Halal Expo 2026

Canada's halal economy just had its biggest moment of the year. On June 10–11, 2026, the doors of The International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario swung open for the sixth edition of Halal Expo Canada (HEC) 2026 — and ExeCorpMedia was on the ground covering every keynote, every product launch, and every handshake that mattered.

Whether you attended, missed it, or are planning to exhibit in 2027, this is your definitive guide to what happened, who showed up, who sponsored it, and why this event continues to be the heartbeat of the North American halal industry.

What Is Halal Expo Canada?

Halal Expo Canada is North America's only dedicated B2B halal trade show and conference. Since its launch in 2019, it has grown into Canada's fastest-growing halal business platform, organized annually by The Expo Hut Inc. — a company with over 30 years of experience producing trade shows across sectors including Construction, Oil & Gas, and Healthcare.The event brings together manufacturers, retailers, distributors, foodservice operators, certification bodies, investors, and halal consumers under one roof. In 2026, the expo drew an expected crowd of approximately 5,000 attendees and featured participation from over 150 exhibitors spanning every corner of the halal economy — from food and beverages to pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, Islamic finance, e-commerce, logistics, fashion, and tourism.For businesses looking to break into or scale within the North American halal market — estimated at $14 billion annually — Halal Expo Canada is not just an event. It is the gateway.

Who Organized Halal Expo Canada 2026?

The event was organized by The Expo Hut Inc., led by Nasser Deeb, Director of Halal Expo Canada, who has been the driving force behind the expo since its inception. Nasser has spent decades building trade platforms across industries worldwide, and his vision for Halal Expo Canada is clear: create a world-class, internationally recognized platform that positions Canada as a gateway to the North American halal market.The organizing team opened the event with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and opening remarks from Nasser Deeb, Dr. Slimi, and other dignitaries — setting the tone for two high-energy days of business, education, and community.

Gold Sponsors: The Brands That Powered Halal Expo Canada 2026

Sponsorship at Halal Expo Canada is not just a logo on a banner. Sponsors receive prime visibility, dedicated sessions, and direct access to thousands of halal industry decision-makers. Here is a look at the key sponsors who made the 2026 edition possible:

IPGCA — Gold Sponsor

IPGCA brought significant institutional weight to the expo as a Gold Sponsor, reinforcing the event's credibility as an international trade platform connecting businesses across borders.

Mina Halal (Maple Leaf Foods)

Mina Halal's gold sponsorship reflects its commitment to growing halal certification and product awareness in the Canadian market. Their presence at the expo underscored the importance of trusted halal certification for both producers and consumers.

Mina Halal, the halal brand under Maple Leaf Foods, sponsored one of the most crowd-pleasing elements of the expo: the Live Cooking Demo Stage. 

Supporting Associations & Media Partners

The expo also benefited from a robust ecosystem of supporting associations and media partners, including:

ISNA Canada (Islamic Society of North America) — A key halal certification and religious authority, with representatives speaking and moderating at multiple sessions

ISNA Halal — Supporting association providing certification credibility

Halal Monitoring Authority (HMA) — Supporting association from France, lending international oversight and recognition

Who Attended Halal Expo Canada 2026?

Halal Expo Canada 2026 brought together a remarkably diverse cross-section of the halal economy. Here is a breakdown of who was in the room:

Industry Professionals & Executives: Attendees included C-suite leaders, marketing directors, and business development heads from major brands like Maple Leaf Foods (Mina Halal), Amir Quality Meats, and many others. Major retail buyers from companies like Costco and Canadian grocery chains also walked the floor, making the expo a genuine B2B opportunity for exhibitors.

Trade Delegations: International trade delegations attended from across the globe, reflecting the expo's positioning as a bridge between East and West halal markets — connecting Canadian producers with buyers in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

Halal Certification Bodies: Representatives from ISNA Canada, ISNA Halal, and the Halal Monitoring Authority were present both as speakers and participants, providing on-the-ground guidance for businesses seeking certification.

Entrepreneurs & SMEs: The expo floor was packed with small and medium-sized business owners from food, fashion, cosmetics, supplements, and services — many attending specifically to find distribution partners, connect with retailers, or secure certification guidance.

Media: ExecorpMedia was among the official media representatives covering the event, alongside other halal and mainstream media outlets.

The Live Cooking Demo Stage

One of the most vibrant spaces on the expo floor, the Live Cooking Demo Stage drew continuous crowds throughout both days. Sponsored by Mina Halal, Sargent Farms, and Canada Beef, the demos featured Chef Zarqa and Chef Kazi preparing dishes ranging from a Musakhan Wrap and Pakoras to Chicken Karahi and Beef Tender Stir-fry.The cooking stage was more than entertainment — it was a smart product showcase, allowing food brands to demonstrate their ingredients in real, flavourful context. Visitors got to taste, engage, and discover products in a way that a static booth simply cannot replicate.

Why Halal Expo Canada Matters for Your Business

The numbers speak for themselves. North America's halal industry is worth an estimated $14 billion annually, and that figure is climbing. Canada's Muslim population is one of the fastest-growing demographics in the country, and global demand for halal-certified products is expanding into mainstream retail, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and finance.For businesses in any of these spaces, Halal Expo Canada offers something rare: a single room where major retailers like Costco, government trade agencies, international buyers, certification bodies, and emerging brands all show up at the same time.Whether you are a manufacturer seeking distribution, a brand seeking halal certification, an investor exploring the halal finance space, or a media company like ExeCorpMedia telling the stories of this industry — the value of being in that room is immeasurable.

ExeCorpMedia at Halal Expo Canada 2026

ExeCorpMedia was proud to serve as an official media coverage partner at Halal Expo Canada 2026. Our team was on the floor capturing the conversations, the launches, and the moments that defined this year's event. If you are a brand or business that attended and are looking for professional event coverage, content production, or media strategy tailored to the halal and multicultural market, we would love to work with you.