AHDB will be looking to explore possible export opportunities for UK pork at the Espacio Food and Service trade show in Santiago, Chile.
The event, from September 26-28, will allow AHDB to met with new Chilean importers and build on existing customer relationships. UK pork exports to Chile were up by 48.9% in the first half of 2023, with the value increasing by 94.7% on 2022. Pig offal exports were up by 32.3% in volume and 138.6% in value.
Susana Morris, AHDB senior exports manager (Americas), said: “Chile presents opportunities for UK pork exports, both for muscle cuts and particularly for pig offals. The Espacio Food and Service trade show provides the ideal platform for us to meet and connect with prospective buyers, as well as strengthening relationships with existing ones. It will enable us to showcase high-quality, sustainably produced pork from the UK.”
Experts have predicted that Chilean consumption will increase 14% by 2031, with imports expected to increase by 20%. Approximately 100 tonnes of pig offal was exported to Chile in 2022 after the UK obtained an Export Health Certificate (EHC) to ship product there.
Ms Morris added: “Chile is a burgeoning market for UK pork exports and the figures for the first half of this year are positive. The Chilean economy is currently slowing which is likely to impact on food consumption, although consumers are expected to continue buying meat in a more measured way.
“That said, the longer-term prospects for pork are very welcome which is why it is imperative that we participate in trade shows like this to cement a foothold in the market. Our aim is to build on the success achieved in the year to date and to continue working with Government and industry to help support our pork producers with commercial trade opportunities.”
Further AHDB analysis of export opportunities in Chile and the wider South America region can be found in AHDB’s Prospects for UK agri-food exports: Central/South America.