In recent years, Bosnia and Herzegovina has been increasingly strengthening its position on the European halal map. The available data clearly confirms that the halal industry is no longer a narrowly specialized activity, but an important segment of the overall economy. Ahead of the 4th European Halal Congress, which will take place on 9 and 10 June 2026 in Sarajevo, public attention is increasingly focused on the tangible indicators of the strength and potential of the halal sector.
Currently, 124 halal-certified companies operate in Bosnia and Herzegovina, offering more than 8,000 products, while the manufacturing sector employs over 10,000 people. Looking more broadly, the regional certification system encompasses a total of 171 companies across several European countries, with more than 10,000 products available on the market.
The value of the halal industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina is estimated at more than BAM 3.27 billion, placing the sector among the country’s more significant drivers of economic development. Its structure further demonstrates stability, spanning meat and dairy production, grain processing, confectionery, nutritional supplements, tourism, and services.
The halal meat industry stands out in particular, with 17 certified companies, annual production exceeding 118,000 tonnes, and revenue of more than BAM 1.37 billion. More than 3,400 employees contribute to the sector’s growth on a daily basis. A similar trend is evident in the dairy industry, which records production of nearly 278,000 tonnes and a value exceeding BAM 476 million.
Strong results are also being achieved in other sectors. The bakery and confectionery industry exceeds BAM 569 million in market value, while the salt, spices, and soda sector reaches more than BAM 340 million. All of this confirms that the halal industry encompasses a wide range of activities and possesses substantial development potential.
These figures further highlight the importance of events such as the European Halal Congress, which serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, market connectivity, and the creation of new business opportunities. This year’s edition will bring together more than 30 speakers from 20 countries, including representatives of industry, institutions, certification bodies, and academia.
The business community also plays an important role in supporting this event. In this context, the contribution of the financial sector is particularly noteworthy. BBI Bank, as the Congress’s Gold Sponsor, continuously builds bridges between the financial and halal sectors, recognizing the halal industry as a strategic area for development. As the only bank in Bosnia and Herzegovina operating in accordance with Islamic principles, BBI Bank contributes through its activities and financing models to strengthening trust, stability, and sustainable growth within this market.
The role of the financial sector in the development of the halal market is becoming increasingly significant, and the example of BBI Bank demonstrates the importance of having a reliable partner that understands the specific characteristics of this segment and actively contributes to its advancement.
The global growth of the halal market creates additional opportunities for domestic companies, while Bosnia and Herzegovina, with its established certification system and respectable industrial capacities, has the opportunity to further strengthen its position. For this reason, raising public awareness of the significance and potential of the halal industry is becoming a key step toward its continued development.
Ahead of the Congress, Sarajevo will once again become a meeting place for ideas, experiences, and partnerships—and an opportunity for the wider public to recognize that the halal industry represents far more than a standard; it is a tangible development opportunity. The 4th European Halal Congress will be held on 9 and 10 June 2026 at Hotel Hills in Sarajevo, and interested participants can register and find additional information through the official Congress website
