British pork exporters are set to benefit from additional trade with Mexico. The market is expected to open further to include offal, with a potential estimated value of £18 million over the next five years, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).
AHDB said the announcement represents another "boost" for the sector and has come two years after the Mexican market opened for British pork for the first time.
The trade body highlighted that Mexico is one of the biggest pork importers in the world. It said that pork is the second most consumed meat in Mexico with consumption expected to grow over the next decade, resulting in an increase in both domestic production and imports. With pork consumption increasing 4.7% per year from 2017 to 2022, Mexico consumes more pork than it is able to produce.
Dr Phil Hadley, AHDB director of international trade development, said: “This is fantastic news for our pork sector, expanding our market access reach in Mexico and growing further opportunities for our high-quality products and the standards of production we adhere to.
“It represents another success as the result of hard work by industry and Government to secure further access for offals in a market where there is high demand for quality pork products. This included a commercial inward mission last year where we hosted buyers from Mexico who met with farmers and processors and learned more about our high-quality meat production. This new approval will see the market opened for a range of offal products ahead of a wider audit visit in the summer.
“AHDB’s export development activity has been highlighted by our levy payers as an area of work they highly value. We are delighted to continue working collaboratively with industry and Government to deliver tangible benefits for the sector.”
Food and Farming Minister Mark Spencer said: “This agreement means that our world-class pork producers can now access another lucrative market for pork products not widely eaten here in the UK.
“Our long-term commitment to open up new international markets means our pig farmers can profit from every part of their animals.”
Minister for Trade Policy, Greg Hands, said: "This is great news and builds on the access we secured for British pork in Mexico two years ago. It will empower exporters to sell more of their top-notch produce to one of the globe's biggest pork importers.
"We continue full steam ahead to break down numerous barriers and create opportunities for British businesses around the world."
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
