Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims around the world, and it presents a unique opportunity for grocery store owners to provide the essential items that Muslim shoppers need during this period of fasting and reflection.
British Muslims are willing to travel up to 22 minutes more to a supermarket that stocks a better halal range. https://www.mudorange.com/latest/food-drink. Reports show that they often feel let down by the available range at their local stores. This is a great opportunity for you to meet the needs of Muslim customers in your area.
If you're not familiar with the specific needs of your Muslim customers a little extra guidance can help. In this article, we'll provide some tips and recommendations to help you prepare your store for Ramadan and make the most of this important seasonal event.
Understanding Ramadan: Key Dates and Customs
- Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and it is observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection.
- During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset each day, and they break their fast with a meal called iftar.
- Despite the fact Muslims are fasting its a big month for buying special foods and maybe treating yourself.
- The end of Ramadan is marked by the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which is celebrated with lots of food.
The date of Ramadan changes every year.
- 2023: Thursday, March 23
- 2024: Monday, March 11
- 2025: Saturday, March 1
- 2026: Wednesday, February 18
Understand Your Customers’ Needs
The first step in stocking up for Ramadan is to understand the needs of your Muslim customers. Muslims typically break their fast with a meal called Iftar. Rice, lentils, dates, nuts, and juices are often popular. There is also a pre-dawn meal called Suhoor. Products like oats, cereal, and milk are popular during this time.
Ultimately though, there is no one size fits all Muslim diet. Muslims in the UK come from all over the world including South Asia, the Middle East, North, West and East Africa, and South East Asia. In each country and culture, there will be differences in taste.
Stock Up on Halal Products
Halal is a term used to describe food that is permissible according to Islamic law. During Ramadan, many Muslims are more conscious of what they eat, and they look for halal-certified products. If you want to stock up, it is important to stock up on halal products to cater to this demand. This includes halal meat, poultry, and snacks like chips and cookies.
The UK Halal market is today worth $4.5 billion and is only growing. You will notice halal food, specifically halal meat has been appearing. supermarkets and large-scale food manufacturers to enter the market. Major national grocery chains, including Asda, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco, are providing an ever-increasing variety of Halal-based products.
Consider Packaging and Product Size
Packaging is an important consideration when stocking up for Ramadan. Muslims typically buy products in larger quantities during this time, so it is important to have products available in larger sizes. This includes items like rice, lentils, and oil. It is also important to have products available in smaller sizes for customers who are shopping for smaller households.
What to Stock During Ramadan
Here are some ideas on what you can sell in your store during Ramdan.
- Dates - These fruits are a traditional way of breaking the fast at iftar. Popular types of dates include Medjool, Deglet Noor, and Sukkari dates. You can offer them in bulk or in gift boxes to attract customers.
- Halal meat - Make sure to source halal meat from certified halal suppliers.
- Spices and seasonings - Spices and seasonings are popular in Ramadan dishes, e.g cumin, cardamom, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon.
- Ready-to-eat meals - a great option to save time cooking when you are fasting. Make sure you stock halal-certified frozen or refrigerated meals.
- Drinks - popular drinks can include jallab, and tamarind juice, as well as popular soft drinks and fruit juices.
Stocking Your Store for Ramadan: Tips and Best Practices
Here are some tips on stocking up for Ramadan:
- Start planning early: Ramadan dates change every year, so it's important to start planning your stock well in advance to make sure you have everything you need. Start ordering your Ramadan stock at least a month before the start of the month of Ramadan.
- Consider the timing: Since Muslims fast during daylight hours, they often do their shopping in the evening after sunset. Make sure your store is well-stocked during these peak shopping times.
- Offer special promotions: Ramadan is a time of giving and generosity, so consider offering special promotions or discounts to your Muslim customers during this period. This can help build customer loyalty and attract new customers to your store.
- Create an attractive display: Create an attractive display of your Ramadan products to catch the attention of shoppers. Use signage
We will leave you with a final thought from a Mud Orange report, “ Unlike Christmas and Easter, when supermarkets effectively build a distinct brand role during the cultural moment, Ramadan efforts across supermarket chains follow a homogenous design and product approach which often feels imported, ethnic specific and culturally disconnected from modern British Muslims”. With the tips we have given today, we hope you had enough information to make the most of the opportunity around Ramadan. It is a great way for local stores to make an impact and attract Muslim customers into their store.
