A Halal verification service has become so popular it's launching an IPO in London
You'd never know just by looking at meat or drink whether is meets the standards acceptable under Shariah compliance. Almost always, there's a note attached or you're buying it from a trusted source like a Halal butchers.
But Malaysia-based DagangHalal has created an online verification service for Muslims that allows people to check whether a product is fit for consumption under Shariah law. This not only includes food and drink but also "consumer goods and personal care, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, science and new technologies and hospitality and leisure amongst others."
Basically, you can find out whether almost anything is religiously acceptable under Muslim law.
It's so popular that DagangHalal announced today that it is going to be launching an IPO on the London Stock Exchange's mid-cap market AIM.
The group, which describes itself as "the world's first global e-marketplace to provide Halal verification", is expected to list in March 2016.
It estimates that the Muslim population is expected to grow from 1.6 billion in 2010 to 1.8 billion in 2020 and its service will be best placed to tap into that sector's need for halal food.