Exhibiting at International Food & Drink Event (IFE) 2025

Halal Certification Organisation Ltd (HCO), headquartered in Birmingham, United Kingdom, is a globally recognised halal certification body dedicated to ensuring halal integrity across the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. With a strong commitment to transparency, compliance, and education, HCO is trusted by manufacturers, exporters, and regulators alike for its rigorous certification processes.

Brief History

Founded in 2012, Halal Certification Organisation (HCO) was established to address the growing demand for credible and globally accepted halal certification in the UK and Europe. Its founders, experts in Islamic jurisprudence and food science, identified a gap in standardised halal compliance in Western supply chains. Over the years, HCO has emerged as a key player in the halal regulatory ecosystem, both in the UK and internationally.

Core Business

HCO provides comprehensive halal certification services that encompass every stage of the supply chain — from raw materials and production to logistics and retail. The organisation works closely with food manufacturers, meat processors, cosmetic brands, pharmaceutical companies, and retailers to ensure their offerings meet strict halal requirements.

Product and Service Offerings

HCO offers a wide range of certification and support services, including:

• Halal Certification:

  • Meat & Poultry: Certification of slaughterhouses, processing units, and meat exporters
  • Food & Beverage Products: Certification of processed foods, snacks, and drinks
  • Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics: Ensuring non-animal and alcohol-free ingredient compliance
  • Health Supplements & Nutraceuticals: Verification of gelatin, enzymes, and excipients
  • Restaurants & Catering Establishments: Front-end compliance and halal preparation protocols
  • Logistics & Cold Chain Compliance: Monitoring of segregation and contamination prevention

• Training & CPD Programs:

  • Halal Awareness and Compliance Training
  • CPD-accredited workshops for quality assurance teams
  • Corporate halal policy consultancy

Specialisation and Core USP

HCO is distinguished by:

• Globally recognised halal certification, accepted in GCC countries, Southeast Asia, and the UK
• A multidisciplinary team including Shariah scholars, food technologists, and auditors
• Use of science-backed halal testing methodologies for enzyme, alcohol, and cross-contamination detection
• Custom compliance programs for SMEs and multinational corporations
• A commitment to educating the market through seminars, CPD programs, and industry engagement

Financials

As a private certification organisation, HCO does not publicly disclose financial statements. However, industry sources estimate annual revenue between £1.5–2.5 million, primarily from domestic certification services and global exports. Their income is diversified across certifications, training, and consultancy services.

Shipments Data

While HCO is not a manufacturer or exporter, it facilitates compliance for export-ready goods, particularly halal meat and FMCG products entering Saudi Arabia, UAE, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Companies certified by HCO have successfully cleared halal import inspections in over 20 countries, with major UK and EU food exporters relying on HCO’s documentation and audits.

Target Market

HCO primarily serves:

• UK-based manufacturers and processors seeking access to halal-sensitive markets
• Retailers and restaurant chains needing front-end certification
• Pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies expanding into Muslim-majority regions
• Exporters targeting Middle East and Southeast Asia

They also work with government agencies, halal standardisation bodies, and import regulators in the UK and OIC member countries.

Capabilities

• Nationwide and EU-wide auditing network
• Fully digitised compliance reporting and traceability tools
• Multilingual certification services and documentation
• Partnership with halal accreditation bodies and Islamic councils
• Engagement in halal research and policy development

Certifications and Compliance Records

HCO itself operates under strict ethical and technical guidelines and holds:

• Accreditation from GCC Accreditation Center (GAC)
• Recognised by Halal Authority Board (UK) and JAKIM (Malaysia) accepted counterparts
• Follows OIC/SMIIC Halal Standards
• Endorsed by Islamic scholars from multiple Sunni schools of thought, ensuring broad acceptability

Customer Testimonials

HCO-certified businesses often report:

• Improved access to GCC and ASEAN markets
• Faster customs clearance due to internationally accepted halal certificates
• Increased consumer confidence in certified product lines

Although formal testimonials are not publicly listed, multiple industry associations and exporters have credited HCO with facilitating millions of pounds worth of halal-certified exports annually.

Major Achievements

• Successfully certified over 1,200 facilities and product lines since inception
• Recognised by over 20 international halal authorities
• Played a key advisory role in the development of UK halal compliance guidelines
• Regularly hosts halal industry conferences and training seminars in collaboration with trade bodies

Halal Certification Organisation (HCO) stands at the forefront of halal compliance in Europe, combining religious authenticity with scientific rigour. As halal becomes a critical part of global trade, HCO continues to bridge the gap between ethical food production and commercial opportunity.