British pork is heading to Chile this month to fulfil the first commercial order since market access was granted earlier this year.

The UK’s largest pork processor, Cranswick, is in the process of preparing the first shipments, which will leave its plant in Preston, Hull, early next week.

It follows a new agreement announced in March, which granted market access for 27 pork processing sites in the UK, enabling the first ever exports of pork products to this new and potentially lucrative market.

We estimate market access could be worth up to £20 million over the first five years of trade. Due to rules of origin and preferential trading agreements, pork exports to Chile receive most favoured nation (MFN) status and, as a result, are subject to a 6% tariff.

A spokesman from Cranswick said: “We have received our first order for British pork which will be shipped to a customer in Chile this month.

“As the largest processor of pork in the UK, it is imperative we continue to have access to new and emerging international markets, and we welcome this access agreement between the UK and Chile We continue to work closely with AHDB to identify and develop new market opportunities.”

Pork exports to Chile came hot on the heels of securing new market access to Mexico – a market which is believed to be worth up to £50 million to pork producers during the first five years of trade.

Access to both markets was secured through collaborative working between AHDB, Defra, the UK Export Certification Partnership and wider industry.

AHDB’s International Market Development Director Dr Phil Hadley said: “We are delighted to see the first shipments of pork heading to Chile following the market access win earlier in the year.

“Chilean consumers will now be able to enjoy pork from the UK and our exporters have access to another important and growing market, bringing a much-needed boost to the UK’s pork sector.

“As part of our strategy, AHDB will continue to identify new opportunities overseas and work with government to help our red meat processors export more products around the world.”