EBLEX has commissioned new research into the halal meat market after the 2011 census revealed a significant rise in the Muslim population in the UK.

The Office of National Statistics 2011 Census found a 1.2m growth in the Muslim population between 2001 and 2011, equating to 2.7m people in England and Wales or 4.8 per cent of the population.

The research aims to provide insight into the needs and purchase drivers of Muslim consumers looking to buy halal beef and lamb.

It will look at how and where Muslim consumers shop for meat, what species and cuts they buy most often and what influences their decision of where to shop.

Trade sector manager at EBLEX Chris Leeman said: “The halal meat market is a multi-million pound contributor to the British economy and, given the growth of the Muslim population within England and Wales over the past ten years, it’s an area abattoirs, butchers, processors and retailers can’t afford to overlook.”