Japan Welcomes British Cooked Poultry Meat: New Trade Opportunities

UK poultry products are set to make their way to Japan, thanks to a recently established market access agreement that promises to benefit British farmers, meat processors, and exporters. Industry experts predict that this market could be worth over £10 million in the next five years.

The export of UK poultry to Japan commenced following a market access agreement secured in 2021 for both fresh and cooked poultry. However, outbreaks of Avian Influenza in the UK have previously imposed trade restrictions.

This new agreement facilitates the seamless trade of cooked poultry, allowing for an increased number of high-value exports to Japan. Moy Park, one of the leading poultry producers in the UK, has become the first company officially registered to export cooked poultry to Japan, operating from its facility in Grantham, Lincolnshire.

Japan is globally recognized for its rigorous food safety standards and import regulations, along with its preference for high-quality and diverse meat cuts. The opening of this market signifies Japan’s confidence in the superior quality of UK poultry production methods.

Negotiations for this agreement were spearheaded by Defra in collaboration with their Agriculture Attaché and personnel based at the British Embassy in Tokyo, with assistance from the British Poultry Council (BPC), South Kesteven District Council, and the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Mark Spencer, Food and Farming Minister, stated:

British poultry is renowned worldwide as some of the finest available, and I am thrilled for the new high-value products that can now be enjoyed in Japan.

I want to acknowledge our Agri-food Attaché network, whose diligent efforts bring trade opportunities like this to life while supporting UK farmers.

Dr. Jorge Martin-Almagro, UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, commented:

This market access agreement is a positive development for the UK poultry industry and showcases the high quality of our meat.

Amid ongoing challenges from Avian Influenza, securing this deal for the export of valuable UK poultry products is a notable success.

Nigel Huddleston, Minister for International Trade, remarked:

This is a major victory for British poultry farmers and producers who can now sell their exceptional products in this extensive and profitable market.

Removing trade barriers globally opens up new opportunities for British businesses, which is crucial for boosting exports, stimulating economic growth, and creating new employment as we aim for £1 trillion in exports annually by 2030.

Richard Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Poultry Council, stated:

We are pleased to announce the market access for cooked poultry meat exports to Japan. The industry has closely collaborated with the government to create opportunities for businesses producing world-class, safe, nutritious, and affordable food, as well as high-quality poultry breeding stock.

Following today’s announcement, we extend our gratitude to the Defra market access team and all government officials involved for opening exciting opportunities for BPC members and ensuring food availability globally, even amidst substantial challenges like navigating highly pathogenic avian influenza regionalisation negotiations. We look forward to continuing our efforts to build and strengthen essential markets and relationships.

Ayeisha Kirkham, Head of Service (Public Protection) at South Kesteven District Council, noted:

Our district council has managed food hygiene regulations at Moy Park in Grantham, one of Lincolnshire’s major employers, for several decades. It has been a pleasure working with the company and other agencies to meet the high standards required by the Japanese officials who visited in March.

Supporting local businesses and economic growth, particularly in global food exports, remains a priority for the council during these challenging times for imports and exports.

Beatriz Curran, International Business Development Manager at Moy Park, expressed:

We are extremely proud to be the first UK company poised to capitalize on this remarkable export opportunity. Our commitment lies in upholding the highest standards of food safety, integrity, and animal welfare, and we are grateful to collaborate with the industry and partners to successfully enter this new market.

With the momentum gained from this achievement, we are optimistic about expanding this export opportunity further across our facilities, thanks to our team’s technical expertise and dedication.

Japan is also a significant market for premium UK breeding poultry, with another market access agreement established recently. This agreement ensures that any future avian influenza incidences result only in temporary export restrictions from the affected regions, rather than imposing an overall ban. The UK stands as a global leader in poultry genetics, and this deal will allow Japanese poultry companies continued access to top-quality UK breeding stock.