A group of red meat UK exporters has headed to South Africa as part of a mission to help meet the country’s growing appetite for red meat.
Six UK export businesses joined AHDB for the five-day mission to meet with leading importers and distributors of beef and pork in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
It included a reception at the Trade Commissioner’s residence in Johannesburg, coordinated in partnership with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
In the first half of this year, 3,167 tonnes of pig meat worth £5.4 million were exported to South Africa, up 34% in volume and 52% on the year. The UK also shipped 2,772 tonnes of beef worth £2.4 million to the country, up 50% in volume and 27% in value on the year, in the same period.
AHDB’s Prospects for UK agri-food exports has highlighted opportunities to grow the export of red meat into South Africa.
Jonathan Eckley, AHDB Head of International Trade Development, said: “International trade development is one of the cornerstones of AHDB’s activities, working together with industry and government to expand red meat and dairy exports around the world.
“South Africa presents a number of opportunities for UK exports of beef and pork and the figures for the first half of this year are encouraging.
“This mission highlights our ongoing commitment to support exporters develop global opportunities for red meat exports across a broad portfolio of international markets.
“It also provides the platform for us to continue to enhance the UK’s reputation as supplier of high-quality red meat and variety meat.”
