OPPORTUNITIES to export beef and pork to the Philippines were explored as part of a two-day British Meat Trade Mission.
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) led the visit in Manila, alongside eight processors from the UK who met with key importers and distributors. 
The aim was to gain a better understanding of the needs of the marketplace and opportunities that exist for UK meat exports.
During the visit, the UK delegation spoke to the Philippine Association of Meat Importers, discussed production protocols and food safety standards as well as a question and answer session with the Philippine authorities. 
The mission followed an announcement last summer that UK beef would be back on dinner plates in the Philippines after export approval was agreed, estimated to be worth £34m over the next five years.
Defra and AHDB worked with UKECP, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the Scottish Government together with QMS, and other UK levy boards and Government departments to secure the deal.
AHDB Export’s head of Asia Pacific, Jonathan Eckley, said: “The Philippines is the largest food and drink market in south east Asia with meat consumption expected to grow by 10% over the next five years. 
“The mission has allowed us to not only find opportunities for UK beef exports, but also to increase our offering of pork – a market we already enjoy a great deal of success with.”
Laurent Vernet, director of strategic engagement with QMS, attended the Manila visit and said the market could offer an important opportunity for Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb sales growth in the coming years.
He added: “The Philippines offers a significant future market, particularly for parts of the beef, lamb and pork carcass which are not typically in strong demand on the home market. This offers the potential for Scottish exporters to maximise their potential return from the whole carcass.”