Peru has obtained its first Halal certification for beef destined for export. This approval opens the door to consumers in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, where demand for certified food is growing.
Peruvian beef  has been cleared to enter one of the world’s fastest-growing food markets. Esmeralda Corp. SAC obtained the first  Halal certification  for this product with technical support from the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri), a step that will allow for expanded  exports to countries with Muslim populations  and diversify the export destinations for Peruvian livestock.
The certification verifies that  the entire production process, from the slaughter of the animal to the handling, storage and distribution of the meat , complies with the principles established by Islamic law, in addition to requirements related to safety, traceability and animal welfare.
With this requirement met, Peruvian meat will be able to aspire to enter markets where this type of certification is an indispensable condition for marketing.
Currently, the universe of Muslim consumers exceeds  1.9 billion people, while the global Halal food market moves  close to US$1.9 trillion a year  and maintains one of the highest growth rates within the international food trade.
Obtaining certification opens up opportunities to reach countries in  the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and North Africa, regions where the demand for certified animal protein continues to expand alongside population growth and increased purchasing power.
In addition to supplying Muslim consumers, many Halal products also find a place in other segments of the international market thanks to the high standards of quality, sanitary control and traceability required by this certification system.
For Peru, access to these destinations represents a possibility to  diversify meat exports , reduce dependence on traditional markets, and generate new opportunities for the entire livestock chain.
The strategy also seeks to add value to national production, an increasingly relevant aspect in international trade where buyers demand differentiated and certified foods.
The Halal seal is not limited to the moment of animal slaughter. Certification encompasses a series of controls covering  facilities, slaughtering procedures, meat handling, storage, transportation, and product traceability , ensuring that each stage meets the established requirements.
This process also incorporates criteria related to animal welfare, hygiene and food safety, aspects that are evaluated by authorized certification bodies.
The Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation highlighted that the technical support provided to the company is part of a strategy to strengthen the competitiveness of the livestock sector and facilitate access for Peruvian products to high-value markets.
The opening of new destinations appears as one of the main challenges for national livestock farming, especially in a scenario where consumers demand food with greater guarantees of quality and origin.
With this first certification, Peru is beginning to position itself in a high-potential segment for agri-food exports. If more meatpacking plants and facilities manage to meet the required standards, Â Peruvian beef could expand its international presence and capitalize on the sustained growth of the Halal market, one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global food trade.
