China deal ‘a huge win’ for UK pork industry
24th October 2019
Six sites in Britain have been granted approval to export trotters to China, the government has confirmed.
Six sites in Britain have been granted approval to export trotters to China, the government has confirmed.
Exports will begin shortly after the sites – five in England and one in Scotland – were confirmed to meet Chinese requirements.
It is the first time that these sites, which belong to Cranswick, Karro and Tulip, have exported trotters to China. The news comes just days after the government confirmed beef will be served up on Chinese plates for the first time in 20 years.
Farming minister George Eustice said: “Today’s announcement is a huge win for the UK pork industry, unlocking access to China’s lucrative market for pig trotters.
“We are proud of the work farmers across all parts of the UK do to maintain high animal welfare and safety standards, and the decision made today means that more people across the globe can enjoy British pork.
“As we leave the EU we will continue to strive to maximise trading opportunities for British produce across the world.”
AHDB’s international market development director, Dr Phil Hadley, said it is “fantastic news” for the pork sector and the individual businesses involved.
While there is relatively low demand for trotters in the UK, they are prized in the Chinese market.
“Today’s announcement is the result of hard work and collaboration across industry and government and a testament to the high standards, quality and safety of our country’s pork production,” Dr Hadley added.
China is the UK’s biggest customer for pork and the market continues to grow in volume and value, AHDB says. Around a third of total pig meat exports in the year-to-date were shipped to China – up 58 per cent on last year.
So far this year, total pig meat exports are worth £369 million, of which the Chinese market is valued at £93 million. This is an increase of 111 per cent compared to the same time last year.
