An Investigation Into the Italian Halal Market

The process of globalization has undoubtedly led to the transformation of nations into multicultural and multi-religious societies, fostering contacts between peoples with different cultural and religious traditions and increasing possibilities for mutual understanding. Therefore, after outlining the socio-historical framework of the Islamic presence in Italy, this chapter shall explore the halal issue in Italy in terms of market, policies, services and certification process. Ultimately, the goal is to take a snapshot of the current state of halal in Italy, considering it one of the elements that qualify pluralistic societies, respectful of affiliations and differences, even beyond mere economic logic. However, the growth in demand for halal products in Italy does not seem to be accompanied by an adequate supply. Therefore, a paradigm shift is needed where the quality of “Made in Italy” meets the needs of a growing community.