“This has dipped in the last few weeks but it is still making nearly €3/kg, €0.90/kg above the European average,” Duggan said. “In 2016, imports shot up dramatically. From May to August, there has been a significant increase in demand. This can be linked to a strengthening in European prices.”

14% export surge

For the first seven months of the year, Ireland has exported 14% more pigmeat than the previous year, with most of the increase going to China.

The Chinese economy is expected to grow by 6.2% this year, so the type of person interested in the product is changing, he said. The middle class are now trying different things, so they are buying shoulder meat.

Quality assurance is a pre-requisite to trade in the market

Food safety is the top priority for Chinese consumers, he added.

“Quality assurance is a pre-requisite to trade in the market; 98% of consumers check for a quality assurance mark. The Origin Green programme is something we can market when we go to China.”

Duggan said that Bord Bia hopes “to have the Origin Green programme in place within the next few months in the pigmeat sector”.

Listen to an interview with Peter Duggan in our podcast below:

Listen to “Bord Bia's Peter Duggan on pig markets” on Spreaker.

A submission has been sent to the European Union to secure 80% funding for expanding awareness of Irish pigmeat abroad and understanding of food safety, quality assurance and sustainability.

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