Religious requirements in inter-organizational networks of Halal foods: Brazilian chicken exported to the Muslim community

Abstract

The objective of the study is to describe how the actors within the network of companies involved in the export of Brazilian Halal chicken interact in order to meet the religious requirements of the Muslim market in the Middle East. Qualitative research was undertaken via a single case study. Primary evidences were collected in semi-structured interviews and via participative observation within the network; secondary evidences were collected through documents and the internet. The results indicated that the interaction between the actors of the network creates important conditions for the commercialization and acceptance of Halal chicken produced in Brazil for the Middle East. The local Islamic centers, which are central institutions of the network, provide credibility and integrity to Muslim consumers.