March 18, 2013

In 2012, UK pork exports reached near record levels and accounted for 25% of UK production.

The only year when total exports were higher was back in 1998 and then only by a couple of percent.

Peter Hardwick, BPEX international manager, explained that exports fell quite dramatically after 1998. In 2000 there was an outbreak of Classical Swine Fever, followed by Foot and Mouth Disease in 2001.

"Those two meant we lost a lot of markets, which we are still regaining," he said, "but seeing the export figures so high for last year is very good news. The amount of pig meat exported was worth in the region of £275 million (US$415 million)."

The main driver was the opening of Chinese and Far Eastern markets which are now becoming very important.

"We have also gained access to the Australian market which will enable us to export high quality, high value pork."