trust in sourcing. This trend is especially strong in Europe and parts of Asia, where halal is becoming synonymous with food safety and ethical assurance.
A platform for innovation and exchange
Beyond high-level discussions, the forum offers a more practical, business-focused dimension. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in workshops that explore everything from certification pathways to navigating regulatory requirements across different markets. These sessions aim to demystify the complexities of halal compliance and offer actionable strategies for businesses aiming to grow their halal portfolios. For start-ups and SMEs, the forum is particularly valuable as a space to meet potential partners, explore distribution opportunities, and learn from real-world case studies.
Another highlight of the Halal Forum is its showcase of innovations. From ready-to-eat meals tailored for Muslim travellers, to plant-based products that align with halal standards, the exhibition area will present new products and services reflecting the future of halal. Technology is also playing an increasing role, with blockchain and AI being explored as tools to enhance traceability and certification integrity.
Ultimately, the Halal Forum 2025 reflects a more inclusive and forward-thinking vision of halal—one that sees it not as a limitation, but as a framework for quality, sustainability, and responsible consumption. For any business operating in the food and beverage sector, it offers critical insight into a market segment that is both expanding and diversifying at a rapid pace.
image credit: Odiseo Castrejon – Unsplash
Join us at SIAL Paris as exhibitor Join us at SIAL Paris as visitor
