Pig industry dreams of Eastern promise

- Published: 13 February, 2009

UK pig industry representatives are embarking on a major push to get British breeding pigs and pork into Far Eastern markets.

BPEX and the British Pig Association are planning to attend six international shows to promote British pork as part of a joint marketing programme, which is supported by UK Trade and Investment.

BPEX head of exports J P Garnier, said: "China and the Far East are the most vibrant regions for the trade of pork and pig genetics at the moment.

"We already are the undisputed market leaders with pig genetics on these markets and have recently won some major contracts in the region. Exports of pork to Hong Kong have more than tripled in 2008.

"The UK has a very good image with local buyers that we want to build on the high reputation for the quality of our products. We are also planning buyers' visits from Taiwan to England in the autumn. I can happily say: success breeds success."

Both organisations will attend the VIV Asia exhibition in Bangkok in March, along with major British pig breeding companies. Delegations from six Far Eastern countries have been invited for presentation and discussions on British breeding pigs at the event.

In May, a strong British representation will attend the exhibition of China Animal Agriculture Association in Chengdu and a forum on British breeding stock. In June, British pork will be presented at the Hofex exhibition in Hong Kong conference.

The World Pork and Meat Congresses and an exhibition organised by China's Meat Association in Qindao in early September will be attended by delegations from BPEX, BPA and the British pork sector. It is hoped that the British pavilion and specialist seminar will entice Chinese buyers.

Finally, the sector will be represented in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in October.