been noted that the "complex regulatory system" in Egypt has led a number of potential suppliers to serve the market through investment rather than exports.The United StatesMuslims in the US, as of 2009, are estimated at 15-16 million and they are spread all over the continent in cities both large and small. In the US, major halal food markets are in - New York City, New Jersey, Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, South Florida, San Francisco. According to one estimate, the buying power of Muslim consumers in North America was worth $19 billion in 2009. A Kansas company launched a line of halal frozen pizzas, an Ontario company has an extensive line of frozen halal meat, poultry, and other products. Most meat companies used to make HFPs only for export. Now, small- to mid-size companies are producing halal products exclusively for the domestic US and Canadian markets.As with everyone else, Muslims have a very busy life style. Increasingly, daily activities at work and home do not allow them to prepare meals at home. Muslims, like any other segment of population, are involved with their jobs and other away from-home activities and demand on their time has increased. Consequently, availability of halal prepared foods will serve a very useful purpose.Vending is another area where a tremendous opportunity exists for halal food. Items such as sandwiches, hot meals (such as beef stew and soups), cookies, cakes and rolls, ice cream, and candy could be made available in places where the concentration of Muslims might not justify other types of foods. Halal food vending can also be considered for cafeterias in schools, colleges, hospitals and places of business with lower concentrations of Muslims.There are over nine thousand grocery items on the typical shelves of North American and European supermarkets, and many more are being added daily. Muslims are making their decisions based on the ingredient information on the labels and increasing number of food processors are adding halal labels on their products.Challenges AheadHowever, becoming a leader in halal supply chain for Malaysia is not an easy task. Today, the major challenges involved in halal supply chain comes in 3 main forms: Developing Consistent Processes Use of Information Technology Adopting to changing needsConsistent Process ... from Farm to TableThe complexities of the halal supply chain extend to include the business logistics. Investors need to be well versed in the Islamic ethos in order to preserve the "halal integrity" of food products. With the legitimacy of some products coming under fire, the industry is now demanding more conformity.The HFPs industry should adopt a "farm to table" steps presenting opportunities for various businesses including ports, shipping and freight forwarding, warehousing and handling facilities. With global standardization in the certification process many producing countries are moving ahead more than the Eastern major consumers. Meat and livestock business in Malaysia and Australia, for example, had launched HFPs brands in the Middle East in recognition of the growing meat retail market in the Muslim world. This response has already brought impressive dividends. It is estimated that in 2010 Australia