SEOUL, South Korean food company Paldo Co. said Tuesday it will export the country's traditional sweet rice beverage with halal certification to Indonesia as it aims to make a presence in the local halal food market. Paldo's Birak Shikhye, usually served as dessert, will be available at discount store chains and supermarkets in Indonesia as it obtained certification from the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH), the company said in a statement. Paldo earned the halal certificate for the shikhye product in June last year. In 2018, it obtained the same certificate for its Pororo kids drinks for sales in the largest Muslim majority country. The company aims to achieve the certificate as well for its ramyeon products, including Paldo Bibimmyeon, Paldo doshirak and Paldo Wangttugeong cup ramyeon, to expand into the local halal market. Indonesia plans to make halal certification mandatory for all imported food items, excluding fresh agricultural products, starting from October. Halal food refers to products that are prepared in a specific way according to Islamic Sharia law, which covers not only meat but also fruits and vegetables. Source: Yonhap News Agency