Australia…Hub of Halal Meat

A butcher shop in Paris, which prominently advertises that it sells halal meat. Michel Euler/AP
A butcher shop in Paris, which prominently advertises that it sells halal meat. Michel Euler/AP
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Australia…Hub of Halal Meat

A butcher shop in Paris, which prominently advertises that it sells halal meat. Michel Euler/AP
A butcher shop in Paris, which prominently advertises that it sells halal meat. Michel Euler/AP

The Halal food market has been rapidly growing in the global food industry.

The market is worth over $667 million, around 20 percent of the total global food industry. This number is expected to jump to $2.25 trillion by 2024.

Economic experts have expected the halal food industry to become a fundamental market force soon because Islam is the fastest growing religion worldwide, which increases the global demand on halal food.

The annual growth of halal food consumption is estimated at 16 percent. Muslims represent around 23 percent of the world’s population, nearly 1.8 billion consumer with a 3 percent average yearly growth. If this trend continues, Muslims will represent around 26 percent of the world’s population, 2.2 billion people, by 2030.

Australia, which has over 500,000 Muslims, has become a leading hub in making and producing halal meats.

The continent is considered a trustworthy long term source of lamb and beef meat for 100 countries around the world, including the Middle East.

Australia adopts one of the strictest halal programs in the world.



Photos Show a Filipino Couple Walking Down a Flooded Aisle on Their Wedding Day

Newlyweds Jade Rick Verdillo right, and Jamaica walk hand in hand during their wedding at the flooded Barasoain church in Malolos, Bulacan province, Philippines on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Newlyweds Jade Rick Verdillo right, and Jamaica walk hand in hand during their wedding at the flooded Barasoain church in Malolos, Bulacan province, Philippines on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
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Photos Show a Filipino Couple Walking Down a Flooded Aisle on Their Wedding Day

Newlyweds Jade Rick Verdillo right, and Jamaica walk hand in hand during their wedding at the flooded Barasoain church in Malolos, Bulacan province, Philippines on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Newlyweds Jade Rick Verdillo right, and Jamaica walk hand in hand during their wedding at the flooded Barasoain church in Malolos, Bulacan province, Philippines on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Jade Rick Verdillo and Jamaica Aguilar were determined to walk down the aisle on their wedding day. Even if it meant walking down a flooded one.

On Tuesday, the Barasoain church in Malolos, Bulacan province, Philippines flooded due to heavy rain. Typhoon Whipa had intensified seasonal monsoon rains in the Philippines, bringing widespread flooding.

The couple anticipated the risk of flooding, but instead of letting the weather dampen the mood, they decided to push through, as all marriages have their challenges.

“We just mustered enough courage,” said Verdillo. “We decided today because it is a sacrifice in itself. But there will more sacrifices if we don’t push through today.”

Aguilar waded down the aisle with her white dress and wedding train floating behind her through waters almost up to her knees. At the altar, Verdillo was waiting to receive her while wearing an embroidered shirt called a Barong Tagalog, worn during special occasions.

The newlyweds have been together for 10 years. The groom said, “I feel that challenges won’t be over. It’s just a test. This is just one of the struggles that we’ve overcome.”

Despite the turbulent weather, some family and friends made it to the wedding.

“You will see love prevailed because even against weather, storm, rains, floods, the wedding continued,” said Jiggo Santos, a wedding guest. “It’s an extraordinary wedding.”