MarketTrend: Kosher- and Halal-Certified Foods In The U.S.

MarketTrend: Kosher- and Halal-Certified Foods in the U.S. delivers an in-depth
analysis of the market for kosher and halal foods in the United States, with an
emphasis on opportunities in the mainstream market.

The report discusses the many similarities between kosher and halal foods:

Both involve dietary laws derived from ancient sacred texts

Ritual slaughter emphasizes respect for the animal

Forbidden ingredients include those derived from human hair, bird feathers, and
other unsavory sources that are acceptable to U.S. government agencies

Standards for food production are far more rigorous than those required by the
U.S.

Important differences are also addressed:

The Jewish population in the United States is small – less than 2% – and is
expected to decline, both in the U.S. and worldwide.

A significant percentage of kosher consumers in America are not Jewish. They buy
kosher because they believe it is safer, better, healthier.

Muslims represent less than 1% of the U.S. population. Globally, on the other
hand, one in five individuals practice the faith.

“”Halal”” applies to all facets of Islamic life, from banking to toothpaste.

Americans are largely unaware of the halal concept and its attractive attributes
pertaining to food.

In MarketTrend: Kosher- and Halal-Certified Foods in the U.S., maintains that
the number of mainstream products that have obtained kosher certification has
reached critical mass, and so has the share of consumers who deliberately seek
out kosher foods. As for halal, few Americans have even heard of it. In order to
grow these markets, companies must educate consumers about the benefits that
define these foods and third-party certification thereof. Among the most
promising prospects:

The large number of consumers who are concerned about food safety and are
skeptical about food labeling

Those on gluten-free or meatless diets

“Foodies”

Asian Americans, who eat less dairy and drink less alcohol compared to the
overall U.S. population

Those who practice ethical consumerism

The kosher foods market has many facets and no definitive parameters, so
accurate sales data are difficult to come by. The report employs innovative
methodologies to unravel the complexities of the market. By synthesizing
information from government agencies, syndicated research services, and
interviews with industry executives and consumers, the report is able to provide
sales data for the diverse segments of the market for certified kosher foods.

Specifically, the report estimates that sales of certified kosher foods swelled
from nearly $150 billion in 2003 to more than $200 billion in 2008,
demonstrating a compound annual growth rate twice that of the overall food
market. The increase is largely attributable to the rising number of certified
products, as well as a growing number of consumers who deliberately seek out
kosher foods. The report does not see traditional or “”ethnic”” kosher foods
contributing to market growth.

The report forecasts the total market for certified kosher food will approach
$260 billion, while sales of products that are purchased because they are kosher
will fall between $14 billion (low estimate) and $17 billion (high estimate).

Because the concept of a market for certified halal foods is a fairly new
phenomenon, Muslims compose a very small share of the U.S. population, and many
of the countries that are home to large Muslim populations have just begun to
monitor and quantify sales, hard data are virtually nonexistent. In MarketTrend:
Kosher- and Halal-Certified Foods in the U.S., the report examines all of the
available data to draw a portrait of Muslims in the U.S, as followers of Islam,
as Americans, and as consumers.

No other market research report provides the comprehensive analysis, extensive
data, and unique insights on the similarities and differences in these two
traditions of faith-based consumption. In particular, the report analyzes
opportunities for U.S. kosher and halal food producers to target mainstream
Americans as well as promising niches like Asian Americans, ethical consumers,
and “foodies.”

About the Author

As a research analyst and business-to-business consultant since 1987, Lisa
Schinhofen has written several dozen syndicated studies as well as monthly
newsletters on several different topics, including credit cards, prepaid cards,
and alternative payments.

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