Sacred spices aimed at Islamic market

The trend for manufacturing halal food and drink products continues as German seasoning manufacturer RAPS Consortium has launched a seasoning range aimed at the Islamic market.

The term 'halal' is usually associated with meat that has been slaughtered in accordance with Islamic principles. However, some seasoning manufacturers use alcohol in the extraction process, while other spices may contain gelatin, which is derived from animal skin.

RAPS' new range of seasonings has obtained the Halal certification logo, which means that all ingredients can be traced back to halal sources. The firm regards the Islamic influenced regions of Eastern Europe and south-east Asia as growing markets and has adapted many standard products and seasonings to Islamic requirements by amending recipes and production methods.

"The range will constantly be expanded," said RAPS export manager Paul Konstantinidis.