MEXICAN DELEGATION VIEWS UK PIG INDUSTRY

UK Pig Meat Exports on the Horizon?

Mexican visitors pictured at Uncle Henry’s Farm Shop, Grayingham, Lincs with Graham Ward

AHDB organised a trade mission from Mexico to the UK 6-12 July 2019 to pave the way for exports of British pork products. Supported by the Department for International Trade, delegates paid visits to pig farming and genetics companies, processors and retailers - from farm shops, to food markets through to supermarkets – alongside a day spent at the Great Yorkshire Show - where they were also able to view the best of British-bred sheep and cattle.

With a population of 130 million, Mexico has around 1 million sows (compared to 400,000 in the UK) but is only around 50% self-sufficient in pig meat resulting in an annual import of around 1.5 million tonnes mainly from the US & Canada. “The UK is in progressive discussions with the Mexican authorities regarding market access for British pork,” said AHDB Senior Export Manager Susana Morris, who accompanied the trip, adding that this visit was a great opportunity for the UK to showcase the quality and taste, high animal welfare, low antibiotic use and farm assurance schemes behind a strong UK pork brand.