Meat exporters bring pies to Asia

A record 14 meat exporters are this week attending the Food and Hotel Asia (FHA) exhibition in Singapore on the EBLEX-BPEX pavilion as part of the strongest ever UK delegation to this important gateway to Asian markets.

Industry bodies EBLEXand BPEX are divisions of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. Their export departments work to increase exports of red meat, offal, edible co-products, processed meat and livestock genetics by developing existing markets and creating new opportunities worldwide.

The Asian market only recently opened to British boneless cuts - the various displays will include lamb, premium pork, sausages, bacon, pies and ham.

In addition, offal will be widely traded at the show. A number of business meetings have been already planned with local importers.

BPEX and EBLEXexport manager Jean-Pierre Garnier said:

"FHA is a key date on the world food calendar. It takes place only every two years alternatively with Hofex in Hong Kong and is an eagerly awaited event.

"The show is attended by a large number of Asian operators and even from further afield. Thus, the show has become the major meeting point for the Asian meat and food trade.

"In addition, Singapore itself is one of the most attractive markets in the world for premium meat and food products. The country produces little food and needs to import it.

"The UK is well-placed due to the high quality of its fresh meats and meat products to supply this demanding market."