The exports of pork and pork products from the United Kingdom have set another new record.
Pork exports were just under 18,200 tonnes for March, 13 per cent up on the same month last year and the highest monthly figure since 1998, at a time when British pork production was much higher.
On top of that, exports to Greater China, which includes Hong Kong, topped 5,000 tonnes for the first time ever. Offal exports also reached a record high in March at 2,600 tonnes.
BPEX Export Manager Jean-Pierre Garnier said: "The exports to China are a massive figure bearing in mind that market has not been open to us for very long.
"There has been some very good growth and the overall figure is evidence of the global demand for British pork is strong.
"We are benefiting from a favourable market but the commitment of British exporters has been exemplary. For instance, six exporters attended a very busy in SIAL Shanghai this week and we are back next month to Beijing.
"Even this week, we are holding discussion in Nigeria. Pork was exported to 30 countries and territories in the period. To complete the picture, the prices achieved by our processors on export markets have also risen strongly.
"Exports are definitely making a major contribution to the renewed health of the sector."
BPEX is the organisation for pig levy payers in England and is a division of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).
