Strengthening the Competitiveness of Culinary MSMEs through the Digitalization of Halal Certification
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The digitalization of halal certification has become an important strategy for improving the competitiveness of culinary Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) amid increasing consumer demand for halal products and digital business transformation. This study aims to examine the role of digital halal certification in strengthening the competitiveness of culinary MSMEs in Demak Regency, Indonesia. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, using semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis. The data were analyzed through data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing following the interactive analysis model. The findings reveal that digital halal certification enhances consumer trust, strengthens product credibility, simplifies certification procedures, and expands market access through more efficient and transparent digital processes. However, its implementation remains constrained by limited digital literacy, insufficient institutional assistance, and low awareness of the strategic benefits of halal certification among MSMEs. The study highlights that collaboration among government agencies, halal certification authorities, and business support institutions is essential for accelerating digital certification adoption. It concludes that digital halal certification should be viewed not merely as a regulatory requirement but as a strategic capability for improving MSME competitiveness and supporting the development of a sustainable regional halal ecosystem. Digitalisasi sertifikasi halal menjadi strategi penting dalam meningkatkan daya saing Usaha Mikro, Kecil, dan Menengah (UMKM) kuliner di tengah meningkatnya permintaan produk halal dan transformasi bisnis digital. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis peran digitalisasi sertifikasi halal dalam memperkuat daya saing UMKM kuliner di Kabupaten Demak. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif melalui wawancara semi-terstruktur, observasi, dan analisis dokumen. Data dianalisis menggunakan model analisis interaktif melalui kondensasi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa digitalisasi sertifikasi halal meningkatkan kepercayaan konsumen, memperkuat kredibilitas produk, menyederhanakan proses sertifikasi, serta memperluas akses pasar melalui proses yang lebih efisien dan transparan. Namun, implementasinya masih menghadapi kendala berupa rendahnya literasi digital, terbatasnya pendampingan kelembagaan, dan minimnya pemahaman pelaku UMKM mengenai manfaat strategis sertifikasi halal. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa digitalisasi sertifikasi halal tidak hanya berfungsi sebagai pemenuhan regulasi, tetapi juga sebagai kapabilitas strategis untuk meningkatkan daya saing UMKM serta mendukung pengembangan ekosistem halal daerah yang berkelanjutan.
Institution: IAIN Kudus
Language: English
Subfield: Marketing
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $32
OpenAlex ID: W7225009402