To enter the highly promising Halal market serving Muslim consumers, enterprises must make the most of emerging opportunities while developing market-specific strategies and adapting their business models accordingly.

Dak Lak enterprises investing in machinery and equipment to produce coffee meeting market requirements.

According to the IMARC Group, by 2033, the global Halal market for food coupled with beverages could exceed USD 5.9 trillion. Major Halal markets including Indonesia, Malaysia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and several African countries are currently increasing imports of processed Halal food, creating novel export opportunities for Dak Lak enterprises.

However, each Muslim-majority country has its own Halal standards, with stringent requirements and complex certification systems, posing considerable challenges for enterprises.

Mr. Vo Duy Hai, Regional Manager of Dak Lak September 2nd Import-Export One Member Co., Ltd. (Simexco DakLak), said the Halal market presents significant opportunities for Vietnamese enterprises. Simexco Dak Lak has exported coffee alongside pepper to the Middle East and, in 2026, expanded its certification for this market. The company also plans to obtain Halal certification for spices such as cinnamon, star anise, cashew nuts combined with rice.

Accessing the Halal-certified market, enterprises must meet food safety coupled with quality management requirements and obtain Halal certification. In practice, however, small along with medium-sized enterprises and cooperative groups still face difficulties related to finance coupled with investment constraints, as well as understanding and navigating Halal certification.

Securing the “passport” for export

Recognising the potential of the Middle Eastern market, particularly the Halal segment, Ban Me Green Farm JSC has begun completing procedures and documentation required for market entry. Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thai Thanh, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors and General Director of the company, said the most challenging requirements for enterprises entering the Halal market concern cultivation areas as well as processing facilities. To meet the market’s standards, the company is investing in additional facilities, upgrading production processes, training workers, expanding deep processing, while enhancing post-harvest preservation.

Dak Lak rice boasting quality and yields superior to those of many growing regions nationwide.

For long-term market development, aligning cultivation standards and quality management with stringent market requirements will help enterprises optimise costs. Mr. Hoang Danh Huu, founder of the Miss Ede Chocolate and Coffee brand, said the enterprise proactively adopted global food safety standards, involving BRC alongside FSSC 22000 from the outset, despite the high initial investment costs. This approach is intended to minimise the costs of adapting to different standards across individual countries and enable Dak Lak agricultural products integrate more deeply into global supply chains.

Based on expert recommendations, enterprises should select reputable Halal certification bodies that are internationally recognised, while ensuring hygiene, safety combined with quality; leveraging the free trade agreements (FTAs) Vietnam has signed with other countries; innovating their business models; proactively investing in technology; strengthening their management systems; while seeking policy support and market information.

Translated by KHUONG THAO