Boost for UK pork sector as Vietnam access approved

In a notable boost for the UK pork sector, the Vietnamese authorities have given the go-ahead for pork exports to commence, in a deal estimated to be worth around £12 million over the first five years. 

Selected pork sites across the UK have been approved to start commercial trade, marking access to this important market for the first time. Pork is the most favoured meat in Vietnam, with consumption outstripping domestic production.

The approval follows a lengthy process of audits and negotiations led by UK Government, AHDB and wider industry, including the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP), to open another new market for the UK’s pork sector.

Ouafa Doxon, AHDB senior market access manager, said: “This announcement is fantastic news for our pork sector and the culmination of a magnificent collaborative effort between industry, UK Government and AHDB to secure access to another priority market for the pork sector.

“UK pork is known around the world for its high quality and reputation and we look forward to our exporters developing opportunities in this new market.”

AHDB Head of International Trade Development Jonathan Eckley said: “One of AHDB’s key strategic objectives is export development, working collaboratively with industry and government, to cultivate further opportunities for our red meat and dairy sectors.

“This announcement further illustrates how this collaborative approach successfully delivers tangible results for our levy payers. In anticipation of how our exporters can make the most of opportunities in Vietnam AHDB took part in the Food & Hotel Vietnam (FHV) trade show earlier this year.

"Access to the Vietnamese market will offer further opportunities to balance carcases and help underpin domestic pig prices.”

AHDB carried out research into the Vietnamese market to ensure that exporters are equipped with the necessary information on consumer buying behaviours once market access for pork was secured.