The Future is Halal: Emerging Franchise Opportunities in the UK Halal Market

Embracing a Growing Market

In a world that’s becoming increasingly diverse, the demand for halal products and services is on the rise. With its vibrant multicultural landscape, the UK presents a thriving market for halal offerings. For potential franchisees looking to capitalise on this growing trend, the halal franchise market in the UK holds immense promise.

Let’s explore the emerging franchise opportunities in the halal franchise UK market and shed light on the potential for success in this dynamic industry.

Broadening Scope of Halal

The concept of halal extends beyond food and encompasses various sectors, including tourism, finance, pharmaceuticals, and more. As the Muslim population in the UK continues to grow, so does the demand for halal-compliant products and services.

Franchise opportunities in these diverse industries are emerging, allowing entrepreneurs to tap into this expanding market. From halal-friendly travel agencies to Islamic banking franchises, the scope of halal is broadening, and astute franchisees can find lucrative niches within these sectors.

Halal Food Franchises - Leading the Way

The halal food industry has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, spearheading the halal movement in the UK. Consumers are seeking halal options that align with their dietary requirements and values.

As a result, halal food franchises have gained significant popularity. From fast food chains to fine dining restaurants, halal food establishments capture a diverse customer base's attention and taste buds.

One of the advantages of investing in a halal franchise UK is the established brand recognition and proven business model offered by reputable franchisors. Franchisees can benefit from comprehensive training, ongoing support, and access to a network of suppliers, allowing them to focus on delivering high-quality halal cuisine to their customers.

The increasing consumer demand for halal food makes this sector a prime opportunity for potential franchisees looking to enter the market.

Fashion, Cosmetics, and Other Opportunities

Beyond food, the halal industry has expanded into other sectors, such as fashion and cosmetics. Halal fashion, in particular, has gained traction as more Muslim consumers seek trendy yet modest clothing options.

Franchise opportunities in this sector range from modest fashion boutiques to online platforms catering to the growing demand for halal fashion.

Similarly, the demand for halal-certified cosmetics and personal care products has surged. Franchisees can explore opportunities to offer halal cosmetics, skincare, and beauty products that adhere to strict halal standards. Investing in this sector can prove fruitful for aspiring franchisees, with the global halal cosmetics market projected to reach new heights.

Reasons why creating a halal food franchise is a great idea

1. World’s fastest growing religion

Having overtaken Christianity, Islam is the fastest growing religion in Europe. Year on year, halal consumption is believed to be growing by 16 percent.

2. Large Muslim population

In 2017, there were 1.8 billion Muslims, making up 24 percent of the global population. It’s estimated that this number will rise to 2.8 billion in 2023. By 2060, it’s thought that this will rise to 3 billion, increasing by a staggering 70 percent.

3. Popular with non-Muslims

There are more non-Muslims than ever eating halal food products. Approximately four million non-Muslims are eating halal meat, perhaps for ethical and health reasons.

4. Increased preference to eat out

More and more members of the Muslim community are finding employment that gives them a good disposable income. As a result, it’s likely this demographic will eat out more often in the future.

5. Lucrative industry

Halal is becoming more and more profitable. It was recently reported that halal sales in supermarkets and convenience stores reached 2,221.3 billion in the US.

The growing number of Muslim consumers combined with the increased offering of Halal products is predicted to drive the Halal market to reach 4,177.3 billion by 2028.

If you’re considering opening a halal food franchise, here’s some more information on our top picks.

Top 5 halal food franchises in the UK

1. Loaded Burgers

This UK restaurant chain boasts high-quality, meaty, flavoursome burgers with a large selection of toppings to contrast other establishments' ‘sad’ processed patties. Founded in 2014, Loaded Burgers offers its customers affordable burgers in a fantastic setting.

All the meat served is halal and approved by the Halal Food Certification to ensure customers enjoy their top-quality, flavorsome burgers.

• Becoming a Loaded Burgers franchisee: Those looking to join the brand must have good managerial skills and a passion for the industry.
• How much you need to invest: An investment of £150,000 will give franchisees access to the company’s franchise package.
• What you get for your investment: All franchisees are enrolled in a training programme and support in marketing and sales.

2. Favorite

Favorite is the largest British-owned fried chicken franchise in the UK and, having traded successfully since 1986 is a well-established and popular brand. Not only is all the meat served by Favorite approved as halal, but in 1998 it was also the first UK food chain to declare a ‘GM Free Zone.’

The chicken shop business has been triumphing for over 30 years, with over 90 locations in the UK and overseas. So much so that it now offers a fully structured franchise system with a product menu and operational strategy to equal the best in the sector while maintaining an affordable cost for franchisees.

• Becoming a Favorite Franchisee: You should share a passion for offering convenient meals made from fresh chicken. The brand is determined to maintain high quality, low costs, and quick production times.
• How much you need to invest: The start-up costs are generally between £120,000 and £180,000, which includes 12 months of exclusivity in an agreed territory.
• What you get for your investment: You and your staff will receive full training and ongoing support from a team of experts and assistance with complying fully with health and safety legislation.

3. Chicken Cottage

Chicken lovers all over the UK will be familiar with Chicken Cottages. It advertises its food as being fresh, affordable, and Halal.

The business concept is built on offering customers fresh, convenient, and inexpensive food. In 1997, the brand adopted the franchising model and now has 80 stores in the UK, Belgium, Pakistan, Nigeria, Iraq, and Italy.

• Becoming a Chicken Cottage franchisee: The brand is looking for franchisees in Scotland, Ireland, the North East, the North West, the South West, and the South East.
• How much you need to invest: A Chicken Cottage franchise will cost between £200,000 and £250,000 to set up, with franchise fees of between £15,000 and £30,000 depending on the shop size. Head to the Chicken Cottage website to learn more.
• What you get for your investment: You’ll have access to a comprehensive training programme to learn about all areas of staff management, processes and procedures, health and food safety, and customer satisfaction. The course topics are delivered through online and face-to-face training, for whatever suits you best.

4. Rooster Shack

This fast-food franchise serves delicious peri-peri chicken, wings, wraps, burgers, shakes, and more from its fully halal locations. It’s already picked up a prestigious award, the Good Food Award for Takeaways 2020, and is expanding its concept across the UK. You can start your business with as little as 500 square feet, meaning this franchise is also a lower-cost option for budding franchisees in the food sector.

• Becoming a Rooster Shack franchisee: You’ll need to have experience running your own business, ideally within the catering industry (though this isn’t essential), and be willing to put in the hours to act as owner-operator at first. Rooster Shack is also looking for individuals with the ambition and desire to grow their business into a multi-site empire over the long term.
• How much you need to invest: The minimum investment is £75,000, including £17,500+VAT in franchisees fees. You’ll also need to pay a 2% advertising fee and a 5% royalty fee.
• What you get for your investment: In addition to your initial training package, you’ll have access to full support throughout your franchising journey, from finance to menu development to purchasing stock. This family-oriented business will be by your side every step of the way.

5. Thai Express

Thai Express is a quick-service restaurant that offers a takeaway service but doesn’t deliver. The franchise caters to increased customer demand and now offers halal options.

• Becoming a Thai Express franchisee: If you’re passionate about business and have excellent customer service.
• How much you need to invest: The start-up costs depend on your chosen model; you can find out more when you apply.
• What you get for your investment: You’ll participate in an advanced training programme that gets you to grips with everything from food preparation to bookkeeping.

The Future of Halal

As the UK’s Muslim population continues to grow and consumer preferences shift towards halal products and services, the halal franchise UK market presents a bright future for potential franchisees. From the ever-expanding halal food industry to emerging sectors like fashion and cosmetics, opportunities abound for those willing to embrace the halal market.

Aspiring franchisees must conduct thorough market research, assess the demand in their chosen sector, and align with reputable franchisors who understand the intricacies of halal requirements. With a suitable business model, support, and commitment to excellence, franchisees can establish successful ventures in the halal franchise UK market.

In conclusion, the future is indeed halal. As the UK embraces diversity and cultural inclusivity, the demand for halal products and services will continue to soar. Entrepreneurs who recognise this trend and seize the emerging franchise opportunities in the halal market will position themselves for success in a dynamic and rewarding industry.