UK sets new record for pork exports
Pork exports for March 2014 came in just under 18,200 tonnes (t), up 13% on the same month last year, reaching 30 different countries and territories over the period.
Exports to China, including Hong Kong, topped 5,000t for the first time, with offal exports also reaching an all time high in March of 2,600t.
Jean-Pierre Garnier, export manager for Bpex, said: "The exports to China are a massive figure bearing in mind that market has not been open to us for very long."
He explained that exports were making a major contribution to the renewed health of the sector, with prices achieved by UK processors on export markets also rising strongly.
"There has been some very good growth and the overall figure is evidence of the global demand for British pork is strong," he said.
"We are benefiting from a favourable market but the commitment of British exporters has been exemplary. For instance, six exporters attended a very busy in SIAL Shanghai this week and we are back next month to Beijing. Even this week, we are holding discussion in Nigeria."
In February this year GlobalMeatNews reported that UK pork exports for 2013 were at their highest point since 2000, exceeding 256,000t with a value of over £325m.
