THE first consignment of Northern Irish beef has gone on sale in the Philippines in what could potentially become a lucrative market for the local industry.
The Filipino authorities announced a year ago that beef exports from the UK to the Philippines could recommence, alongside existing exports of pork, chicken and lamb.
And the first consignment of beef from Northern Ireland has now cleared customs in the Philippines, according to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera).
The department's deputy chief veterinary officer Dr Perpetua McNamee said: “We've been working in partnership with Defra and industry to identify new markets and opportunities for our local meat sector.
“This process began in 2015 and it is welcoming to note that the Filipino people will now have the opportunity to sample the fine quality beef produced by our farmers.”
She also welcomed the fact that the pork industry in the north will now have access to the Taiwanese market after authorities there agreed to accept pork imports from the UK for the first time.
“This market is of particular significance to the pork industry because it will provide opportunities for pork processors to export much of the less marketed ‘fifth quarter’ products which have a limited outlet more locally," she said.
“Gaining access to the Philippines and Taiwanese markets is further recognition of the rigorous standards we have in place to produce our high-quality, safe and wholesome meat.”
Defra forecasts that additional trade to these new markets may be worth £34m and £50m respectively to the UK beef and pork industries over the next five years.
