Nestle interested in obtaining Brunei Halal seal
Monday, August 20, 2007
GLOBAL food and drink giant Nestle has expressed interest in obtaining the Brunei Halal logo, which the sultanate has just recently launched in its bid to realise its potential in playing a major role in the international halal market.
A representative from Nestle conveyed the company's desire to have the Brunei Halal logo stamped on its products' packaging during a ceremony prior to the launch of the logo last week, said Hjh Normah Jamil, Acting Director of Agriculture.
"There's nothing concrete yet to suggest that this will take place, but if it does, the Brunei Halal logo will be printed on the packaging of Nestle products," she said in an exclusive interview with The Brunei Times.
Such expression of interest is a testament to the global confidence in the Brunei Halal credibility, she explained.
Should this turn into reality, Hajah Normah said Brunei will have to audit all ingredients that go into Nestle's products to ensure the "halal-ness" of its origins.
"It will be a very extensive and stringent process before the label of Brunei Halal can be printed (on Nestle's product labels)."
Brunei's vision is to see the logo earn a reputation as a coveted seal of approval for the global Muslim community to put their trust in.
Late last week, 20 foreign firms signed a deal with Brunei for the halal logo. The signing ceremony was held prior to the opening of Brunei's International Halal Products Expo 2007.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Primary Resources Dato Paduka Hamdillah Hj Abdul Wahab said that this is "a clear testimony of the level of trust and confidence Brunei Darussalam enjoys today".
He said he hopes that the partnership "will not just bring commercial value for all parties, but also at the same time will help us deliver, without compromise on the halal safety and quality of products and services to the world".
These products, he said, will need to comply with the sultanate's strict halal standards and guidelines for the Brunei Halal brand.
Global sales for the Nestle group in 2005 reached US$73 billion. The food giant produces confectioneries, breakfast cereals and even dairy products, most of which are widely available in the Brunei market.
The Brunei Times
A representative from Nestle conveyed the company's desire to have the Brunei Halal logo stamped on its products' packaging during a ceremony prior to the launch of the logo last week, said Hjh Normah Jamil, Acting Director of Agriculture.
"There's nothing concrete yet to suggest that this will take place, but if it does, the Brunei Halal logo will be printed on the packaging of Nestle products," she said in an exclusive interview with The Brunei Times.
Such expression of interest is a testament to the global confidence in the Brunei Halal credibility, she explained.
Should this turn into reality, Hajah Normah said Brunei will have to audit all ingredients that go into Nestle's products to ensure the "halal-ness" of its origins.
"It will be a very extensive and stringent process before the label of Brunei Halal can be printed (on Nestle's product labels)."
Brunei's vision is to see the logo earn a reputation as a coveted seal of approval for the global Muslim community to put their trust in.
Late last week, 20 foreign firms signed a deal with Brunei for the halal logo. The signing ceremony was held prior to the opening of Brunei's International Halal Products Expo 2007.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Primary Resources Dato Paduka Hamdillah Hj Abdul Wahab said that this is "a clear testimony of the level of trust and confidence Brunei Darussalam enjoys today".
He said he hopes that the partnership "will not just bring commercial value for all parties, but also at the same time will help us deliver, without compromise on the halal safety and quality of products and services to the world".
These products, he said, will need to comply with the sultanate's strict halal standards and guidelines for the Brunei Halal brand.
Global sales for the Nestle group in 2005 reached US$73 billion. The food giant produces confectioneries, breakfast cereals and even dairy products, most of which are widely available in the Brunei market.
The Brunei Times
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