CHICAGO, Illinois (October 2 – 3, 2012) — The 2012 Food Export Marketing Forum, presented by Food Export Association of the Midwest USA and Food Export USA-Northeast, will bring together over 150 participants representing food and agricultural companies across the Midwest and Northeast United States. Asma Ahad, director, market development, IFANCA, and Walter Westerveld, a buyer from Engel Foreign Food of BV-Netherlands will be on a panel entitled “The Halal Economy” during the Marketing Forum. This session will take place on Wednesday October 3 from 2:30-3:15 at the InterContinental Hotel in the Empire Room. One fifth of the world’s population across nearly 150 countries now has developed a preference for halal foods, creating new opportunities for U.S. products. In this session attendees will: understand the differences between halal and non-halal foods, learn how to establish certification and the labeling requirements for food products, determine the most promising markets and products within the halal industry, and understand the importance of Malaysia as a “Halal Hub.” Attendees will include qualified international buyers interested in U.S. products, representing nearly 25 markets. U.S. suppliers will also have the opportunity to present their products to international buyers. The Forum provides a great educational and promotional opportunity for companies to learn, network, and get their products and information in front of international buyers.

 

IFANCA®

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®) is one of the world’s leading and well-respected not-for-profit halal certification organizations. Featured in various media such as the Wall Street Journal, Prepared Foods, CNBC, and CNN, IFANCA® has been promoting halal since 1982. IFANCA® was recognized in the “Best Halal Related Service Provider Award” by the Halal Journal at World Halal Forum 2007. IFANCA® certified halal products are recognized by Indonesia (MUI), Malaysia (JAKIM), Singapore (MUIS), and the United Arab Emirates (GSM) and are sold in nearly every country of the world. IFANCA’s halal certification expertise covers all food industry categories. For more information about IFANCA®, visit www.ifanca.org.