UK heads to World Food Expo to spotlight pork exports

Six UK exporters joined AHDB on the British Meat Pavilion at the World Food Expo (WOFEX) in Manila.

The four-day event provided the opportunity to meet with key importers and other stakeholders, build on existing business relationships and develop new potential opportunities in what is the UK’s third biggest export market for pork.

AHDB said that UK shipments of pork to the Philippines in the first five months of 2024 were worth £16.2 million – up 16% on the year.

The trade body also worked with the British Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines to host a business-to-business seminar attended by 50 importers and distributors. It included a panel discussion with UK and Philippines Government officials and AHDB’s head of international trade development Jonathan Eckley, looking to explore further opportunities and “identify the challenges” in the country’s meat market.

Eckley said: “The Philippines is an important and growing market for UK pork exporters, underlined by the figures for the first five months of this year. As a key fixture in the international export calendar WOFEX is the ideal platform for our exporters to showcase our world-class produce in-market and build on the strong foothold that we currently have there.

“The meat trade is all about people – engaging with contacts in-market and building and maintaining business connections. One of our key roles at AHDB is providing support for our exporters in doing this to help them maximise opportunities presented and to thrive on the global stage.

“We look forward to continuing working collaboratively with industry and Government to develop these important business relationships and build on the UK pork sector’s positive momentum in the Philippines.”