Greece should implement a national halal strategy to strengthen its agri-food exports to Muslim-majority countries, according to Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food, Christos Kellas. Speaking to the National Association of Agricultural Cooperatives, Kellas emphasized that Greece’s high-quality, locally distinctive food products have strong international potential, which could be significantly enhanced through halal certification.
According to ekathimerni.com, such certification would enable access to key markets including Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the UAE, and Turkey, he noted.
The ministry also announced a new international collaboration launched during the event: a partnership between Mirtec Cyprus—part of HellasCert, the Hellenic Association of Accredited Certification and Inspection Bodies—and the Halal Products Development Company, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. This alliance is expected to support the development of a national halal framework for Greece.
Statistics shared at the event revealed that the global halal market surpasses $2.5 trillion annually and is growing at a rate of more than 6% each year. Beyond meeting religious requirements, halal certification is increasingly recognized as a gateway to high-value markets that demand strict quality and safety standards.
Source: ekathimerini.com
