UK Halal Meat Market: Untapped Potential for Growth

4 August 2025 — UK | The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) says ministers are overlooking the halal meat sector. The group warns Britain is “squandering a post-Brexit advantage” as rivals court high-growth markets.

AIMS says the sector is dynamic and high value at home and abroad. However, there is no formal UK programme to champion halal on trade missions. As a result, opportunities are being missed.

“The halal meat market is not a niche. It is a major global growth segment,” said Executive Director Dr Jason Aldiss BEM. “British producers, processors and certifiers can deliver high-welfare, fully traceable halal meat to world-leading standards. But without government recognition and support, international customers will look elsewhere.”
Industry projections put the global halal economy in the trillions by 2028. Therefore, AIMS wants halal promoted like Scotch whisky, Cheddar and craft gin. Specifically, it calls for trade envoys, commercial attachés and targeted export campaigns.

AIMS addresses welfare head-on. Most UK halal production is pre-stunned and all plants are FSA-inspected and fully regulated. As a result, the group argues that halal can align with high UK welfare and food-safety standards.

AIMS is also pushing for a cross-government plan. It wants DEFRA, DBT and the FCDO to meet sector representatives and design a halal export and market-development strategy. It wants clear priorities and timelines.

What AIMS is asking for

First, active promotion of UK halal on trade missions in priority regions.
Second, investment in UK halal assurance to strengthen integrity and consumer confidence.
Finally, explicit inclusion of halal meat in future trade deals and export campaigns.

“This is not about deregulation,” Dr Aldiss added. “It is about intelligent engagement. If the UK is serious about growth and about promoting British food on the world stage, it cannot leave halal behind.”

Source: AIMS press release, 4 August 2025.