Snacks company Mondelez Philippines has been in the country for the past 58 years. In that time, the company has created many changes to its snack products, all in response to consumers’ needs—from flavors to pack size and even entering new snack segments. Throughout the years, Mondelez Philippines has been transitioning its products to serve not only different taste preferences but also lifestyle and religious needs, including securing Halal certification for most of its portfolio.
“We want to make products that everyone can enjoy, whatever their preferences,” explains Chit Andoy, Mondelez Philippines’ Quality Manager. “As a company it is important to us that we respond to different needs for snacking. We encourage consumers to snack mindfully, by eating with intention and attention. This means understanding why consumers snack, to choose the right snack for their need.”
Andoy continues, “When deciding what to offer in a specific market, we consider various factors, including religious food requirements such as Halal. This is a growing requirement for food in the country, and we want to cater to consumers who require Halal food for religious needs. Locally our snack brands that are Halal certified include Eden cheese, Cheez Whiz spread, Tang powdered beverage, Oreo cookies, Tiger Crackers and Biscuits, Halls candies, Cadbury and Toblerone chocolates. Almost our entire local product line is Halal certified, with the exception of a few specialty offerings and seasonal products.”
Production of Halal compliant food products requires close attention to ingredients, source of ingredients, processing, cross contact, cleaning procedures of the equipment for production process, and many other operational issues. Halal certification is managed through external agencies and their requirements vary by agency, country, or government.
For the products manufactured by the company locally, these have been certified by the Islamic Da’wah Council of the Philippines, Inc.
“To determine if the product you are consuming is Halal, check the front of the packaging. There should be a seal or logo from the Halal certifying body clearly displayed,” said Andoy.