AHDB hosts visit to explore opportunities for pork in Mexico

One of Mexico’s biggest meat processors met with industry leaders in the UK last week to learn more about our country’s pork sector.

Senior leaders from SuKarne took part in a two-day mission to London to hear from experts at AHDB, government officials and pork processors about a range of topics – including antibiotic usage, production methods and the UK’s export capabilities.

On Thursday, AHDB’s export team met with SuKarne’s CEO Jesús Vizcarra Calderón and two company directors, to explore opportunities to start shipping pork from the UK to Mexico – after market access was granted late last year.

Gaining market access was a huge win for the pork sector in the UK, with the deal estimated to be worth around £50 million in the first five years of trade. Mexico represents a valuable market opportunity for UK pork primals, with the country importing on average 106,000 tonnes each month.

AHDB is working in partnership with UK government, UKECP and others to gain further market access for offal exports from the UK, with the necessary documents currently under review by the Mexican authorities.

AHDB Senior Export Manager for the Americas Susana Morris said: “It was an incredibly useful and productive meeting. SuKarne is a big player in the Mexican meat sector, and we were delighted to support part of their visit to the UK.

“During our time with SuKarne, AHDB was able to talk about the quality of UK pork, as well as our high welfare standards, UK assurance schemes, and what processors are doing to be more sustainable – something that was very important to SuKarne.”

The delegation was also given a butchery demonstration from AHDB butcher Martin Eccles who showed the innovation in the UK to add value to the carcass and the supply chain.

AHDB’s Head of Animal Health and Welfare Mandy Nevel also spoke about the progress being made to reduce antibiotic usage in the pork sector, with usage falling 17 per cent in 2021 – bringing the total reduction since 2015 to 69 per cent.

There were also presentations from AHDB’s International Market Development Director Dr Phil Hadley, Red Tractor, the British Meat Processors Association, the British Pig Association and two leading pork processors.

During the visit, the Mexican delegates were also able to sample pork, beef and lamb from the UK.

Susana added: “This was a great opportunity for us to show SuKarne the quality of our red meat and they were very complimentary of the dishes. We were delighted with the feedback, and we are hopeful this meeting will provide more opportunities for our red meat exporters in this new and potentially lucrative market.”