Company of the Year: Kerry

Kerry Sets the Standard in Halal Food Innovation

When it comes to food and beverage, trust is everything. For Muslim consumers and manufacturers worldwide, that trust is built on the assurance of halal integrity — from sourcing to production, right through to the final product. Few companies have embraced this responsibility as fully as Kerry, a pioneer in taste and nutrition solutions. It is for this reason that they are the well-deserved recipient of IFANCA’s Company of the Year Award for 2025.

A Global Footprint with Local Care

Every day, millions of people enjoy foods and beverages made possible by Kerry’s innovations. With more than 22,000 employees, 150+ innovation and manufacturing centers, and a presence in over 30 countries, Kerry partners with some of the world’s best-known food, beverage, and pharmaceutical brands. Its purpose — “Inspiring Food, Nourishing Life” — drives not only innovation, but also a deep responsibility to meet the cultural and spiritual needs of consumers across the globe.

Kerry’s halal efforts are wide and expansive: the company employs 1,100 RD&A scientists, oversees 44 active plants, and offers more than 4,000 halal-certified products worldwide. This scale demonstrates a strong commitment to providing halal integrity while meeting global consumer demands and market standards.

Leadership in the Halal Ingredient Market

Kerry’s leadership in the halal ingredient market stems from more than compliance. The company has built systems that embed halal integrity at every stage of the global supply chain. From ingredient sourcing to formulation, Kerry ensures products meet stringent halal requirements while also advancing innovation, taste, and nutrition.

At IFANCA’s 22nd International Halal Food Conference, Kerry took center stage at the Banquet and Awards Night by winning the prestigious Company of the Year Award. The honor recognized Kerry’s long-standing trust, loyalty, and dedication to adhering to strict halal standards worldwide. Representing Kerry, Angela Thibedeau, Regulatory Senior Scientist, attended the conference for the first time and reflected on the deeper purpose behind Kerry’s work: “We have worked really hard to meet the needs of our customers, and part of that is to meet their spiritual needs.”

Comprehensive Product Portfolio

Kerry’s halal-certified offerings span a wide array of categories, each designed to meet specific functional and nutritional needs. These include food ingredients for texture and shelf-life, flavors for taste and aroma, and beverages like coffee and tea. Dairy products and cheese support protein enrichment and fermentation control, while spices, sauces, and dressings enhance flavor and stability. Batters, breadings, and fruit drink mixes contribute to texture and taste, and probiotics aid gut health. The portfolio also features vegetable-based ingredients, food chemicals for processing, dairy powders, and essential oils for flavor and preservation — all developed to uphold halal standards across global markets.

Driving Global Trade Connections

As global food systems expand, Kerry plays a vital role in bridging halal supply chains. The company’s expertise allows brands to enter new markets with confidence, ensuring that halal-certified offerings meet consumer expectations and regulatory standards alike. This is especially significant in today’s interconnected world, where trade in halal products is both a cultural bridge and an economic driver.

Setting the Standard for the Future

Being named Company of the Year by IFANCA is not just a milestone for Kerry — it highlights a path forward for the industry. Kerry has shown that halal values can be built directly into innovation, quality, and sustainability initiatives. For companies seeking to serve Muslim consumers, Kerry’s example demonstrates how halal integrity can strengthen trust, open new markets, and shape the future of global food trade.

Once again, Congratulations to Kerry on being named Company of the Year 2025.