By: MeiMei Fox | Forbes Contributor.
Today marks the start of Ramadan 2023. There are an estimated 3.85 million practicing Muslims in America, and this number is growing rapidly. Pew Research Center data projects that the number will reach 8 million by 2050, at which point Islam could emerge as the second-largest religion in the U.S. In Muslim culture, the month of Ramadan is a heightened spiritual time of year, during which people fast during the day and come together in spiritual community and to enjoy celebratory meals at night.
Many Muslims only consume products that are halal, which means they are free of certain ingredients, such as alcohol and pork, and that the meat is sourced and processed in a specific way. Globally, the halal market is expected to reach $3 trillion in 2023. The halal label can apply not just to food, but also to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. By offering halal products, brands can not only appeal to the Muslim population, but also demonstrate inclusivity and respect for diversity.
“Muslims represent a significant market segment that American brands are not always reaching,” says Shayn Prapaisilp, chief operating officer of Global Foods Group, an international grocery store in Missouri that stocks thousands of halal products and imports from around the world. “In terms of food, the diversity is amazing. Halal food isn’t…
