Halal meat demand surges across European supermarkets and restaurants

LONDON (MNTV) – Europe’s halal meat sector is expanding rapidly, driven by growing Muslim communities and a wider retail footprint, according to a new report from the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB).

The report examined commercial opportunities for halal meat exporters in France, Germany and the Netherlands — three of the continent’s most significant markets. 

France and Germany each host around six million Muslims, while the Netherlands’ 1.2 million Muslim residents make up roughly 6–7% of its total population. 

Demand in all three countries remains steady throughout the year, with predictable spikes during Ramadan and other religious holidays.

A central theme of the AHDB’s findings was consumer trust. Shoppers in this market strongly prefer products with credible certification and transparent labelling, and many are prepared to pay a premium for that assurance. 

This, the report suggested, gives certified suppliers a genuine opportunity to position their products at a higher price point.

Traditionally, independent halal butchers have dominated retail sales in France and the Netherlands. 

But that is beginning to shift. Major supermarket chains are steadily broadening their halal ranges — particularly in cities with diverse populations — and frozen, processed and ready-to-eat halal products are becoming more visible on mainstream shelves. 

Despite healthy consumer demand, many retailers still downplay halal branding for political reasons, the AHDB noted.

Beyond retail, restaurants, takeaways and street-food vendors remain central to everyday halal consumption in urban areas. 

Online delivery is also gaining traction, giving consumers more convenient access than ever before. 

For businesses, however, expanding into halal foodservice still hinges on reliable certification and sufficient local demand to make the investment viable.