How the Halal Food Industry in Hong Kong Can Access A US$1.9 Trillion Global Market

The Halal food industry in Hong Kong holds untapped potential. Globally, the Halal food market is forecast to reach US$1.89 trillion by 2027, up from US$1.4 trillion in 2022, with a CAGR of 6.1%. 

While 80% of this market is concentrated within the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), non-Muslim majority exporters—Brazil, Australia, South Korea, and Thailand—are expanding their influence. Their success offers timely lessons for how Hong Kong can reposition itself in the Halal value chain.

This article explores where Hong Kong stands today, how leading non-Muslim exporters have succeeded, and what business owners need to know about certification, market access, and brand protection. It also examines the increasing demand from Mainland Chinese firms for Halal compliance via Hong Kong, and the implications of a fragmented global Halal standard.

Hong Kong’s Limited but Unique Footprint in Halal Food Exports

According to a report by the HKDTC, Hong Kong’s Halal food exports to OIC countries in 2024 totalled only US$85.7 million, a fraction of the OIC’s US$265 billion in food imports in 2022. Nearly all of Hong Kong’s Halal-related exports were concentrated in five markets:

• Malaysia – US$33.8M
• UAE – US$31.3M
• Indonesia – US$6.8M
• Bangladesh – US$6.0M
• Saudi Arabia – US$1.6M

Notably, 36% were domestic exports, far above the usual 15% for Hong Kong’s general F&B exports. However, product alignment remains weak—73.6% of domestic exports to the UAE were beer and ale, serving the non-Muslim population. Sauces and condiments also featured heavily, targeting diaspora markets like Malaysian Chinese consumers.

Incorporating a legal entity is a key starting point for businesses aiming to enter or scale within the Halal food industry in Hong Kong. Whether exporting certified goods or launching a Halal-focused brand, establishing a company provides tax advantages and regional access. InCorp Hong Kong offers expert-led incorporation services tailored to food exporters, manufacturers, and brand owners.

Securing trademark registration in Hong Kong ensures brand protection to complement market entry. This is especially important for Halal brands targeting regulated or consumer-conscious markets. InCorp Hong Kong’s trademark registration services help safeguard intellectual property across borders, including major Halal economies.

What Leading Non-Muslim Exporters Reveal About Halal Food Trade Success

A benchmarking comparison shows why countries like Brazil and Thailand are succeeding where Hong Kong lags:

✓ = some presence | ✓✓ = active/regional | ✓✓✓ = global/highly coordinated

A key challenge in the Halal food industry in Hong Kong is the lack of recognised Halal certification. While global competitors are accredited by authorities like JAKIM (Malaysia) and BPJPH (Indonesia), Hong Kong’s certifiers currently lack international recognition, limiting their ability to scale exports beyond niche segments.

Complicating matters further, there is currently no globally accepted Halal food standard. Each country applies its own set of rules and requirements, making it harder for exporters to scale regionally without investing in multiple certifications. This makes international recognition of Hong Kong’s Halal certifiers not just valuable, but essential.

Cross-Border Certification Demand from Mainland Firms

Beyond exports, a noteworthy development is the rising demand for Halal certification services from Mainland Chinese firms in Hong Kong. According to local certification bodies, Mainland exporters increasingly seek Hong Kong’s certification due to its perceived credibility and brand-enhancing effect when selling to Muslim markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

This demand positions Hong Kong not just as a potential Halal food exporter, but as a cross-border compliance partner, particularly valuable for companies in the Greater Bay Area looking to access OIC markets. However, the effectiveness of this positioning still hinges on gaining formal recognition from Halal authorities abroad.

Rising Global Demand for Processed Halal Food and New Market Access

The growth of processed Halal food demand is creating new opportunities in both Muslim and non-Muslim markets. In 2022, an estimated 21% of global Halal food demand came from outside OIC countries, projected to reach US$397 billion by 2027.

Key drivers include:

• 25–35% projected growth in Muslim populations across non-Muslim economies (Canada, UK, US, Italy) by 2030
• Simpler import and labelling regimes in non-Muslim markets
• Increased demand for processed and packaged Halal products due to higher incomes and urban lifestyles

OIC import data from 2002–2022 confirms this trend: processed Halal food and beverage imports have grown faster than traditional meat imports, reflecting changing consumer preferences.

Where To Next?

Despite its logistics advantages and strong food export credentials, Hong Kong plays a minimal role in the fast-growing Halal economy. 

However, by studying global leaders and aligning with certification standards, the Halal food industry in Hong Kong can unlock new trade corridors and brand-building opportunities.

Establishing a strong corporate foundation and securing intellectual property are essential for food manufacturers, exporters, and brand builders ready to serve Muslim consumers globally, whether through Halal food exports, brand creation, or certification services. 

InCorp Hong Kong is ready to support your entry into this expanding sector with expert-led incorporation and trademark services tailored to cross-border ambitions.