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Shipments of British beef to China could begin before the end of the year after the signing of a UK-China beef protocol by Defra Farming Minister, Robert Goodwill and Chinese Ambassador to the UK, Liu Xiaoming. It follows on from a formal lifting of the ban on UK beef in June 2018 (imposed due to BSE in 1996) and more recently, a successful visit by Chinese inspectors to UK beef farms and processing establishments earlier this month.
According to Defra, the trade in beef could be worth up to £230m to the UK beef industry over the next five years.
It is also understood that a similar Chinese visit to inspect the UK sheep industry could happen later this year, with a view to also opening up that trade.
Meanwhile a report has been published by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) based in England which explores the potential for future exports to Asia.
With a growing population, currently at 4.5bn, and increasing consumer affluence, there are significant opportunities for exports to the continent.
In particular, China and Hong Kong are seen as key to current demand and future growth, with the market in Hong Kong set to record the strongest growth rates, driven by a strong desire for high-quality meat.
China accounts for the largest share of export sales to the region (73%). However, consumers there tend to buy their meat fresh from a market.
Currently British exports typically enter as frozen product, which makes it more difficult for it to be seen as a premium meat. The frozen market is generally for lower-value cuts such as forequarter cuts, short ribs and brisket.
Offal consumption is also high in China, with tendons, tripe, intestines and tongue being important products.
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