HalalHub.vn · Special report · 3 November 2026
Vietnam’s Central Highlands is the country’s coffee heartland and a major producer of pepper, macadamia nuts, passion fruit, other fruits and cocoa. Yet much of its output still leaves the region’s basalt soils as raw materials. In an October 2026 presentation to businesses, Halal Hub Vietnam (HHV) proposed bringing processed, standardized products to Halal markets with specific buyers in mind.
Halal Hub Vietnam presents “Halal: A New Gateway for Central Highlands Agricultural Products” to businesses in October 2026. Photo: HalalHub.vn archive.
1. A billion-dollar producing region and a trillion-dollar market
In 2025, Vietnam exported around 1.59 million tonnes of coffee worth a record US$8.92 billion, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Agency of Foreign Trade. The Central Highlands is the main growing region, but about 80% of export volume is Robusta and most is still shipped as green beans.
DinarStandard’s State of the Global Islamic Economy 2025/26 report estimates Muslim consumer spending on food and beverages at US$1.53 trillion in 2024, rising to US$2.06 trillion by 2029. Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, is the largest market.
A leading producing region and a trillion-dollar consumer market. Graphic: HalalHub.vn.
| 📌 THE GAP TO FILL Between a leading global producing region and a trillion-dollar consumer market lies a gap: standardized processed products trusted by Muslim buyers. This is where value is added and where Central Highlands products still have a limited presence. |
2. From strong agricultural supply to products buyers trust
In the presentation delivered by Le Thi Thanh Thuy (Iris Le), International Relations Director of Halal Hub Vietnam, HHV focused on increasing agricultural value by selecting suitable products and preparing them for specific markets.
Le Thi Thanh Thuy (Iris Le) presents a plan for bringing Central Highlands agricultural products into Halal markets. Photo: HalalHub.vn archive.
Six proposed priorities are coffee, pepper, macadamia nuts, passion fruit, other fruits and cocoa. Businesses could develop roasted and ground or instant coffee, seasoning blends, packaged nuts, juices, dried or frozen fruit, cocoa powder and chocolate.
Six product groups, processing opportunities and Halal considerations. Graphic: HalalHub.vn.
Fresh, unprocessed produce generally presents fewer Halal risks. Processing introduces risks such as creamer and flavorings in instant coffee, anticaking agents in seasonings, glazes on nuts, gelatin in soft dried fruit and emulsifiers in chocolate. Product development should account for buyer demand, ingredient requirements, processing and traceability.
HHV suggests selectively pursuing Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and the UAE and considering opportunities in South Asia, Africa and Europe. Each business should choose according to its products and capabilities.
| Market | Key points | Certification conditions |
| Indonesia | Largest Muslim consumer market; imported food requires Halal certification from 18 October 2028 | Body with a mutual recognition agreement with BPJPH; registration through SIHALAL |
| Malaysia | Global Halal hub with distribution and re-export networks | JAKIM-recognized body (five Vietnamese bodies as of 21 August 2026) |
| UAE | Middle East gateway; Vietnam–UAE CEPA in force since February 2026 | MoIAT-registered body |
| Saudi Arabia | Major Gulf food import market | SFDA-approved body |
Source: HalalHub.vn, compiled from BPJPH, JAKIM, MoIAT and SFDA. Check official lists before choosing a certification body.
3. Prepare for Halal from product to supply chain
The presentation’s central message was to build Halal into product strategy and operations from the start, rather than applying for a certificate at the end.
Business representatives follow the presentation on exports, value chains and integration. Photo: HalalHub.vn archive.
Preparation covers ingredient origins, formulations, additives, production, hygiene, packaging, storage and transport. Clear batch records and traceability help establish trust with partners. Processed products require particular attention to formulations, flavorings and processing aids.
| 💡 THE FIRST QUESTION BUSINESSES SHOULD ASK Who will buy our products, and what must we prepare to meet that buyer’s needs? Clear commercial objectives provide a more concrete basis for investment in standardization and certification. |
The Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Association booth at Coffee Expo Vietnam 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City, 29–31 October. Central Highlands specialty coffee is increasingly being introduced to international buyers. Photo: HalalHub.vn archive.
| ✅ CENTRAL HIGHLANDS BUSINESS CHECKLIST Have you selected one priority product and one target market? Do you have a complete list of ingredients, additives and processing aids with their origins? Do additive and packaging suppliers have Halal documentation or proof of origin? Is there a cross-contamination risk from non-Halal products on production lines or in storage? Can you trace finished batches back to ingredient batches? |
4. HHV connects and coordinates the Halal value chain
HHV sees its role in the Central Highlands as linking local businesses, cooperatives, growing areas and factories with specialist organizations, importers, distributors and international investors.
Iris Le explains how HHV connects Central Highlands businesses and cooperatives with importers, distributors and international partners. Photo: HalalHub.vn archive.
Identify opportunities: help select products, customers and target markets.
Prepare for Halal: connect businesses with experts to review requirements, standards and documentation.
Connect the chain: coordinate sourcing, processing, traceability, storage and logistics.
Reach more buyers: facilitate trade meetings, introduce samples and connect distributors.
Promote investment: find partners who can help upgrade processing and supply capabilities.
Five ways to connect the Halal value chain. Graphic: HalalHub.vn.
| ℹ️ CLARIFYING ROLES HHV coordinates, connects and promotes cooperation. Assessment and certification are undertaken by certification bodies appropriate to the market’s requirements. |
5. Three proposed cooperation programs for the Central Highlands
HHV proposes three cooperation programs based on businesses’ needs and readiness.
Three proposed cooperation programs for the Central Highlands. Graphic: HalalHub.vn.
| Program | Activities | Intended outcomes |
| 1. Supply mapping | Survey businesses, cooperatives, product groups and processing capacity, and compare them with buyer needs. | A list of promising products and businesses |
| 2. Halal readiness | Explain requirements, identify gaps and connect businesses with experts and certification bodies. | A tailored standardization plan for each business |
| 3. Trade promotion | Arrange meetings, present samples, connect importers and explore processing, logistics, distribution and investment partnerships. | Orders, partners and investment projects |
The programs would be developed in coordination with local authorities, associations and businesses. Scope and timing will depend on needs, agreements and available resources.
6. Start with one product and one market
Entering Halal markets offers Central Highlands businesses an opportunity to review their capabilities, improve quality and build long-term trading relationships. Start with one priority product, one suitable market and a clear preparation plan.
HHV hopes to work with local authorities, associations, cooperatives and businesses to connect the region’s agricultural strengths with expertise, resources and international market opportunities.
“Connect – Cooperate – Develop”: HHV’s message to Central Highlands businesses. Photo: HalalHub.vn archive.
Glossary
Halal: permitted under Islamic law. For food, this covers ingredient origins, processing and prevention of cross-contamination.
Processing aids: substances used during production that may not appear on the label, such as enzymes and antifoaming agents.
Traceability: the ability to trace finished products back to ingredients, suppliers and processing stages.
JAKIM / BPJPH / MoIAT / SFDA: Halal authorities in Malaysia / Indonesia / the UAE / Saudi Arabia.
References
Official and primary sources
Halal Hub Vietnam – “Halal: A New Gateway for Central Highlands Agricultural Products” presentation (October 2026)
BPJPH – Penyesuaian Penahapan Kewajiban Sertifikasi Halal Diatur dalam PP 40 Tahun 2026
Press and industry analysis (secondary sources)
VnEconomy – Vietnamese coffee exports reach a new record in value
Salaam Gateway – Halal Food Sector Snapshot – SGIE 2025/26
VnEconomy – Malaysia recognises five Vietnamese Halal certification bodies
Photos: HalalHub.vn archive. Graphics: HalalHub.vn.
HalalHub.vn · Dated 3 November 2026 · Legal information checked as of 3 November 2026; consult official sources before making decisions.
| ℹ️ ABOUT HALALHUB.VN’S INDEPENDENCE HalalHub.vn is a platform for connections and information. HalalHub.vn is not a Halal certification body and does not issue Halal certificates. Halal certificates are issued by bodies recognized by the competent authority in the importing country (for example, BPJPH in Indonesia and bodies recognized by JAKIM in Malaysia). This article is for reference and does not replace legal advice. |
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