Exports of fresh and frozen pork have risen by 20 per cent over the last year, up nearly 20,000 tonnes to 118,300. Bacon exports also showed a big jump, going from 12,000 tones to more than 33,000 tonnes.

Offals showed an 18 per cent rise hitting 19,000 tonnes with nearly 40 per cent of that going to the Netherlands and almost 30 per cent to Hong Kong.

The value figures are even more impressive with fresh and frozen pork up 42 per cent, worth an extra £33 million while the value of offals are up 63 per cent worth almost £3.5 million more. In total, exports of pork, processed pork products and offals were worth £160 million to the British industry.

BPEX Chief Executive, Mick Sloyan, said, "Exports are vital to the industry which is why BPEX is keen to expand the number of markets into which we sell. They have a very important role in adding value to both producers and processors.

"These impressive figures show that although sow carcase exports increased, the biggest rise was recorded for prime pork cuts.

"This is particularly encouraging following the restrictions put in place during the Foot and Mouth outbreak in 2007. it also demonstrates the value of the Export Recovery Programme conducted by Defra and BPEX in early 2008.

"It is particularly true for pork offal which was an important element of the programme.

"With the value of Sterling more competitive compared with the Euro and other currencies, we hope to see further growth in exports in 2009."