November 11, 2009

UK processed pork exports booming

UK's bacon, sausage and ham exports are hitting new heights, with the Republic of Ireland remaining as the largest market, according to the British Pig Executive (BPEX).

Bacon exports have more than tripled since January of last year. For the whole of 2008, they reached 31,000 tonnes, worth GBP72 million, and are expected to remain at the same level in 2009. Shipments to Spain rose from 482 tonnes to 5,432 tonnes.

Exports of sausages have progressed substantially to 6,350 tonnes worth GBP14 million in 2008 and are expected to reach 7,500 tonnes this year.

The main destinations are Ireland (37 percent) and Spain (29 percent). Germany, Malta, Denmark, Greece, Malta and Portugal are also substantial markets.

With regards to ham, exports were up to 16,000 tonnes worth GBP43 million in 2008 from 9,000 tonnes in 2006 and 12,000 tonnes in 2007. It is expected to rise by a further 15 percent in 2009. Some 860 tonnes of ham were exported to Hong Kong in 2008.

BPEX export manager Jean-Pierre Garnier said the marketing investment that this industry has afforded in many markets is showing dividends, adding that with more pork likely to be produced in 2010, progress is expected to continue.

US$1 = GBP0.59 (Nov 11)