Source: Halal Times

JAKARTA – The United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union has fundamentally altered the landscape for one of its most dynamic food sectors. The British halal food industry, worth more than $5 billion as of 2015, serves a Muslim community exceeding 4 million people—a demographic expected to triple to 13 million by mid-century. This substantial market encompasses everything from traditional meat and poultry to modern convenience foods, beverages, and even cosmetic products, all manufactured according to Islamic principles.

What makes this sector particularly noteworthy is its crossover appeal. Beyond serving Muslim consumers, the halal market attracts non-Muslim buyers who associate halal certification with superior ethical standards and hygiene practices. Major restaurant chains including KFC and Nando’s have recognized this trend, establishing halal-certified locations in areas with significant Muslim populations. The industry’s commitment to animal welfare—with 87% of UK halal meat produced using stunning methods—has broadened its appeal among ethically conscious consumers.

However, Britain’s departure from the European Union has introduced unprecedented complications into this previously flourishing ecosystem, affecting every aspect from production facilities to international trade relationships.

Trade Disruption and Administrative Burden

The most immediate consequence of Brexit has been the transformation of previously straightforward trade relationships into complex bureaucratic processes. Prior to 2020, moving goods between Britain and continental Europe required minimal paperwork—typically just a delivery note. Today’s reality involves extensive customs procedures, detailed inspections, and significant delays.

Euro Quality Lambs, a prominent halal sheep meat producer, exemplifies these new challenges. The company now faces an additional £500,000 in annual regulatory expenses, with £400,000 specifically attributable to new sanitary and phytosanitary requirements mandated by European Union authorities. These procedures include mandatory veterinary inspections, specialized transportation seals, and comprehensive export documentation—processes that can extend shipment times by up to seven hours.

This administrative burden carries particular significance given that 70-80% of the company’s products are destined for European markets, particularly France and Germany. The cumulative effect extends throughout the entire supply network, with importers facing parallel obstacles as the UK implements its own controls on European food imports.

For perishable products like halal meat, timing remains critical. A single day’s delay can reduce shelf life by 20%, significantly impacting product marketability. The just-in-time delivery model that underpinned Britain’s food distribution system now faces constant pressure, with half of all businesses reporting delivery delays averaging 30%.

These operational challenges translate directly into increased costs, with 70% of UK companies experiencing higher supply chain expenses that are frequently passed on to consumers. For halal consumers already paying premium prices for certified products, these additional costs create meaningful financial pressure.

Workforce Challenges in a Specialized Industry

Brexit’s impact on labor availability presents another significant challenge for the halal meat sector. The industry has historically relied heavily on European Union workers, particularly in specialized roles within processing facilities. Most critically, 85% of veterinarians overseeing halal slaughter operations are non-UK nationals, making them subject to new post-Brexit visa requirements.

The current Tier 2 Work Visa system, with its £30,000 minimum salary requirement, has complicated recruitment efforts. Without these qualified veterinarians, processing facilities cannot operate legally, creating potential bottlenecks throughout the meat supply chain. This situation extends beyond mere logistics concerns—it threatens both food security and the integrity of halal certification processes as businesses struggle to maintain standards with reduced skilled workforce availability.

Regulatory Uncertainty and Standards Divergence

Brexit has introduced the possibility of regulatory divergence that could fundamentally affect halal production standards. While part of the European Union, Britain operated under Regulation 1099/2009, which permitted religious slaughter practices, including non-stunning methods accepted within certain halal traditions. Now operating independently, the UK government has the authority to establish different regulations, potentially including restrictions on traditional slaughter methods.

Dr. Amer Rashid from the UK Halal Certification Organisation highlights that gas stunning techniques used in some European countries are not universally accepted as halal, creating potential conflicts for UK exporters seeking to serve diverse global markets with varying halal requirements.

Additionally, Britain’s exclusion from European Union data-sharing systems, such as the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), complicates food safety monitoring. While the UK now participates in the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN), gaps in information sharing could weaken responses to food fraud or contamination incidents.

The importance of robust oversight becomes clear when considering past fraud cases, such as the 2017 incident involving 116 tons of turkey meat fraudulently sold as halal lamb. Brexit’s strain on inspection resources—already stretched by COVID-19 impacts—increases the risk of similar incidents going undetected.

Economic Pressures and Market Dynamics

The economic consequences of Brexit have created substantial financial pressures throughout the halal food industry. Currency volatility following the 2016 referendum increased import costs, particularly affecting non-European products like Thai ingredients used by brands such as Haloodies. With 27% of Britain’s food imports originating from European Union countries, the weakened pound combined with new trade barriers has compressed profit margins across the sector.

Retailers facing higher wholesale costs experience pressure to increase consumer prices, with 68% of British shoppers anticipating higher grocery expenses. For halal consumers, particularly younger professionals seeking convenient food options, these cost increases could limit access to quality certified products.

Small businesses, which comprise a significant portion of the UK halal sector, face particular vulnerability. Unlike larger corporations, these enterprises typically lack the financial resources to absorb increased costs or quickly pivot to alternative markets. Investment decisions have been postponed as uncertainty persists, with many companies delaying expansion plans. As Imran Kausar of Haloodies observed, Brexit has created “doubt across the board,” dampening consumer confidence and potentially slowing sector growth, which could lead to market consolidation favoring only the most financially robust companies.

Emerging Opportunities in Global Markets

Despite these significant challenges, Brexit has also created opportunities for the UK halal food industry to innovate and expand into new markets. The global halal market, valued at $1.17 trillion in 2015, represents a larger opportunity than even China’s massive consumer market. With Muslim populations growing faster than global averages, demand for halal products continues expanding not only domestically but throughout Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries across the Middle East and Asia.

UK producers have the potential to follow the success of New Zealand and Australia, which collectively generate £1 billion annually from halal meat exports to these regions. This expansion requires strategic thinking about supply chain diversification, moving beyond traditional European suppliers to explore opportunities in non-EU markets, thereby reducing reliance on European trade relationships and mitigating Brexit-related barriers.

Technology offers additional solutions. Digital platforms like TariffTel’s supply chain management software can streamline customs processes, reducing both processing time and associated costs. The UK’s established reputation for high-quality halal certification standards, recognized internationally, provides a competitive advantage in export markets. Malaysian television crews have visited British halal producers to document their practices, demonstrating international interest in UK expertise.

The growing demand from non-Muslim consumers, attracted by perceptions of superior ethical and hygiene standards, presents another avenue for growth. Mainstream retailers including Asda and Morrisons have already expanded their halal product offerings to capture this market segment. Investment in domestic production capacity and workforce training programs could address labor shortages while building resilience against Brexit-related disruptions.

Strategic Adaptation for a New Era

The UK halal food industry finds itself at a pivotal moment. While Brexit has undeniably introduced significant challenges—including supply chain disruptions, workforce shortages, regulatory uncertainties, and increased operational costs—the sector’s fundamental strengths remain intact. These include a growing domestic Muslim population, increasing mainstream market acceptance, and internationally recognized quality standards.

Success in this new environment requires strategic adaptation. Businesses must embrace global market opportunities, leverage technological solutions, and strengthen local capabilities. For consumers, this transition means supporting retailers with transparent halal certification processes and backing brands committed to sustainable practices.

For industry participants, the path forward involves diversifying sourcing strategies, embracing digital innovation, and capitalizing on the global halal market expansion. While Brexit has certainly disrupted established patterns, companies with adaptability and strategic vision can transform these challenges into competitive advantages.

The UK halal food sector’s future depends not on returning to pre-Brexit conditions, but on successfully navigating this new landscape to build a more resilient, innovative, and globally connected industry. The foundations for this transformation already exist—what remains is the execution of strategies that can turn current uncertainties into tomorrow’s opportunities.

Original article:

halaltimes.com. (n.d.). Brexit’s Impact on the UK Halal Food Industry and Supply Chain. Retrieved August 3, 2025, from https://www.halaltimes.com/brexits-impact-on-the-uk-halal-food-industry-and-supply-chain/