Malaysian halal e-commerce site eyes global expansion
The startup launched in Malaysia in April and seeks to promote halal products as premium and healthy goods, even for non-Muslims.
The venture’s co-founder is Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, who became the first Malaysian to go into space in 2007.
Dr Muszaphar said the company has plans to invest about US$100m over the next three years to expand its operations and marketing to over 30 countries worldwide including Singapore, Indonesia, India, China, the Middle East, and parts of Europe.
The firm currently has 20 employees in Singapore, a number that is expected to rise to 50 when it launches. Singapore and China are the two largest importers of Halal products from Malaysia.
Overall, the site aims to secure 1,500 merchants, with around 30,000 food, cosmetics and electronics products.
"Halal is not only for Muslims, but for everyone in search of a safer, healthier and more wholesome lifestyle," said Dr Sheikh.
He stressed all merchants are carefully vetted and have to be invited to sell their goods on the platform.
Aladdin Street’s expansion comes on the back of a number of new halal e-commerce ventures globally.
Last month UK Halal food brand Haloodies launched 16 lines with Amazon Fresh, while earlier this week the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) registered with the Malaysian Trade Ministry's halal e-commerce portal ehalal.com to endorse Indonesian halal products.
While the site does not directly sell goods, it directs buyers to verified suppliers or its e-commerce partners.
