KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- 'Halal' ready-made food emerged as a newtrend at the just-ended International Food Products Exhibition in Paris,one of the world's biggest gatherings of food industry professionals.

A statement from the Malaysian Embassy in Paris said some companiesdisplayed "Pizza Halal", "Quiche Halal", "Hamburger Halal" and other halalmeat-based products such as pepperonis, frankfurters (hot dogs) and driedmeat.

It said these foods appealed to the growing Muslim population estimated atmore than 10 million throughout Europe. In France itself, the Muslimpopulation was estimated at five million.

Twenty-seven Malaysian companies displayed products ranging from frozenfood, ready-to-cook sauces and prepared meals to breads and confectionery,cooking oils and beverages at the fair which ended on Thursday.

Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority and the Malaysian Palm OilPromotion Council also took part.

The statement said the fair was a valuable opportunity for Malaysiancompanies to increase their knowledge of the international food trends andthe French food market and gain invaluable insights into salesopportunities for their products.

Besides about 5,200 exhibitors from 98 countries, the fair also attractedabout 50,000 decision-makers and leading names in the French, European andinternational sales and distribution sectors.

-- BERNAMA