August 10, 2017
UK beef finds new export market in Philippines
The Philippines has opened its market to UK beef, which now joins pork, poultry, lamb and dairy on the list of UK food and drink shipped to the Southeast Asian country.
According to AHDB Beef & Lamb, market access for beef was withdrawn in 1996 due to BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy or mad cow disease) concerns and the ban was lifted in 2001. This latest deal, estimated to be worth £34 million (€37.6 million) over the next five years, follows a visit from a delegation of inspectors from the Philippines last year, it said.
"Securing market access for our world-class beef to the Philippines is a huge vote of confidence for a sector that already exports more than £350 million around the world, including Hong Kong and Canada", Food Minister George Eustice said.
"The UK beef industry is the envy of the world and this strong demand globally for our traditional breeds reared to the highest welfare standards is what drives our exports and creates opportunities for our farmers", he added.
Dr Phil Hadley, AHDB's international market development director, for his part, said: "We are delighted the Philippines has approved UK beef exports, a market we already export pork to. The decision indicates future expansion for UK agriculture and our growing export markets globally".
According to the beef and lamb division of the UK Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board, the Philippines is the largest food and drink market in Southeast Asia with meat consumption expected to grow by 10% over the next five years.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland hailed the Philippines' approval of UK beef imports as a "major boost" for the agri-food industry in Northern Ireland.
"I am delighted that the Philippines has granted approval for Northern Ireland plants to export beef to their markets", said Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer, Robert Huey.
He said the approval for Northern Ireland "is testament to the rigorous standards that are in place to produce high-quality, safe and wholesome meat".
