The aim was to evaluate market potential for pork, lamb, beef, fifth quarter products and livestock genetics as discussions on market access in the region progress. Delegates from EBLEX and BPEX visited the region for preliminary discussions with local importers and authorities.

The visit to Korea and Japan formed part of a commercial mission by the European Commission, while the visit to India was organised in collaboration with UK Trade and Investment (UKTI). It included the organisation of an agri-tech conference in Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab, the ‘food bowl’ of India. EBLEX and BPEX are also due attend the Foodex show in Japan in March.

Jean-Pierre Garnier, EBLEX and BPEX export manager, said: “Our exports to Third Countries are growing well and we must aim to replicate our current successes in the Far East and Africa in other important Far East markets and the Indian sub-continent.

“The UK already benefits from market access for pork in Japan, Korea and India and has developed exports of frozen pork to Japan and Korea. Japan offers very good opportunities for grass-fed beef, bovine offal and premium pork products. The potential for lamb, however, is more limited and may require long term investment. The Korean market is also a longer term prospect for lamb and grass-fed beef.

“Developing exports has been a key part of our strategy since 2010 and has led to the opening of market access to more than 60 countries for beef and sheep meat.”