Leytons Muslim community is bracing itself for a real sweet treat in time for Ramadan as 30 Asda stores across London are gearing up to launch a range of halal chocolate bars.
Ummah Foods established in 2004 currently produces two chocolate bars
Ummah Caramel and Ummah Orange bars both of which will be available to buy in selected Asda stores.
Choc Halal is the brainchild of young Muslim entrepreneur Khalid Sharif 33 from Ilford, Essex. His efforts to bring Halal chocolate to the masses have certainly paid off as the chocolate bars gain popularity.
On the launch, Noor Ali Ethnic buyer from Asda commented, "Asda recognise the importance of catering to the tastes of all communities and stocking Halal lines will show our Muslim customers that we have a serious Halal offering, and what better time to do that than the holy month of Ramadan."
On the new launch Khalid commented, "There are over 2 million Muslims living in the UK and it's so important to cater to their needs. I recognised a gap in the market three years ago which made me quit my full time job as an IT consultant and start Ummah foods to really give something back to the community."
The UK Halal food market is valued at approximately £2 billion and is one of the key growth areas for supermarkets in the UK. Asda expanding its support for the Muslim consumer eager for new Halal products is a big step forward.
Shoib Islam Grocery manager of Leyton Asda said, "There is growing support for more halal products to be available in the mainstream. There is a massive Muslim community in the area and Asda are really showing that they care about them."
Ummah Foods is not only unique in its offering to the Muslim community, but as a business, Khalid is happy to sacrifice fast growth to put time, money and resources back into the community.
Ummah Foods have also launched a competition on Facebook for fans of the chocolate to have a hand in creating its new marketing campaign and help spread the importance of eating halal. For further details log onto the CHOCHALAL group on facebook.
For further information about Ummah Foods, images, Choc Halal and samples please contact Khalid Sharif
Telephone: +44(0)7967 171073
Email: info @ ummahfoods.com
Website: www.ummahfoods.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2400338407
Notes to Editor
"Halal" means permissible, and ensures no ingredients considered haraam (forbidden), including: pork, blood, animals slaughtered in the name of anyone but Allah, carrion, carnivorous animals with the exception of most fish and sea animals, and all intoxicants (specifically alcohol) are included in the products, packaging or manufacturing.
Ummah is an Arabic word meaning community.
Ummah Foods is a Signatory of the Mayor's Green Procurement Code, a signatory of London Better Together and a signatory of London Sustainability Exchange (LSX)
Packaging designed by new and established Muslim artists such as the pioneer of Arabic Graffiti on the Ummah Orange bar
Ummah Foods has been awarded the Muslim News Awards 2007 - Ummul Mu'minin Khadijah award for excellence in enterprise
Khalid Sharif 33, is the Managing Director of Ummah Foods. He comes from an IT consultancy background where he has worked with major bluechip companies across the world. Khalid is heavily involved in community projects and has founded numerous educational charities in the UK. He is involved in projects ranging from encouraging sustainable living amongst BME communities to encouraging the uptake of Science based careers among BME students.