Winners of The Halal Journal Awards 2008

Following the fine tradition of promoting distinguished role models for the global Halal industry, The Halal Journal was proud to present the winners of this year’s Halal Journal Awards, held during the Gala Dinner at the third World Halal Forum on 12 May, 2008. Our panel of judges picked nine individuals and companies for their outstanding contributions in eight categories. All winners demonstrated their commitment, pioneering innovations and success in the Halal industry. This year’s awards were presented by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Abdullah Hj. Ahmad Badawi. This year’s honour list:

Best Halal Product 2008: Nitta Casings Inc, US

The company was selected for developing and producing the world’s first Halal collagen sausage casing, made from bovine sources. Nitta Casings has been producing edible collagen sausage casings for over 50 years and is now taking initiatives to meet the increasing demand for strictly Halal materials and ingredients for processed food.

Most Creative Marketing Campaign 2008: Marhaba Halal Food B.V, the Netherlands

Marhaba Halal Food B.V was awarded for their television campaign for their range of Halal and vegetarian chocolate products. The campaign, called De Meiden Van Halal or Girls of Halal, was filmed in the heart of the city of Amsterdam and is well known in both the Muslim and non-Muslim communities. The humorous approach of the campaign, themed “By Sharing We Create Harmony” aims to show that Halal is for everyone, regardless of culture, race or religion.

Best Islamic Financial Service or Product 2008: Kuwait Finance House (Malaysia) Berhad (KFHMB)

Since its inception, KFHMB has played a major role in linking investors from the Middle East to the Asia Pacific region. One of the landmark deals underwritten by KFHMB is Dar Al-Arkan Sukuk Al-Ijarah, a USD1 billion Sukuk facility to finance the development of Dar Al Arkan’s residential projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The deal was listed in both the Dubai International Financial Exchange and the Labuan International Financial Exchange.

Best Corporate Social Responsibility 2008: Carrefour Malaysia

Carrefour Malaysia created a unique programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs. The company has a dedicated team to monitor and assist small and medium-sized enterprises to develop Halal products, which will be distributed through the Carrefour chains in Malaysia and other countries. Carrefour is the second largest hypermarket in the world, while Carrefour Malaysia set up its Halal Department in 2006.

Travel and Hospitality 2008: zabihah.com, US

Founded in 1999, zabihah.com started as a modest user-edited guide to Halal restaurants in California. It has now grown to a global network of over 6,000 Halal restaurants and has become one of the largest web networks catering to Muslim travellers around the world. The website, owned by Halalfire Media in California, has now expanded to offer mobile access in order to facilitate on-demand information wherever required. 

Best Halal-Related Service Provider 2008: CIMB Private Equity and Venture Capital Malaysia

The company has invested in several Halal-related entities, such as Halal food manufacturing companies, restaurants, Halal traceability solution providers and global Halal producers and exporters. The company provides its services not only through finance, but also through the transfer of management expertise, assisting the growth of the Halal industry with world-class management and synergistic opportunities.

Best Innovation in the Halal Industry 2008: Darabif Meat Company and Comgroup Prima

This year there are two winners in this category. The first is for Product and Process Innovation, which goes to Darabif Meat Company. The company, which started out as a beef distributor, now has a line of Halal meat products that is convenient and healthy, as well as a restaurant under the same brand. It has adapted the traditional Malay serunding dish to create DINGS - Extreme Meat Snacks, a line of healthy beef and chicken floss products. Darabif Meat has also introduced the popular Western snack called beef jerky into new markets and is known for its healthy version of lamb burger patties.

Meanwhile, the category’s joint winner under Business and Strategy Innovation goes to Comgroup Prima, a joint venture between Australian and Malaysian companies. It was formed to manufacture Halal burger patties in Malaysia for the food service industry in key markets. The venture was also established to overcome the supply shortage of high-quality beef in Malaysia while taking advantage of Malaysia’s strong Halal credibility. Since then, Comgroup Prima has been supplying Halal beef products to Asean and GCC countries.

Outstanding Personal Achievement in the Halal Industry 2008: Dr Habib M’Nasria, Quality Assurance of McDonald’s Middle East

Dr Habib, who is from Tunisia, is the Quality Assurance Director of McDonald’s Middle East and established McDonald’s Halal guidelines. Originally developed to meet the needs of Middle Eastern countries, these guidelines are now being adopted by McDonald’s worldwide operations. His work has increased the awareness of the importance of the Halal concept and values within McDonald’s community of suppliers. He has also brought forward the challenges faced by the industry, such as requirements for productivity and animal welfare and the need for it to be resolved by relevant bodies.