UK Pork Exports to Mexico Get Boost Despite Welfare Concerns

A £19m deal announced by the UK Government will cut tariffs on pork products exported to Mexico, providing a boost to British farmers, including those from 12 farms across the country. The exports are likely to mainly be offal and edible pork by-products, which are less popular in the UK but make up Mexican dishes. The deal comes despite recent welfare concerns at one of the farms involved, Cranswick, after covert footage emerged showing workers abusing piglets.

Key Takeaways:

• The UK Government has announced a £19m deal to cut tariffs on pork products exported to Mexico, benefiting 12 farms across the country, including Cranswick and ABP Cold Store in Hull.
• The exports are likely to consist mainly of offal and edible pork by-products, which are less popular in the UK but in demand in Mexico.
• The deal was hailed by the Government as a "strong welfare standards" of British pork, despite recent concerns over animal welfare at one of the farms involved, Cranswick.
• Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner stated that the deal is a "tremendous win" for British pork producers, who will be able to make a return on parts of the pig that are less popular in the UK.
• Cranswick had suspended use of Northmoor Farm in Lincolnshire in May after covert footage emerged showing workers abusing piglets, leading major supermarkets Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, and Tesco to suspend the farm as a supplier.
• Cranswick has since strengthened its animal welfare compliance practices and checks, and an independent review of its animal welfare policies and livestock operations is underway.

Statistics:

• The £19m deal will benefit 12 farms across the country, providing a boost to the British pork industry.
• The exports are likely to consist mainly of offal and edible pork by-products, which make up Mexican dishes.
• Revenues at Cranswick grew by 9.7% over the 13 weeks to June 28, after a boost from the acquisition of sausage maker Blakemans and export growth.
• The Animal and Plant Health Agency has stated that it takes breaches of animal welfare legislation very seriously and investigates every allegation that is reported to it.

Sources:

• "UK Government announces £19m deal to boost pork exports to Mexico" (Source: press article, date not specified)
• Cranswick press release, "Update on independent review of animal welfare policies and livestock operations" (Source: Cranswick press release, date not specified)
• "Cranswick suspended farm after animal welfare abuse claims" (Source: press article, date not specified)
• Animal and Plant Health Agency statement, "Breaches of animal welfare legislation" (Source: APHA website, date not specified)