Co-op has announced the launch of a new range of branded Halal products in over 100 stores as part of a move to provide convenient options for its Muslim customers.

The new range features trusted Halal brands across fresh meat, ready meals, frozen food, desserts and food-to-go.

Additionally, this year in February and March, Co-op is set to offer an extensive collection of Ramadan essentials to support families participating across the UK.

Ramadan is expected to begin on February 17 and end on either 18 or 19 March, depending on the sighting of the moon.

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According to the UK Halal Monitoring Committee, Halal is an Arabic term which means permissible or lawful in Islam. In reference to food, it is the Islamic dietary standard, as prescribed in the Shari’ah (Islamic Law).

Kelly Orme, senior category manager at Co-op, said: “The launch of the branded halal range in our selected convenience stores is a major step in our journey to expand Co-op’s world food offering.

“Catering to the varied dietary requirements of our members and shoppers is really important and means we can meet the needs of the many diverse communities we serve across the country, so everyone can feel welcomed and valued.”

Some of the popular names within the permanent line include cooked meats and snacks from Tahira, Najma, Takul and Island Delight, ready meals from Royal, frozen products from Humza and fresh meat from Shazans.

The items will also be rolled out across the convenience retailer’s lunchtime meal deal, with new additions such as wraps from Zinda and Salaam Cola.

According to the business, the amount of Ramadan products has increased by 241% year-over-year and will see brands including Heera, Natco, Laila, KTC, Cofresh and Regal Bakery join the offer.

This comes after the retailer partnered with Express Cuisine last year to launch a Halal food-to-go range.