A year on from the announcement by Filipino authorities that beef exports from the UK could recommence, the first consignment of Northern Irish beef is now on sale in the Philippines.

Pork, chicken and lamb had already been cleared for export prior to beef.

Progress

Welcoming the progress, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) deputy chief veterinary officer Dr Perpetua McNamee said: “We have been working in partnership with Defra and industry to identify new markets and opportunities for our local meat sector. This process began in 2015 and it is welcoming to note that the Filipino people will now have the opportunity to sample the fine quality beef produced by our farmers.”

Taiwan

The access for UK pork meat to Taiwan for the first time has also been welcomed. Dr McNamee explained: “This market is of particular significance to the pork industry because it will provide opportunities for pork processors to export much of the less-marketed 'fifth-quarter' products, which have a limited outlet more locally.”

It is forecast that these new markets may be worth £34m and £50m to the UK beef and pork industries, respectively, over the next five years.

Watch: why China and Asia matter for meat exports

New market for UK pork

First consignment of NI beef lands in the Philippines

In a process that began in 2015, the first shipment of Northern Irish beef is now on sale in the Philippines.