Arkib Kopi targets halal certification next year to boost sales

Kajang-based specialty coffee producer Arkib Kopi Sdn. Bhd. is targeting halal certification by next year. This move is designed to unlock access to lucrative retail, hotel, and supermarket segments, significantly broadening the company's customer reach.

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We are targeting the end of next year to obtain halal certification.

Mohamed Helmi Ahmad Darki, the company's Director and General Manager, stated that Arkib Kopi is actively preparing for the certification. This involves upgrading production facilities and compiling necessary documentation. He anticipates the process will take time due to its multi-stage nature, including premise renovations, segregation of production areas, staff training, and documentation compliance.

"We are targeting the end of next year to obtain halal certification," Mohamed Helmi explained. "To get halal certification, facilities must meet specific requirements such as the separation of operational and processing spaces." He noted that their other coffee production company, Tatih Coffee Company in Shah Alam, which focuses on the commercial sector, has a premise specifically designed and renovated to meet halal certification needs.

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To get halal certification, facilities must meet specific requirements such as the separation of operational and processing spaces.

Products under the Arkib Kopi brand will continue to be marketed as such, but those that achieve halal certification will be produced at the dedicated facility. Mohamed Helmi emphasized the importance of this certification for entering broader markets, especially those requiring suppliers to have halal certificates. "About 60 to 70 percent of consumers in Malaysia are Muslim, and they are very concerned about the halal status of a product," he said. "We want to meet industry benchmarks to offer products to more consumers."

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About 60 to 70 percent of consumers in Malaysia are Muslim, and they are very concerned about the halal status of a product.

The decision to expedite the halal certification process was prompted by missed business opportunities, including a potential supply deal for a new establishment in the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX). "We actually had the opportunity to supply coffee to a new premise in TRX. But during the final discussion process, they asked if we had halal certification. At that time, we didn't have it. From there, we realized it was time to get halal certification as it is an important requirement to enter that market segment," he recounted. Beyond domestic expansion, Arkib Kopi also has long-term aspirations to enter international markets, including Tokyo, Berlin, New York, and London.

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We want to meet industry benchmarks to offer products to more consumers.