The development of halal and kosher meat markets in the UK

Over the last decade recognisable markets have emerged for halal and kosher meat in a number of European countries, notably in the UK. Growing segments of these markets are now channeled through product ranges in supermarkets, with the halal market in particular experiencing a rapid increase in demand. A number of factors underpin these developments, including an increase in the Muslim population, changes in consumer behaviour, identity reinforcement, and a general increase in meat consumption. Although the expansion of the kosher market is perceptibly smaller, and the Jewish population is more or less stable, the market is far from being extinct. Kosher products have an increasing presence in supermarkets and there are a growing number of kosher labels.