Global opportunities for UK red meat exporters came under the spotlight at the 2024 Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board's (AHDB) Red Meat Exports Conference.
Delegates at the annual AHDB Red Meat Exports Conference, held at Butchers' Hall in London, heard about global trends and patterns in trade production, future risks and challenges, and the opportunities for the halal meat sector.
The underlying message across the day's presentations was the presence of global opportunities for UK red meat exporters amid rising demand for animal protein. In his opening address, AHDB chair Nichola Saphir underlined that - worldwide - pig meat, beef and sheep meat consumption is expected to increase by 11%, 10% and 15 % respectively by 2032. UK red meat exports in 2023 were valued at £1.7 billion, equalling the record year in 2022.
UK red meat exporters and representatives from UK Government also gained insight from the China Meat Association (CMA) and heard about the development of AHDB resources to support exporters. CMA president Chen Wei, who is also the vice president of the International Meat Secretariat, outlined China's outlook for meat production over the coming year.
UK red meat exports in 2023 were valued at £1.7 billion, equalling the record year in 2022.
Chief Veterinary Officer for the UK Professor Christine Middlemiss spoke with AHDB's Angela Christison about the latest developments concerning livestock disease transmission. Speaking about African Swine Fever (ASF), she said that a "huge amount of work" was being done to develop a vaccine for livestock, and that current cases registered across the EU are being closely monitored.
Chair of the International Meat Trade Association (IMTA) Margaret Boanas gave a short presentation on behalf of the Food and Drink Export Council. The Council's USP, she argued, is its ability to get representatives of both Government and industry around the same table, giving the latter a more direct means to question the former on the issues of the day. As the primary representative of the UK meat industry on the council, Boanas said that she will "continue to knock on the door", and keep challenges facing the industry, such as raising the importance of carcase balance, under the spotlight at Council meetings.
Concluding the day of presentations, AHDB chief executive Graham Wilkinson said: “With anticipated growth in the global appetite for animal protein, exports of world class British red meat products have never been more important. The red meat sector should be rightly proud of what it can offer the global market and we have much to celebrate, not least with the value of red meat exports last year equalling the record set in 2022.
"AHDB has a critical role to play, working collaboratively with industry and other key stakeholders to ensure our exporters can capitalise on opportunities to sell their products in markets the world over. At last year's conference we launched our Beyond Borders export strategy which set our ambitions to help drive export growth."
Wilkinson continued: "Since then, we've delivered a raft of activity to help ensure the opportunities for export of our world class red meat products are maximised globally. This has included coordinating inward and outward trade missions, inspection visits of UK sites, participating in international trade shows and working to support the opening of new markets. In doing so we have helped develop a broad portfolio of markets which is important to the trade for premium and variety meat, while offsetting risk.
“Our work on the ground in-market also plays a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining positive trading relationships. The China Meat Association is a key partner with which AHDB has long standing relationship. We have been delighted to host an important delegation from China this week, showcasing our high-quality sustainably produced red meat products, culminating with their participation in our conference today.
“Red meat exports are vital in underpinning domestic prices and ensuring carcase balance. AHDB will continue to invest in export development, working with industry and other stakeholders to drive further growth on behalf of levy payers and build on the momentum that has delivered global success to date.”
