Food Minister George Eustice has announced a new export deal with the Philippines that will see UK beef join pork, poultry and lamb on the list of food exported to the country.
The deal is estimated to be worth £34 million over the next five years and was agreed after a visit from a delegation of inspectors from the Philippines last year.
Market access for UK beef in the country was withdrawn in 1996 due to BSE concerns and the ban was lifted in 2001.
The deal was awarded when inspectors saw first-hand the UK’s high animal welfare and food safety standards. With the Philippines known to be the largest food and drink market in south east Asia, and with meat consumption expected to grow by 10% over the next five years, it is good news for the UK.
Eustice commented: “Securing market access for our world-class beef to the Philippines is a huge vote of confidence for a sector that already exports more than £350 million around the world, including Hong Kong and Canada.
“The UK beef industry is the envy of the world and this strong demand globally for our traditional breeds reared to the highest welfare standards is what drives our exports and creates opportunities for our farmers."
Dr Phil Hadley, AHDB’s international market development director, added: “This decision enhances an exciting 12 months for UK red meat exports, with wider markets opening in Hong Kong last July and a Japanese government delegation investigating beef production controls just last month.
“All-in-all it paints a very positive picture for UK exports for the future.”
Defra and AHDB worked with UKECP, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), DAERA in Northern Ireland, the Food Standards Agency, the Scottish and Welsh Governments and the other UK levy boards to secure the deal.
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.
