Across the globe, the halal economy is increasingly shaping the direction of global trade and industry standards. What was once a niche supply chain now connects markets across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and more.
The growing numbers reflect this steadfast momentum. In 2024, the Muslim population reached approximately 1.907 billion people, representing 23.5 per cent of the world’s population.
Reaching 2050, that number is projected to exceed 2.761 billion and form one of the most significant consumer bases globally.
Alongside this demographic growth, the halal food market alone is estimated to surpass US$2 trillion by 2025, with projections climbing towards US$3 trillion in the coming years.
In this evolving landscape, Thailand is positioning itself with a clear aim of strengthening its participation in the halal economy while institutionalising trust through unified governance.
At the centre of this effort is the Central Islamic Council of Thailand (CICOT), which is actively reinforcing the structural foundation of “Thai Halal” through various initiatives, including placing Grand Halal Bangkok 2026 at its core.
STRUCTURED TRADE PLATFORM
Grand Halal Bangkok 2026, scheduled to take place at BITEC in Bangkok on Jul 15-17, is officially co-organised with the Central Islamic Council of Thailand (CICOT). The event is anchored by the same authority responsible for Thailand’s halal certification framework.
Thailand currently records 12,125 registered businesses certified to use its official halal mark. Across industries, 201,416 products carry halal certification, of which approximately 190,000 are in food and beverages.
The remaining products span pharmaceuticals, chemicals, consumer goods, and related sectors. These figures illustrate a halal ecosystem in Thailand that extends well beyond food production.
By placing Grand Halal Bangkok within this regulatory context, Thailand makes a statement that the exhibition is not just a standalone commercial showcase.
Major Thai conglomerates and multinational corporations operating in Thailand have already secured their place in the halal economy.
Among them are companies within the CPF Group, Betagro Group, Saha Farms, TC Pharmaceuticals (Krating Daeng), Osotspa, Singha Beverage, Nestlé, Chang, and other leading producers.
Their participation underscores the degree to which halal certification in Thailand has evolved into a mainstream industrial standard rather than a niche segment.
GLOBAL RECOGNITION
Grand Halal Bangkok also reflects Thailand’s growing international commitment. CICOT has entered mutual recognition agreements with 154 halal certification bodies across 56 countries. These partnerships streamline verification processes and reduce duplicative certification requirements for exporters.
For Thai businesses participating in Grand Halal Bangkok, this global network translates into practical advantages. Products certified under Thailand’s system gain smoother entry into foreign markets, particularly across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and other Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states.
As global halal trade becomes increasingly regulated, interoperability among certification bodies helps lower transaction costs and accelerate cross-border trade. The exhibition, therefore, serves as a demonstration of Thailand’s ability to align religious compliance with international trade facilitation.
ONE STANDARD
A defining feature of Grand Halal Bangkok is Thailand’s unified halal governance model.
Certification is professionally overseen by CICOT, in collaboration with Provincial Islamic Committees (PICO), and operates under a single authorised halal mark.
In a global landscape where multiple certification logos sometimes coexist within the same jurisdiction, Thailand’s unified symbol reduces confusion for traders and consumers.
This cohesion strengthens brand clarity at international trade platforms. At Grand Halal Bangkok, buyers encounter a consistent regulatory identity rather than fragmented standards.
Officials emphasise that halal certification encompasses both religious adherence and scientific validation. Where ingredient classifications may be ambiguous, scientific testing ensures clarity and verification. This integration of theology and laboratory analysis enhances trust in exported products.
SCIENCE BACKED
Supporting Thailand’s halal ecosystem is the Halal Science Centre at Chulalongkorn University, which is frequently cited as a cornerstone of the country’s credibility.
The centre provides laboratory testing, ingredient verification, and traceability systems that complement religious certification. Its work supports Thailand’s claim that halal is not merely a declaration, but a verifiable standard grounded in data.
According to Asso Prof Dr Pakorn Preeyakorn, chairman of the Advisory Board of the Halal Standard Institute of Thailand, halal infrastructure requires adherence to Islamic principles alongside cleanliness, safety, and quality assurance. The scientific component strengthens confidence among importing nations.
At Grand Halal Bangkok, this scientific backing forms part of the broader narrative presented to global buyers that Thailand’s halal ecosystem is institutionally supported.
TRUST BUILDING
The exhibition’s strategic importance was highlighted during “The Executives Night: The Pride of Thai Halal – A Night of Gratitude & Synergy,” organised by CICOT in collaboration with public and private sector partners.
The gathering included representatives from government agencies, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Food Institute, SME D Bank, and foreign embassies, including those of Malaysia and Turkey.
The event reinforced the message that Thailand’s halal ambitions rely on cross-sector coordination. Vice Chairman of the Central Islamic Committee of Thailand, Prasan Srijarern, described the collective effort as reinforcing Thailand’s leadership role in the region and outlining a pathway toward becoming a global production and export hub.
Grand Halal Bangkok acts as a tangible promise of that collaboration.
BEYOND TRADE
Grand Halal Bangkok positions itself as a platform designed to connect Thai halal entrepreneurs with global markets, showcase Thailand’s regulatory capabilities, build international business networks, and encourage dialogue on emerging halal trends.
Participants are expected to include manufacturers, importers, exporters, certification bodies, investors, SMEs, and global buyers.
However, its strategic value lies in ecosystem building. By convening regulators, scientists, financial institutions, and private-sector leaders on a single platform, Thailand reinforces integration across its halal value chain.
This integration is increasingly critical in a global economy where regulatory fragmentation can hinder trade.
A CLEAR SIGNAL
As nations compete to position themselves as global halal hubs, credibility will ultimately determine who leads. Strong branding may help, but long-term trust built on systematic regulatory oversight will cement one’s position in the halal industry for a long time.
Through Grand Halal Bangkok, Thailand is presenting that infrastructure to the world as a coordinated system built for scale.
Whether this model translates into sustained global leadership will depend on their commitment and continued understanding between regulatory bodies, scientific institutions, and industry players.
For now, the Grand Halal Bangkok exhibition offers a clear signal that Thailand is positioning halal as a market opportunity and a structured national strategy.
