A Mexican pork industry delegation to the UK was impressed with it saw and keen to do business, according to the visit organisers.
The six-day mission earlier this month was organised by AHDB, with support from the Department for International Trade (DIT) in Mexico. Representatives from the Mexican livestock industry toured farms, processors, supermarkets and a leading pig farming and genetics specialist, as well as taking in a day at the Great Yorkshire Show.
Susana Morris, AHDB’s senior export manager for North America, described the trip as a success, with one of the guests saying he was ready to import UK pork to his country and sell it to his customers.
She added: “We were able to provide an insight into our pork industry and showcase our products to a group of influential experts from the Mexican marketplace.
“The delegation was impressed with the developments in pig production here in the UK and particularly interested in the fact that 42% of the commercial pig breeding herd is kept outdoors in free-range conditions and 20% of weaning pigs are reared outdoors.
“Other areas of interest among the group were energy renewal management, the reduction of antibiotic usage in the pig sector, genetics, traceability and the positive outcomes of the consumer promotional campaign.”
NPA senior policy adviser Ed Barker met the group, delivering a presentation outlining what the UK pig sector has to offer.
“It was a great opportunity to present to the Mexican delegation,” Ed said. “It is important for us as the sector’s representative body to champion our producers and members and explain the variety and quality of the systems we have in place.”