Meat industry exporters explore global trade opportunities in West Africa
Red meat exporters, supported by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), have developed further opportunities to “satisfy the appetite for red meat” in West Africa during a trade mission to Ghana and the Côte d’Ivoire.
10 exporters from nine UK businesses took part in the mission, organised by the AHDB, where they met with six buyers in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire and a further 15 during three days in Ghana.
They always flew the flag for high-quality British beef, lamb and pork at a reception in each country, hosts by their respective High Commissioners.
Dr Awal Fuseini, AHDB lead on exports to West Africa, said: “Exports and international market development have been highlighted by our levy payers as one of the key areas where AHDB supports them.
“International trade missions like this play a key role in helping our exporters nurture and build on opportunities for our high-quality, sustainably produced products on the global stage. The mission to Ghana and the Côte d’Ivoire was a great success and perfectly illustrates this work in practice.”
AHDB said its ‘Prospects for UK agri-food exports’ analysis has highlighted opportunities to expand the amount of commodity level red meat the UK currently exports to Ghana and the Côte d’Ivoire, with offal being a key product for both markets.
In 2022 UK exports of red meat to Ghana were worth £7.9 million, while the value of red meat exports to the Côte d’Ivoire stood at £2.3 million. The UK is the top supplier of sheep meat to Ghana, while port is the main red meat shipped from the UK to the Côte d’Ivoire with potential to increase its market share.
Dr Fuseini added: “West Africa is one of our key target markets and we already ship beef, lamb and sheep meat products to the region. We have a foot in the door and our red meat exporters are in a strong position to grow their market presence in the region as it develops further and the population expands.”
Women In Meat Industry Awards return tonight in London
NFU negotiates new energy efficiency target for poultry sector
