When Khan’s Halal Meat opened its doors in Blockhouse Bay, Auckland in 1988, there was no guarantee that it would survive in a market that was yet to hear and come to terms with Halal.
The Muslim community of course was fully conversant and consumed only what was certified as Halal, but a lack of awareness in the rest of the market kept the progress of the outlet in slow motion.
But six months later, as the significance of Halal became widespread, the sale of products from the retailer picked up and from then on, there was no reason for the owner to look back.
Twenty years on, the company, now known as ‘Khan’s Halal Meat (2007) Limited’ (since it was sold by Aslam Khan) is a force to reckon with.
The outlet, now located in Otahuhu, South Auckland trades in a variety of lamb, goat, and chicken dishes.
New Zealand is among the significant exporters of Halal meat to the US and Europe.
“Halal consumers want quality and Halal certified products. The Halal market provides a great opportunity to take advantage our America’s vast agricultural and food producing resources, with minimum changes and great reward, including profits and job creation,” an expert said.
