The UK Government is failing to capitalise on a multi-billion-pound global opportunity in Halal meat, according to the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS).

AIMS has called for Halal meat to be formally included in UK trade, food and export strategy, warning that the lack of recognition is putting post-Brexit growth at risk.

AIMS and industry partners are urging Ministers to meet with the sector and launch a Halal meat export development strategy, stressing the importance of supporting Halal assurance schemes and engaging Muslim communities.

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AIMS executive director Dr Jason Aldiss said the sector is “not a niche—it is a major global growth segment”, with export demand rising across the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia.

“British producers, processors, and certifiers are capable of offering high-welfare, fully traceable Halal meat, produced to world-leading hygiene, animal welfare and food safety standards,” he said.

“But without Government support and recognition, this opportunity is being ignored, and international customers are turning elsewhere”

While other food and drink sectors such as whisky, cheese and gin benefit from government-backed trade promotion, Halal meat, despite being fully FSA-regulated and often pre-stunned, is being overlooked, the group argues.

It added that, looking ahead, the global Halal market is forecast to reach $3.27 trillion by 2028.