British pork will soon be on menus in China following a £50m deal reached by Agriculture Minister Jim Paice.
He announced the landmark agreement with the Chinese Government while on a mission to China to boost trade for British food and farming businesses.
Much of the exported pork will be offal, trotters, ears and other parts of the “fifth quarter” which British diners do not eat, but the Chinese do.
Defra recently published its food exports action plan to help Britain’s farming, food and drink industry – which has a reputation for quality, safety, innovation and expertise – take advantage of the great potential which China offers.
Chinese consumption of meat is increasing rapidly, yet domestic supply cannot meet the demand. The British pig industry estimates that trade in British pork with China will soon be worth more than £50m a year.
The industry is also developing its trade in genetic material for breeding programmes, as British pigs are far more fertile and productive.
The first consignment of British pork is ready to be dispatched by Tulip, the UK’s biggest producer.
