As Ramadan 2024 approaches, understanding the significance of this holy month for Muslims and the opportunities it presents, especially in the food and beverage (F&B) sector, is crucial.

Ramadan is traditionally marked by a significant increase in halal food consumption, offering unique opportunities for businesses in F&B.

Did You Know: Consumption of dates, bread, and chicken increases by over 60% in Muslim-majority countries.

What Does Ramadan Mean For Muslims

Ramadan is a sacred month for Muslims, who fast from dawn to dusk and abstain from worldly pleasures. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is mandatory for all adult Muslims, except those who are ill, traveling, elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic, or menstruating.

For modern Muslim consumers all over the world, Ramadan is a global festive occasion and celebration, especially when it comes to food. It is also a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, charity, and community.

This makes halal food, which is food that is permissible according to Islamic law, an essential part of Ramadan for Muslims.

Opportunities for F&B Businesses During Ramadan

The demand for halal food increases during Ramadan, as more Muslims seek to enjoy delicious and a variety of meals after a long day of fasting.

This creates a huge opportunity for F&B businesses to cater to this growing market segment, which is expected to reach $1.4 trillion in 2033. Moreover, the global Muslim spending is currently $3 trillion, and is expected to surpass $5 trillion in 2030, further highlighting the immense potential and scalability of the Muslim consumer market.

F&B businesses can leverage this opportunity by offering halal-certified products, creating Ramadan-themed menus and promotions, and reaching out to Muslim influencers and communities.

Here are some of the potential opportunities for F&B businesses during Ramadan 2024:

• Higher spending on halal certified food: There’s a significant increase in consumer spending on halal food and beverages during Ramadan, offering a lucrative opportunity for businesses to increase sales.
• Introduction of New Products: Ramadan is an excellent time to introduce new Halal products or special menus, attracting both regular and new customers.
• Networking and Partnerships: Collaborating with mosques, Islamic centers, and community groups for Ramadan events can lead to valuable networking and partnership opportunities.
• Opportunity for Unique Marketing Campaigns: Ramadan provides a unique opportunity for creative, themed marketing campaigns that resonate with the spirit of the month, increasing engagement.

How To Increase Sales During Ramadan

To increase sales during Ramadan, F&B businesses need to understand the preferences and behaviors of Muslim consumers.

Here are 5 strategies they can employ to increase their sales during Ramadan 2024:

1. Offer Quality Halal Certified Food:

Muslim consumers value high-quality products that are fresh, healthy, and tasty. They also look for halal certification labels that assure them of the product’s compliance with Islamic standards.

Therefore, F&B businesses should focus on getting halal certified, alongside enhancing their overall product quality to gain a competitive edge .

2. Provide Variety:

Modern Muslim consumers enjoy trying new flavors and cuisines, as well as traditional favorites. They seek products that offer diversity and novelty, as well as authenticity and familiarity.

F&B businesses should therefore not be afraid to innovate and offer contemporary halal options in addition to their traditional product offerings, at least during the upcoming Ramadan 2024 season.

3. Provide Special Ramadan Offers:

F&B businesses can gain an edge by gaining a headstart on their competitors by creating special offers, discounts, and meal packages for Iftar and Suhoor during Ramadan 2024.

These deals will help them attract more customers who are particularly looking for convenient, ready-to-eat meals.

4. Online Presence:

F&B businesses should also strengthen their online presence. Many consumers look for meal options online during Ramadan, making online websites and social media platforms a key avenue for reaching potential customers.

Did You Know: Google reported a 30% spike in halal food searches during Ramadan 2022.

5. Delivery Options:

F&B businesses should also contemplate offering convenient delivery options for Iftar and Suhoor meals, as many families prefer to break their fast at home.

This will not only cater to the needs of customers seeking comfort and convenience but also expand the business’s reach to a larger customer base who may not be able to dine out.

Ramadan 2024 Food Trends

Here’s a glimpse into what we can expect in terms of food trends during Ramadan 2024:

• Health-Conscious Choices: With a growing emphasis on health and wellness, expect to see a rise in demand for nutritious and balanced meal options for Suhoor and Iftar.
• Convenience and Ready-to-Eat Meals: Busy lifestyles and the convenience factor will drive the popularity of pre-packaged, ready-to-eat Suhoor and Iftar meals.
• Plant-Based Options: Aligning with global food trends, halal plant-based alternatives will gain traction even during Ramadan.
• Food Wastage: There will be a heightened awareness on food wastage during Ramadan. Hence, consumers and businesses alike will likely be more mindful of preparing and serving sizes to minimize waste

How To Get Halal Certification

The key to target the growing Muslim population, particularly in the F&B sector is to first get halal certification from an authorized and well-reognized halal certification body.

American Halal Foundation (AHF) is the leading halal certification provider in North America, with operations all over the globe.

To get halal certification with AHF, F&B businesses need to go through 4-simple steps:

• Application Process: Submit an application form available online. This will include details about your business and products.
• Compliance and Audit: Prepare for a compliance audit. The certification body will inspect your facility, processes, and ingredients to ensure they meet halal standards.
• Training and Awareness: AHF’s account executive will provide an in-depth training session to your staff on halal compliance to ensure they understand the halal processes, and the importance of maintaining these standards.
• Certification and Renewal: Once you pass the audit, you will receive your halal certification. However, remember this certification is not permanent and will need regular renewal.

Read the detailed halal certification process at AHF here.

Contact Us

For more information on how to prepare your F&B business for Ramadan 2024 and to learn more about obtaining halal certification, feel free to contact us.

Our team of experts is here to guide you through the process and help you make the most of the opportunities presented during the holy month of Ramadan.