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In depth

Did you take a look at our newsletter? Packed with lots of great stories, snippets and analysis, it gives you the branding and consumer trends snapshot that you need. And please let your friends and colleagues know. You can read the first edition here and also sign up.

Eid ul Fitr is still fresh in everyone’s minds, having been celebrated over three days earlier this week. You can read our Eid message which this year focuses on the traditions around the Muslim world aimed at making this a special day for children wherever they are.

 

In the press

This week, BBC Radio 4 is airing a documentary called “The Future is Halal“: “You’ve heard of halal meat, but what about halal paintbrushes, halal perfume or halal holiday resorts? A recent report by The Economist proclaimed to businesses: ignore the Sharia-conscious consumer at your peril. The global Muslim population is now 1.8 billion and rising fast; it’s predicted that Muslims will account for 30% of the world’s population by 2025. More than half are under 25 and many are tech-savvy, brand-conscious and increasingly flexing their consumer muscle. In response, there’s been an explosion of goods and services aimed at Muslims.” Ogilvy Noor’s Shelina Janmohamed explains to the programme the detailed findings from the groundbreaking publication “Brands, Islam and the new Muslim consumer”, and paints the landscape across the diverse industries which are embracing ‘halal’. You can read more about the documentary here, and also listen to the programme.

The Egypt Independent discusses Ogilvy Noor’s study about the rise of the Muslim consumer, and then explores the related development of the halal travel industry

 

Cheat sheet: sharp insights into Muslim consumer markets this week

All about Eid:

Nielsen: Majority of global Muslims wish for peace, well-being and family over wealth and success for Eid

The road to celebrating Eid as a mainstream festival in the USA

Saudi Gazette’s Fun Times: children’s perspectives on celebrating the festival of Eid in Saudi Arabia

Middle East online portal boosts number of free SMS messages for users for the Eid period

Eid greetings cards being replaced by e-cards

The Hindu: demand for two-wheelers up during Ramadan, and buyers usually pick up their new purchase around Eid time

Will mobile phones and laptops kill the tradition of the Eid card?

India: Sweetening Eid. How traditional sweet ‘sheer khurma’ is made and transported to family homes to celebrate Eid

Pakistan: Women’s Eid celebrations in full swing in Lahore. Henna painting and buying bangles to exchange as Eid gifts are especially popular

Egypt: Iftar is to Ramadan, as kahk cookies are to Eid: “Pretty boxes of assorted home baked kahk are sent to family and friends”

Indonesia: travelling home for Eid ul Fitr by ship

“On the day of Eid, in many homes a great spread of food is prepared to share with those who visit”

 

Looking back at Ramadan:

Ramadan traditions keep markets profitable

Ramadan is the most important time in the Arab world for the TV advertising market which rose 20% in the first week of Ramadan year on year and is likely to top $420m

Mobile apps and internet technology support Muslims in their Ramadan worship, including information about items such as prayer times, religious content, and e-Qurans

As Ramadan passes, we look at an insight from young Muslims about their worries on the extinction of Ramadan traditions

Lebanon: traditions for the month of fasting include istibanat, zakat, processions and kallaj

Morocco: fasting, prayer… and a tradition of good food

Egypt: Missing the food specialities of Ramadan?  Take an intimate and personally guided tour of Ramadan foods and sweets

Yemen: Learn about the traditions including tamasi chants, chewing sticks and special desserts

Iraq preserves Ramadan traditions like  the dish Masgouf, an open cut grilled fish spiced with salt, pepper and tamarind

India: in Mumbai’s street iftars, the noise is overwhelming, hawkers sell food, vendors peddle cheap baubles, there’s the clang of cooking pots

Haleem, a Ramadan food dish whose origins in Persia have extended across cultures to become an iftar staple