The entire HANNA range has been halal-certified for four years. After a long period of familiarisation with this topic, the decision to take this step was easy, although it also brought some challenges.
Halal is Arabic and translates as “permissible”. If foodstuffs are declared “halal”, then they meet Islamic requirements and can be eaten by Muslims without hesitation. In practice, this means that the products must be free from alcohol, pork products and anything made from pork products. Furthermore, the meat of some other animals (such as predators, pests or insects), as well as the use of carrion, is prohibited. Another important criterion is halal-compliant slaughter: The Animal Welfare Act generally prohibits the slaughter of animals without stunning, and halal-certified slaughterhouses must also comply with this. It is important for certification that slaughter animals must not be "dead-stunned", i.e. the process must be reversible. In this way, the characteristics of “halal” and “gentle slaughter” are not mutually exclusive.
Why produce halal?
The demand for halal-certified foodstuffs has risen sharply in the last few years. This trend shows that kitchen chefs and buyers in all areas of communal catering and individual gastronomy will in future have to, but will also want to, adapt to individual eating styles. Next to vegetarian and vegan nutrition, halal-compliant enjoyment is part of this customisation. Michael Wittwer, Sales Manager at HANNA-Feinkost AG, sums up the reasons for certification like this: “We believe that enjoyment always also has a social aspect. After all, eating together is one of the joys of life, and rediscovered traditions are like a natural “taste enhancer”.
Why buy halal?
Customisation in the food offering is probably not easy for any area of communal catering or gastronomy. Price pressure, shortage of skilled workers and quality demands are important issues in any (large) kitchen. "That is why we are certain that practicability can only be achieved if solutions are offered that are as universal as possible. Foodstuffs which can be prepared quickly, safely and simply are well-priced and suitable for as many diners as possible,” says Gerrit Baumert, the chef in the product development division of HANNA-Feinkost AG. With the clever and prudent use of halal-certified foodstuffs, a kitchen team can save extra effort for a halal dish. If the main component of a plate of food is chosen that is already halal, 80% of the job is already done. Generally, vegetables are halal, satiating side dishes can also be chosen accordingly and used for all dishes. In this way, dishes are created that can be enjoyed without any worry by observant Muslims as well as all other guests.
Were there any difficulties with the process of halal certification?
“The certification process was challenging and brought about some renewal in the production processes, but we were never faced with unsolvable difficulties. The decision to have the entire range certified, and thus also the production site itself, has defused many possible critical control points. The biggest challenge is probably the complex purchasing and the smaller choice of suppliers,” says Gerrit Baumert, who also took over the management of the halal team at HANNA, about the process of certification.
Although the strict controls the SGS group undertakes pose a challenge, they have never been a problem for the audit-proven company and have always been passed thanks to the good work of the halal team.
What were the customer reactions about the certification?
“Positive throughout! Naturally, there is also an increase in the demand for halal-produced products by many of our customers. Most of them were happy that they could give their feedback about items from the HANNA range. There were only a few rather sceptical reactions concerning halal-compliant slaughter. In the communication with our clients, we can identify these concerns as prejudices and usually put them to rest,” says Baumert. Especially when it comes to explaining the background of a halal certificate, HANNA sees itself as a transparent and helpful partner for the industry and customers.
To the press compartment of HANNA-Feinkost AG
