With trade very much in the spotlight China's most important trade show for the meat sector has underlined its importance as an export destination for British pig meat.

British pig meat exporters joined the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) at SIAL China in Shanghai to shine the spotlight on our world-class produce in what is the UK's biggest market for the sector.

The show in Shanghai was expected to attract more than 180,000 industry professionals and visitors to AHDB's stand had the opportunity to meet with exporters and sample quality pork from Britain.

To coincide with the show AHDB, in collaboration with Invest Northern Ireland, also hosted a British Meat Dinner which attracted 60 key industry stakeholders and was also attended by HM Deputy Trade Commissioner for China Sohail Shaikh.

Jonathan Eckley, AHDB International Trade Development Director, said: "Taking part in SIAL and the British Meat Dinner is vital in ensuring our world-class produce remains front and centre in this key market. Feedback from visitors to our stand at the show was very positive and it's encouraging to see how well respected and highly valued our products are in this key market for the pig meat sector."

China remains the UK's biggest export market for pork. In 2024 the UK exported £161 million worth of pig meat to China.

Last June AHDB hosted a delegation from the China Meat Association (CMA) for a week, which included meeting industry and UK Government officials at the AHDB Red Meat Export Conference in Butchers' Hall, London. In December two UK sites were re-listed to export pig meat to China after a huge collaborative effort between many stakeholders including Government departments, industry and AHDB.

Jonathan added: "I cannot stress enough how important the market in China is for exports of pig meat. As ever, building and maintaining positive relationships with industry stakeholders plays a pivotal role in helping drive export growth. We will continue to work with industry and the government to maximise the opportunities presented."

Details about export opportunities for British red meat and dairy can be found in the AHDB analysis Prospects for UK agri-food exports.