Halal astaxanthin: AstaReal targets South East Asia growth after receiving certification
The company says the halal certification, issued by the Japan Muslim Association (JMA), enables manufacturers to formulate products with the benefits of natural astaxanthin for rapidly-growing markets in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.
The JMA, founded in 1952, is the oldest Muslim organisation in Japan. AstaReal said its rigorous certification assessment programme ensured the firm's cultivation and production of natural astaxanthin complied with stringent halal requirements.
"AstaReal astaxanthin is a naturally-produced ingredient with many important health benefits," said the company, part of Fuji Chemical Industries.
"With this certification, AstaReal is better able to pursue its goal of providing products that support health and well-being to people around the world."
The issue of halal accreditation was a hot topic at the recent HI SEA show in Jakarta, with several companies either highlighting recently-attained certification, or outlining plans to do so in order to drive sales in the region.
With a growing middle class in countries such as Indonesia and Philippines, suppliers and manufcaturers alike are expecting continued nutraceutical and functional food growth in the region.
