The increase in the purchasing power of Muslims, as a result of economic growth in countries that mainly follow this religion, has created a trend identified by the United Nations International Trade Center as a new global market with great business opportunities.

Certified Halal products - products permitted by Islamic law-represent a great opportunity for many Spanish companies to develop business in Southeast Asia. There are currently 500 companies certified by the Halal Institute in Spain, of which only a dozen export goods to Malaysia and Indonesia.

According to Barbara Ruiz-Bejarano, Director of Public Relations at the International Halal Institute, the concept has gone beyond religious connotations and has become synonymous of quality, healthy and sustainable products and services. And this goes far beyond the agri-food sector, as it opens opportunities in areas such as tourism, fashion, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and even finance.

Thomas Guerrero, an expert on Islamic economics, recalled that global expenditures on halal products and services are expected to reach $ 3 trillion in 2024, and Spain is still far from reaching full potential, despite the fact that it has many companies in high-demand markets, such as food or cosmetics.