October 5, 2006

British pig exports to top GBP 10 million this year

Britain's pig industry is likely to enjoy another lucrative year on the export market the British Pig Executive (BPEX) said.

The British pig industry exported 77,000 pigs worth GBP 9.3 million. Going by this year's strong export figures, it looks likely that this year would see exports topping GBP 10 million.

Russia has been one of the biggest markets this year for British pig market but the market to China is growing strongly as well. 

However, Britain's chief strength lies not in the quantity but quality of pigs produced.

The world looks to Britain for the best pure bred pig breeds, said BPEX Export manager Jean-Pierre Garnier, adding that this year's breeding pig exports would surpass the records achieved last year. British breeding pigs were sent to 17 countries including Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Hungary, Germany and the Philippines in 2005.

Garnier added the results were representative of the work BPEX, working closely with the British Pig Association and the breeding companies, has done to open  markets abroad.

BPEX would be going all out to promote British pig genetics at upcoming trade shows including Polagra in Poland, Eurotier in Germany and Indagra in Romania.