Shropshire farming talk: South Africa’s mission to quench the appetite for British produce

The mission, organized by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), saw six UK export businesses visit the key cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

Target? Strengthen relationships with major importers and distributors of British beef and pork.

This mission wasn’t just about meeting potential buyers; it was an opportunity to showcase British red meat and highlight the UK’s commitment to serving the wider global market.

The trip also included a reception at the Trade Commissioner’s residence in Johannesburg, organized in partnership with the Department of Business and Trade (DBT). This was an ideal opportunity to highlight the role of British exports in meeting global demand for quality meat and meat products.

For those keeping an eye on the numbers, UK red meat exports to South Africa are on the rise.

In the first half of this year, the UK sent 2,772 tonnes of beef worth £2.4 million to South Africa, representing a 50 per cent increase in volume and 27 per cent increase in value compared to last year. Pork exports also increased significantly, with 3,167 tonnes worth £5.4 million shipped, up 34 per cent in volume and an impressive 52 per cent in value compared to the previous year.

From a strategic growth perspective, South Africa is an attractive market. AHDB’s recent analysis, UK Agri-Food Export Outlook, highlights the opportunity for UK red meat exports to expand in the region. Promoting international trade is a cornerstone of AHDB’s activities and we are committed to working with both industry and government to expand our export horizons.

South Africa presents a number of opportunities for UK beef and pork exports and figures for the first half of this year are encouraging. This mission underscores our ongoing commitment to supporting exporters exploring global opportunities.

The aim is not only to increase sales, but also to enhance the UK’s reputation as a reliable supplier of high quality red meat. Missions such as these are essential to building and maintaining this reputation and provide a platform for UK exporters to demonstrate their commitment to meeting international demand.

The AHDB’s work to promote and support these international connections is key to the UK red meat sector thriving in a competitive global market. As demand for quality meat grows, so too does the potential for UK exports, which is a promising prospect for both UK producers and South African consumers.

To Jonathan Ackley, Head of International Trade Development, AHDB