Case Study: Cascade Foods’ Growth Through Halal Certification

Learn how Cascade Foods gained a competitive edge with AHF’s seamless halal certification process, enhancing brand value and customer satisfaction

Company Background

Cascade Foods is one of Oregon’s oldest hazelnut processing plants. With a strong family-oriented ethos, the company has built a reputation for high-quality, locally sourced hazelnuts that resonate with its long-standing community roots.
Over the years, Cascade Foods has grown its customer base, thanks in part to its commitment to understanding and respecting different cultural and religious requirements, which led them to pursue halal certification.

Why was the decision to get halal certified taken? 

Cascade Foods initially embarked to seek halal certification to meet the increasing demand from their customers who required halal-certified products. However, their decision was also rooted in a genuine respect for the values and beliefs of the Muslim community.

By choosing to work with the American Halal Foundation (AHF), Cascade Foods sought to align its production practices with globally recognized Halal standards.

“We live in an area where there are few Muslims, so Halal wasn’t understood. AHF has been wonderful educating us about the Muslim world. They have been very insightful and kind”

Cascade Foods

What was the Halal certification experience like? 

According to a senior representative at Cascade Foods, the experience of working with AHF proved to be a defining factor towards the organizations seamless journey towards halal certification. The personnel highlighted AHF’s supportive role in educating their team about halal principles and practices, ensuring that every step of the certification process was clear and manageable.

“I have had an incredible experience with AHF. I deeply appreciated the fact that they have been very kind, educating me and my staff on Halal”

Cascade Foods

4 Major Impacts of Halal Certification for Cascade Foods

1. Customer Satisfaction and Brand Growth

Since becoming halal certified, Cascade Foods has noticed a positive shift in customer perception. The certification has not only strengthened relationships with their existing clients but has also opened up new avenues of growth in markets where halal products are highly sought after.

“We have had many of our customers happy that we were Halal certified”

noted Cascade Foods, highlighting the added trust and value that halal certification brings to their brand.

3. Competitive Edge in the Market

In a competitive food industry landscape, halal certification provided Cascade Foods with a distinct advantage. With the ability to cater to a broader range of customers, they’ve positioned themselves as a preferred supplier for businesses seeking high-quality, halal-certified hazelnuts.

“We are able to provide a certification that sets us apart from many competitors”   Cascade Foods

3. ROI and Sales Growth

Cascade Foods has seen a tangible return on investment (ROI) from its halal certification, with a reported 6-15x increase in business as more customers require halal compliance. This growth metric illustrates the significant impact of halal certification not only on their bottom line but also on expanding their reach into new markets.

“It is starting to be requested more and more from every customer    Cascade Foods

4. Positive Customer Feedback

The positive feedback from customers further reinforces the value of halal certification. Many have expressed gratitude towards Cascade Foods for being mindful of halal production, which has strengthened the company’s reputation for quality and cultural sensitivity.

“We have been thanked by several of our customers for being mindful of Halal production” 
Cascade Foods

Where there any challenges to acquire halal certification? 

While many companies face hurdles in obtaining halal certification, Cascade Foods found the journey with AHF to be straightforward. The comprehensive guidance and consistent communication from the AHF team helped address any uncertainties that arose during the process.

Key Takeaway

Cascade Foods’ journey to becoming halal certified with AHF exemplifies how a company can successfully align its production with global standards to meet market demand and respect cultural values.

“AHF has been very easy to work with and extremely helpful”

Cascade Foods

What was the Halal certification process?

1

Application Submission
Completed online application form through the AHF website, providing details about company, products, and manufacturing processes.

 

2

Document Review
AHF reviewed all submitted documents, including ingredient lists, product formulations, and manufacturing flow charts, to ensure compliance with halal standards.

 

3

Certification

An AHF auditor conducted an on-site inspection of facilities, verifying the ingredients, processes, and overall compliance with halal guidelines.

 

4

Audit Report & Recommendations

The auditor provided the AHF technical team with a detailed audit report with findings in accordance with the halal certification standards.

 

5

Halal Certification Approval

The AHF technical committee reviewed the audit findings and issued the halal certification, officially endorsing Cascade Food products as compliant with halal standards.

 

Get in Touch!

Cascade Foods’ experience demonstrates AHF’s dedication to efficiency, education, and professionalism in the certification process sets it apart from the competition.

For any business looking to enter or expand within the halal market, AHF is readily available to provide the guidance and support necessary to achieve certification while enhancing brand value and market reach
 

Get in touch with an AHF expert via phone at +1 (630) 759-4981 or simply e-mail us at info@halalfoundation.org.

If you’re ready to move forward, fill out this online application to kick-off your Halal certification process.

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