Source:  Food Ingredients First

Kawaguchiko, Japan – French halal meat producer Isla Délice Group has significantly strengthened its European market position by acquiring Gürkan, a premium German halal company specializing in Pastirma, a traditional cured and air-dried beef product. This strategic move has boosted the group’s annual sales beyond €155 million ($161.6 million) and expanded its footprint to seven European markets.

Targeting Germany’s Growing Halal Market

The acquisition provides Isla Délice direct access to Germany’s substantial halal food sector, which was valued at approximately $12.44 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach nearly $19 billion by 2032. Germany represents one of Europe’s largest halal markets with promising growth potential, particularly in modern retail channels.

“The Gürkan acquisition opens the German halal market to Isla Délice,” explained Eric Fauchon, CEO of Isla Délice. “The German Muslim population is the second largest in the EU, with attractive growth prospects, especially in modern trade.”

Muslims constitute approximately 6.6% of Germany’s total population according to the German Islam Conference, presenting significant opportunities for specialized food products that meet religious dietary requirements.

Building a Pan-European Halal Champion

The German acquisition continues Isla Délice’s calculated expansion strategy across Europe. Since being acquired by investment firm Perwyn in July 2018, the company has systematically increased its international presence through strategic acquisitions:

• 2019: Acquired Belgian halal meat manufacturer Hoca, which operates two production facilities near Kortrijk
• 2020: Purchased a production site in Saint-André-sur-Vieux-Jonc, France, from Bell France, specializing in dry cured meats
• 2024: Expanded into the UK market by acquiring British halal brand Takul
• 2025: Added Germany to its portfolio with the Gürkan acquisition

“With a presence in six international markets in addition to our core French market, Isla Délice has become the clear European halal champion,” noted John Gallagher, investment director at Perwyn and board member of Isla Délice.

Product Innovation Driving Growth

Isla Délice manufactures branded fresh and frozen halal meat products distributed across modern retail and specialized stores. The company boasts the widest range of halal products in Europe, with over 250 items spanning fresh, frozen, and grocery categories.

Fauchon believes the company can bring significant product innovation to German consumers, noting that many of Isla Délice’s offerings are currently unavailable in German halal aisles. These include poultry bacon, beef chorizo, 100% beef burgers, cordon bleu, and various snack products.

“Halal consumers look for more variety in halal shelves, and we are confident Isla Délice’s new recipes will meet their expectations,” Fauchon stated.

Addressing Market Challenges

Despite strong growth trends, Fauchon acknowledges that the European halal market remains underdeveloped compared to its potential, citing limited product offerings and insufficient investment in the sector.

“The halal offering is still very limited in some countries and with certain major retailers. This situation is changing year after year, but there is still a lot of distribution to gain across Europe,” he explained.

To overcome these challenges, Isla Délice is investing heavily in research and development, launching approximately ten new products annually while expanding production capacity. The company also focuses on consumer engagement, highlighting new consumption possibilities enabled by its diverse product range.

Industry experts note that the German market, while promising, faces challenges including fragmented certification standards and limited retail distribution. Nevertheless, with its established expertise and expanded production capabilities, Isla Délice appears well-positioned to capitalize on the growing European demand for quality halal meat products.

Original Articles:

foodingridientsfirst.com. (n.d.). Isla Délice expands EU footprint with German halal meat firm acquisition. Retrieved April 2, 2025, from https://www.foodingredientsfirst.com/news/isla-delice-expands-eu-footprint-with-german-halal-meat-firm-acquisition.html