Developing a resilient UK halal meat production system for the domestic and export markets

According to the 2025 State of the Global Islamic Economy Report, the value of the global halal food sector is projected to grow from US$1.43 trillion in 2023 to US $1.94 trillion by 2028 (Dinar Standard, 2025). This projected growth is underscored by rapid expansion in the population of Muslims globally due partly to high fertility rates. In the UK alone, Muslims account for 6.5% of the population (ONS, 2021), and it is reported to be a relatively younger population with high disposable income, therefore offering commercial opportunities in the longer term. 

In 2025, the halal sector was estimated to contribute £1.7 billion to the UK economy (Lever et. al., 2025), and data from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) estimated the proportion of lamb consumed by Muslims in the UK to be around 30% (AHDB, 2024). In the same study, AHDB found that whilst only 6% of the general population is estimated to consume lamb weekly, up to 60% of Muslims consume lamb at least once a week, highlighting the opportunity for the sheep sector.

It is for the above reasons that I embarked on this Nuffield study tour to observe the steps other countries are taking to tap into the halal market. The aim is to utilise my observations to make recommendations for the UK meat industry with the hope of influencing a positive change in policy and to maximise opportunities in the domestic and export halal markets. 

From my findings, Australia and NZ were found to have robust halal regulation systems; furthermore, they both have halal slaughter systems for beef, which the UK is currently lacking. To tap into the opportunities in the halal sector, the UK needs to improve its regulation and invest in halal compliant methods of beef production; the government must also invest in market access by opening more markets abroad.