Exports of UK pork to Japan are growing in value, with the latest figures from HMRC revealing shipments have soared by more than 50%.

Between January and November, 2022, shipments of UK pig meat rose by 54% to level at just shy of £5.1million.

In all, some 1420tonnes of pig meat was sent to Japan which compares to 1330tones exported in the same period in 2021.

Japan, which has the third-biggest economy in the world, with a population of 125m, relies on imports for around 60% of the food it consumes, due to insufficient agricultural land.

It first opened its doors to imports of UK beef in January, 2019, following its 1996 bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) ban.

Jonathan Eckley, AHDB head of Asia, Pacific, said Japan is a growing market for UK pork exports.

“These are steadily rising each year as demand for high-quality meat continues to grow,” he explained.

“We are keen to maximise on the opportunities that Japan offers and help our exporters grow their business.”

It comes as one of Asia’s largest food and drinks exhibitions, Foodex Japan, returned on Tuesday, March 7.

The four-day show in Tokyo is expected to attract around 3000 exhibitors and thousands of buyers from across Japan.

Joined by six exporters, AHDB is showcasing pork from the UK, alongside beef and lamb, at the event.

“This year marks the first time in three years that our team will be able to attend in person following the pandemic.

“We are excited to be able to reconnect with potential buyers in this important market.”