(Photo: Notes From Poland)

Poland has emerged as one of the largest producers of halal meat in the European Union, carving out a significant niche in the global market. In 2020 alone, the country exported meat and meat products valued at approximately €5 billion, with nearly one-third of that figure attributed to kosher and halal meat. Jacek Zarzeck, the president of the Polish Association of Beef Cattle Breeders and Producers (PZPBM), highlighted Poland’s role as a major beef producer, catering not only to the demands of European consumers who require meat slaughtered according to religious guidelines but also to markets beyond Europe.

Traditionally, Poland’s halal and kosher meat has found its way to key markets such as Germany, France, Spain, UK, and Israel. However, there is a notable surge in interest from the United Arab Emirates, indicating a potential expansion of Poland’s export horizons. The leading markets for Polish halal and kosher meat currently include Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Israel.

In 2019, Poland’s beef exports were valued at €1.5 billion, with ritual slaughter accounting for a substantial one-third of that total. The poultry sector shows an even more pronounced trend, with nearly half of its exports certified as kosher or halal.

However, this competitive edge may be at risk due to ongoing discussions about a potential ban on ritual slaughter as part of animal rights legislation. This proposed ban would prohibit the practice of stunning animals before slaughter, which involves a throat cut that allows the animal to bleed out—a method criticized by some as inhumane. For nearly a decade, Polish political figures have debated this issue, which many believe could disproportionately benefit large farming enterprises that can adapt to changing regulations. While most EU countries permit religious exemptions to the stunning requirement, nations like Denmark, Sweden, and Slovenia have opted for stricter regulations.

Meanwhile, the European market for halal meat products is projected to grow at an impressive annual rate of 20%, according to a report from the Halal Verif association, a French NGO that specializes in halal certification. This growth presents both challenges and opportunities for Poland as it navigates the evolving landscape of halal meat production.

Original Article:

Euro Meat News. (n.d.). Poland stands as one of the EU’s largest halal meat producers. Retrieved from https://www.euromeatnews.com/Article-Poland-stands-as-one-of-the-EU-largest-halal-meat-producer/5315