A major trade mission to Vietnam led by AHDB this week is seeking to broaden the portfolio of markets for British pig meat in Asia.
Supported by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the three-day mission saw British exporters meet with key contacts in Hanoi and Ho Chin Min. It aimed to provide more market insight into Vietnam and help export business identify where the opportunities for trade are.
The value of pig meat exports, including offal, to Vietnam in the first half of this year was worth £68,324, and AHDB has identified it as a market with potential growth, Susan Stewart, AHDB head of international trade development said.
In 2024, pork export work added £49 per head to the sector, while figures for the first half of 2025 showed the value of total UK red meat exports, including offal, was up nearly 10% on the year at £966 million.
The focus of the mission has been very much on offal products, which are in high demand in Vietnam, demonstrating the value of balancing the carcase and developing markets for products that don’t command major demand domestically in the UK.
“Maintaining a wide portfolio of markets is key to ensuring the industry optimises the opportunities available,” Ms Stewart said.
“We have plants listed to export to Vietnam and we are looking to grow that trade and diversify our offering across different markets in Southeast Asia. Gaining further insight into consumer trends and making connections with key contacts in-market is critical in helping our pig meat exports thrive and we were delighted to support our levy payers on this mission.”
The mission forms part of AHDB’s wider programme of activity to encourage international trade development for the red meat and dairy sectors which also includes participation in major international trade shows, inward trade missions to the UK and support for market access work.
Ms Stewart added: “AHDB’s export work is highly valued by our levy payers and our aim is to build on the successes of recent years to help ensure our red meat exports continue to thrive globally. Collaboration is key and we will continue to work with industry and government to help deliver tangible outcomes for the sector.”