Halal demand across Europe

If you’re a UK meat exporter, this article will give you a practical overview of where the opportunities lie in France, Germany and the Netherlands, as well as how to position your products in this fast-growing and commercially attractive market.

Europe’s halal meat market is on a strong growth path. Rising Muslim populations and wider availability in supermarkets and restaurants are all helping to drive demand across the continent.

We take a closer look at France, Germany and the Netherlands – three key markets with significant opportunities. We explore what’s driving demand, who the consumers are and how halal meat reaches shoppers through retail and foodservice channels.

France has one of the largest Muslim populations in Europe, with around 6–7 million people – roughly 8–9% of the population – driving steady, year-round demand for halal meat. Sales typically peak during Ramadan and other major religious celebrations, but everyday demand remains strong and consistent.

Halal is also evolving beyond fresh meat. Frozen, processed and ready-to-eat halal options are becoming more common, making it easier for consumers to choose halal across a wider range of meals and occasions.

Trust is a big factor in this market. France doesn’t have a single national halal standard, so consumers rely on recognised certification bodies and mosque-linked organisations for reassurance. Clear certification and strong quality standards help build confidence – and that trust is what keeps customers coming back.

In France, most halal meat is bought from independent halal butcher shops. These stores account for around 80% of sales and are deeply rooted in their local communities, which makes them a trusted and reliable choice for many consumers. For a lot of shoppers, the local butcher is the go-to place for quality and reassurance.

Supermarkets are gradually increasing their halal ranges as demand grows. That said, many retailers keep halal branding fairly low-key due to political sensitivities, despite strong demand.

Halal food is also becoming more visible in the foodservice sector. From neighbourhood restaurants and street food vendors to fast-food outlets, more businesses, especially in urban areas, are offering halal options. Together, these channels are making halal meat more accessible than ever across France.

Germany is home to around 6 million Muslims, roughly 6–7% of the population, making it one of the largest halal markets in Europe. This creates a solid and reliable domestic base for halal food consumption.

For many Muslim households, halal certification isn’t optional – it’s essential. Religious and cultural observance plays a central role in purchasing decisions, and shoppers actively look for products that clearly meet halal standards.

Halal consumers tend to favour products with clear, credible certification and transparent labelling. Many are also willing to pay a premium for reassurance that products fully comply with halal requirements. For suppliers, this means there’s real opportunity to position certified halal products at a higher value – provided that trust and transparency exist.

Supermarkets are playing a much bigger role than they used to. Large retail chains have expanded their halal ranges, especially in cities with more diverse populations. As a result, mainstream supermarkets and hypermarkets have become a key channel, making products more visible and accessible to halal consumers.

In stores such as Edeka, Rewe and Kaufland, halal meat is typically sold pre-packaged in the chilled or frozen sections and not at the fresh meat counter. That’s mainly because of cross-contamination concerns: since pork is sold nearby and the same equipment is used, retailers can’t fully guarantee separation. Pre-packaging helps maintain compliance and consumer confidence.

Foodservice is another popular channel. Restaurants, takeaways and halal-focused eateries play a key role in daily halal consumption, especially in diverse, urban areas. That said, growth in this sector really depends on two things: clear halal certification that customers can trust, and enough demand in a given area to make it worthwhile for businesses to offer halal options.

The halal market in the Netherlands is on the increase. Around 1 to 1.2 million people in the country identify as Muslim – roughly 5–6% of the population.

When it comes to halal meat, speciality butchers and ethnic food stores are still the go-to spots – especially for people who stick to core halal products. Traditional Islamic slagerijen (butchers) are trusted for fresh cuts and guaranteed halal compliance. Shoppers really value the personal touch, transparency and authenticity these butchers offer.

Online ordering is on the rise, making it easy for halal consumers to get meat delivered straight to their door. Restaurants and catering services are also helping the market grow, especially in cities where eating out is part of daily life. And it’s not just about fresh meat anymore. Processed halal foods like snacks, ready-to-cook meals and quick bites are booming. These convenient options are perfect for young people and city dwellers who want tasty halal meals without the fuss.

With populations growing and clearer certification and supply chains, demand is only set to rise.

Cities are becoming more diverse, stores are improving and halal meat is becoming easier to find – both in traditional butchers and modern supermarkets. New formats, like ready-to-cook meals and innovative packaging, are making it easier than ever for people to enjoy halal meat.

If you’re thinking about exporting halal meat, there’s plenty of guidance out there. Check out our halal exports web page for tips on regulations and what you need to know before getting started.