The halal foods industry will have its first index released today. It will be called the SAMI (Socially Acceptable Market Investments) Halal Food Index and SAMI Halal Participation Index today.
The index was launched at the World Halal Forum 2011 and will provide a platform for investors to finally regulate the industry and take advantage of the multi-billion pound opportunities it provides.
A large amount of companies make up the index, with 95 being from Malaysia alone, which is considered by many to be the centre of the halal global market.
Rushdi Siddiqui, Global Head Islamic Finance Thomson Reuters USA, commented "Previously, we only invested in a company by buying the products that they sell, but now we can invest in the company by buying shares in the company, a way that will help halal producers to grow their business.
"The global halal food industry, estimated at US$661 billion and growing at 20 per cent annually is completely under-served and needs tools to support current growth.
"The SAMI index will be the bridge builder for Islamic funds, exchange traded fund investing and sukuk issues as well as for global non-Islamic investors interested in the emerging food sector markets, a non-cyclical and therefore lower risk sector."