March 8, 2006

Poland plans to expand pork exports to north Asia

The re-opening of the Japanese market to Polish pork in February last month has fired up ambitions for Poland to export to more countries in north Asia.

Polish pork exports are expected to hit 50,000 tonnes in 2006. It is already exporting pork to South Korea and is hoping to enter the Chinese pork market.

The Polish Veterinary Service is currently auditing meat companies hoping to export pork to Japan. Sixty have applied to do so and several have received approval.

Japanese importers are interested in Polish pork loins, bellies and shoulders. Major Polish pork exporting companies such as Sokolow, Animex and Duda are planning to start shipping to Japan next month, where it will face fierce competition from US, Dutch and Canadian pork.

Representatives from polish pork companies say they are confident of meeting the high quality standards of the Japanese market. Japanese customers demand precise weight and fat content of pork cuts and producers view Japan as a market with tremendous potential.

Poland is also looking for opportunities to export to China but has been unsuccessful so far.