As reported by FarmingUK, pork exports from the United Kingdom in March rose 13% on the same month of the previous year, with just shy of 18,200 tonnes exported – the highest monthly figure recorded since 1998, a period in which Britain was producing considerably more pork than it does today.

Better still, 5,000 tonnes reached Greater China – a region comprised of China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan – for the very first time. Offal exports were also reported to be higher, with a record of 2,600 tonnes set in March.

Jean-Pierre Garnier, export manager at BPEX, said that exports to China in particular are promising.

“The exports to China are a massive figure bearing in mind that market has not been open to us for very long. There has been some very good growth and the overall figure is evidence of the global demand for British pork is strong.”

Continuing, Mr Garnier explained that, “We are benefiting from a favourable market but the commitment of British exporters has been exemplary. For instance, six exporters attended a very busy food show in SIAL Shanghai this week and we are back next month to Beijing.

“Exports are definitely making a major contribution to the renewed health of the sector.”

The Yorkshire Pig, a popular spit roast caterer and machine provider in Yorkshire, England, regularly comments on breaking industry news. Speaking on behalf of the company, a representative said that the growing demand for British pork hasn’t surprised them.

“These new figures don’t come as a shock to us in the least. As a prominent British hog roasting caterer we know that local pork is the best in the world, and it seems that people outside of Britain are now developing a growing appetite for the quality produce that we’ve been rearing on these shores for centuries.”

Continuing, a representative for The Yorkshire Pig said, “We love British pork and we source local free range produce for all of our events, be it an informal birthday party with 20 guests or a grand, informal wedding with hundreds of attendees.

“When you combine hundreds of years of breeding, British farming methods and our cutting edge hog roast machines, what you get is a sumptuous tender meat and crispy crackling that is rich in flavour!

“If you’re out shopping for pork we 100% recommended finding produce that’s reared in the UK, especially free range meat, and if you’re looking for a caterer who cooks British pigs like nobody else can then we’re more than happy to help.”

The Yorkshire Pig provides professional catering options for business breakfasts, birthday parties, weddings and more. They have a large selection of menus suitable for both informal and formal events. Visit their website at www.hogroastsyorkshire.co.uk to book catering or a spit roast machine today.