Japan Welcomes British Cooked Poultry Products

29 Oct, 2023

Japan Welcomes British Cooked Poultry Products

Japan is set to welcome British-cooked poultry products, marking a significant development in the trade relationship between the two countries. This new market access agreement will have far-reaching benefits for UK farmers, meat processors, and exporters. The poultry industry anticipates that this market expansion could potentially generate more than £10 million in revenue over the next five years.

While the UK has been exporting poultry meat to Japan since the establishment of a market access deal for fresh and cooked poultry in 2021, the trade has faced setbacks due to Avian Influenza outbreaks in the UK, resulting in trade restrictions. This freshly negotiated agreement aims to facilitate the smoother trade of cooked poultry meat, opening doors to additional high-value exports to Japan.

Moy Park, one of the largest poultry meat producers in the UK, has become the first company to receive an official registration for the export of cooked poultry to Japan under this agreement, operating from its facility in Grantham, Lincolnshire.

Japan is internationally recognized for its rigorous food safety standards and strict import control procedures, as well as its preference for top-quality, diverse cuts of meat. The decision to allow UK-cooked poultry products into the Japanese market reflects Japan's confidence in the high standards of poultry production in the UK.

The UK's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) played a leading role in the negotiations for this agreement, receiving support from the British Embassy in Tokyo, the British Poultry Council (BPC), South Kesteven District Council, and the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Mark Spencer, the Minister for Food and Farming, expressed his delight at the prospect of British poultry products being enjoyed in Japan and praised the efforts of the Agri-food Attaché network and the dedication to securing trade opportunities.

Dr. Jorge Martin-Almagro, the UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, acknowledged the significance of this market access agreement in the face of Avian Influenza challenges and its positive impact on the UK poultry industry.

Nigel Huddleston, the Minister for International Trade, emphasized the importance of breaking down trade barriers worldwide to boost British businesses, enhance exports, stimulate economic growth, and create jobs.

Richard Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Poultry Council, welcomed the news and thanked government officials for their efforts in securing market access for UK poultry products.

Ayeisha Kirkham, Head of Service (Public Protection) at South Kesteven District Council, praised the collaboration with Moy Park and other agencies in meeting the high expectations of Japanese officials during their site visit.

Beatriz Curran, International Business Development Manager at Moy Park, expressed pride in being the first UK business to benefit from this export opportunity and highlighted their dedication to food safety, integrity, and animal welfare.

Furthermore, the UK has also secured a market access agreement for high-quality breeding poultry in Japan, ensuring that future avian influenza outbreaks lead to temporary restrictions on exports from affected regions rather than a nationwide ban. The UK is recognized as a global leader in the supply of poultry genetics, and this agreement will allow Japanese poultry companies continued access to high-grade UK stock.