Dramatic rise in UK pork exports

24-02-2009 | Home | News

Pork exports have shown a dramatic rise over the last year according to new figures from the British Pig Executive (BPEX).

Exports of fresh and frozen pork have risen by 20% over the last year, up nearly 20,000 tonnes to 118,300.

Bacon exports also showed a big jump, going from 12,000 tones to more than 33,000 tonnes.

Offals showed an 18% rise hitting 19,000 tonnes with nearly 40% of that going to the Netherlands and almost 30% to Hong Kong.

Impressive
The value figures are even more impressive with fresh and frozen pork up 42%, worth an extra £33 million (€37 million) while the value of offals are up 63% worth almost £3.5 million (€4.0 million) more. In total, exports of pork, processed pork products and offals were worth £160 million (€181 million) to the British industry.

Exports
BPEX chief executive Mick Sloyan said: “Exports are vital to the industry which is why BPEX is keen to expand the number of markets into which we sell. They have a very important role in adding value to both producers and processors.

“These impressive figures show that although sow carcass exports increased, the biggest rise was recorded for prime pork cuts.

“This is particularly encouraging following the restrictions put in place during the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in 2007. it also demonstrates the value of the Export Recovery Programme conducted by Defra and BPEX in early 2008.

“It is particularly true for pork offal which was an important element of the programme.

“With the value of Sterling more competitive compared with the euro and other currencies, we hope to see further growth in exports in 2009.”

Related website:
British Pig Executive (BPEX)
Department for Environment, Food©and Rural Affairs (Defra)