Shropshire Farming Talk: South Africa mission to ‘meat’ appetite for British produce

Organised by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), the mission saw six UK export businesses travel to key cities Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. 

The aim? To 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 to underline the UK’s commitment to serving a broader global market. 

The trip also included a reception at the Trade Commissioner’s residence in Johannesburg, organised in partnership with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). It was an ideal setting to emphasise the role British exports play in fulfilling the world’s appetite for quality meat and meat products.

For those keeping an eye on the numbers, the UK’s red meat exports to South Africa have been on the rise. 

During the first half of this year, the UK shipped 2,772 tonnes of beef to South Africa, valued at £2.4 million, which marks a 50 per cent increase in volume and a 27 per cent increase in value compared to last year. Pork exports also saw a significant boost, with 3,167 tonnes shipped, worth £5.4 million — up 34 per cent in volume and an impressive 52 per cent in value on the previous year.

In terms of strategic growth, South Africa represents an attractive market. AHDB’s recent analysis, Prospects for UK agri-food exports, highlights the opportunity to expand UK red meat exports in the region. International trade development is a cornerstone of AHDB’s activities, and we’re committed to working with both the industry and government to broaden our export horizons. 

South Africa presents a number of opportunities for UK exports of beef and pork, and the figures for the first half of this year are encouraging. This mission highlights our ongoing commitment to support exporters as they explore global opportunities.

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

AHDB’s work in facilitating and supporting these international connections is key to helping the UK’s red meat sector thrive in a competitive global market. As demand for quality meat grows, so too does the potential for UK exports—a promising prospect for British producers and South African consumers alike.

by Jonathan Eckley,  Head of International Trade Development at AHDB