British pork and lamb made a strong showing at the Americas Food & Beverage Show, with key export opportunities in the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
British Pork and Lamb Make a Mark at the Americas Food & Beverage Show in Miami
Last week, four prominent red meat export businesses teamed up with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) to showcase British pork and lamb at the Americas Food & Beverage Show in Miami. The event provided a valuable platform for promoting the quality of British red meat to potential buyers in key markets across the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Visitors to the stand were treated to a culinary experience, with AHDB’s food communications manager Denise Spencer-Walker preparing delicious samples of British pork and lamb. The event not only gave attendees the opportunity to taste these premium products but also facilitated important connections between UK exporters and buyers in the region.
Expanding British Meat Exports to the Americas
AHDB’s presence at the Americas Food & Beverage Show is part of a larger strategy to expand British red meat exports to the Americas. According to Susana Morris, AHDB Senior Trade Development Manager, there are significant opportunities for pork and lamb exports in the southern United States and nearby regions such as Mexico and the Caribbean.
“The Americas Food & Beverage Show provided the perfect platform to champion our quality pork and lamb to key food service buyers from not only these areas but also from further afield,” Morris said.
This targeted approach aims to capitalize on the growing demand for high-quality meat in these regions, where British pork and lamb can distinguish themselves based on taste, texture, and production standards. By allowing buyers to taste the product, AHDB is demonstrating the premium nature of British red meat, helping to build stronger relationships with potential buyers.
Strong Performance in Red Meat Exports
The efforts to promote British pork and lamb in international markets are already showing results. In the first half of 2024, pork exports to the US, Canada, and the Dominican Republic saw impressive growth in both volume and value.
For instance, shipments of pork to the US increased by 4%, totaling 3,603 tonnes with a value of £12.3 million. Exports to the Dominican Republic rose by 15% in volume, reaching 2,508 tonnes, with the value soaring 77% to £4.7 million. Canada also saw significant increases, with a 40% rise in volume (588 tonnes) and a 129% boost in value, bringing the total to £2.8 million.
These numbers underscore the growing demand for British pork in the region, further validating AHDB’s strategic focus on expanding exports to the Americas.
A Collaborative Effort to Promote British Red Meat
AHDB’s participation in the Miami event was part of an ongoing effort to support UK red meat exporters in accessing international markets. By providing a platform for UK businesses to showcase their products, AHDB helps build connections that can lead to long-term export relationships.
Denise Spencer-Walker, AHDB’s food communications manager, played a key role in engaging potential buyers at the show by preparing dishes using British pork and lamb. Her culinary creations not only highlighted the versatility and flavor of the meat but also provided a direct experience for buyers to appreciate the quality of British red meat.
“Being able to taste the product is a key part of that, and we were delighted that our own Denise Spencer-Walker produced dishes to tantalise the taste buds of visitors to our stand,” Morris said.
The opportunity for buyers to meet directly with UK exporters also contributed to the event’s success. AHDB’s work in promoting British meat is widely appreciated by levy payers, who value the board’s efforts in helping to deliver positive outcomes for the red meat sector.
AHDB’s Continued Commitment to Export Growth
The Miami event followed a similar effort earlier in the year, when AHDB led a UK delegation to the California Restaurant Show in Los Angeles in August. These trade shows form part of AHDB’s ongoing commitment to promoting British red meat exports in key markets, particularly in North America and the Caribbean.
“Our levy payers have told us how much they value AHDB’s work in supporting exports,” Morris said. “Appearing at the Americas Food & Beverage Show is a further demonstration of our commitment to work with industry to help deliver positive outcomes for our red meat sectors.”
By appearing at high-profile events like these, AHDB helps British exporters gain visibility in competitive international markets, paving the way for continued growth in red meat exports.
Conclusion
The Americas Food & Beverage Show in Miami provided an excellent opportunity for AHDB and UK exporters to promote British pork and lamb to a growing market in the southern US, Mexico, and the Caribbean. With an emphasis on quality and sustainability, British red meat continues to make inroads in these key markets, with export numbers reflecting strong demand. AHDB’s continued support for exporters, combined with its presence at international trade shows, is helping to ensure that British pork and lamb remain competitive on the global stage.
As British pork exports to the Americas continue to rise, AHDB’s efforts will be crucial in maintaining momentum and expanding market access in the years to come.