The marketplace for halal is booming; in fact, Malaysia’s halal product exports reached RM45.04 billion in 2024, an improvement over RM39.36 billion in 2023.
With many companies flooding into the marketplace, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to stand out, though. So, then, how can your practice halal business make its mark?
To stand out in a saturated marketplace, here is how:
1) Display your authenticity and heritage
The public loves a brand with a story, and in a marketplace such as one for halal, in which authenticity is king, even more, it’s a must. By portraying your story and your values and relating them with your heritage, your level of trust will increase.
For example, Kafi BBQ in Irving, Texas, blends Iraqi-inspired dishes, and Muslims and non-Muslims consume them for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. By opening your heritage and values, your level of trust with your buyers will increase.
2) Be online and socialize
Socials can have an effective role in speaking with your target group. On socials such as Instagram and TikTok, your goods, your practice of being halal, and your stories about your buyers can all go out to your followers.
Behind-the-scenes shots, producing your goods, and statements about your goods can build trust and show your care for your community. Interactive posts make your label real and a reflection of your followers.
3) Innovate but don’t go overboard
It’s important not to jeopardize your stand for being halal, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t innovate. Having new offerings in terms of new items, new spins off traditional offerings, can gain a larger following.
As a halal business, it’s important to innovate without crossing halal boundaries. For example, using the name of a non-halal dish but substituting halal ingredients can be confusing and questionable. The same applies to modest fashion, like labeling a thin, with a flowy drape, baju kurung as modest, even though it still shows the shape of the body.
For a good example, Spain’s halal offerings have recently started attracting Muslims and non-Muslims in search of high-quality, ethical foods. As long as you can introduce new offerings to the marketplace and have your adherences to halal, then your name can gain a lot of awareness.
4) Engage with your community
Being seen in your community can gain your name and gain trust with your community. Participate in community events, become a sponsor of community fund-raising, or have a halal educational seminar. At these events, your brand can share valuable content with the participating audience.
As your community sees your brand name and takes an interest in it, then your community will trust and follow your brand. Being seen in your community can make your brand stand out and have a competitive edge.
5) Practice transparency and honesty
Shoppers today desire to know about your source and your processes in producing your offerings. Transparency in your certification and your ethical processes can build strong trust in your community. As long as your community trusts your name for its integrity and purity, then your community will follow your name and refer your name to everyone.
6) Engage meaningfully with influencers
Influencer marketing is a strong tool for getting your name out in front of a larger group of people. Find an influencer whose values align with your name and whose following is in your target group of people.
As your influencers promote your brand, your brand name will have a larger following and name value. As long as these influencers believe in your name and its values, then you will have a larger following.
7) Maintain a consistent quality
Finally, the biggest key to success in any marketplace is consistently delivering high quality. Provide high-quality products and dependable service. Customers will repeat and refer when satisfied with what your business sells them. High-quality products and dependable service will build a loyal base of buyers for your business.
Conclusion
The halal market is growing fast, but standing out takes effort. To succeed, businesses should share their story, use social media, innovate carefully, connect with their community, be transparent, work with influencers, and always deliver quality.
By focusing on these strategies, halal businesses can build trust, attract loyal customers, and stand out in a competitive market. With the right approach, they can thrive as demand for halal products continues to rise.
