In its Philippine-British Meat Trade Mission Year-end Gathering in partnership with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and held from November 14-15, 2024.
Key partners in the meat industry and also courtesy visits to the Department of Agriculture and meat retailers in the Philippines validate the role of UK pork exports in cushioning the impact on inflation and food security in the country.
There were 60 participants and key players in the industry who took part in the gathering. The collaborative work of the British Chamber and the British Embassy Manila was highlighted during the opening remarks of Political Counsellor Andy Bowes and a special message from the Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Undersecretary for Livestock DV Savellano, represented by the Deputy Executive Director of National Meat Inspection Service Roberto S. Umali was widely welcomed and became source of inspiration.
Apart from the fellowship, courtesy visits to the Department of Agriculture, MyOwn Meatshop, One World Deli, S&L Fine Foods, and a local wet market in Makati City were also initiated to understand the market situation of the industry. This initiative is part of the continuing efforts of the British Chamber and the UK AHDB in promoting British pork exports to primarily assist on inflation and food security in the country, noting the present challenges of inflationary pressures and succeeding weather conditions such as typhoons, El niño, and La niña phenomena–affecting the local agricultural sector.
AHDB is represented by International Trade Development Manager Richard Gibson and Senior Market Access Manager Ouafa Doxon. Gibson shared some insight into the work of AHDB’s trade promotion team and highlighted aspects such as traceability, sustainability and animal welfare standards, as well as showcasing that the UK farmers produce some of the best quality meat in the world.
The Philippines’ headline inflation has witnessed a slight uptick in October 2024 at 2.3%, while food inflation saw a similar increase at 9.6% from 5.7% in September 2024. To further manage inflation, it is previously reported that the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) will see continuous meat imports due to the African swine fever (ASF). It reported a total volume of imported meat at 757.3 million kilograms in the first seven months of 2024.
On a similar note, UK AHDB also reported that pork and beef figures from January-July 2024 have increased by £21.8 million and £2.2 million in total value, respectively, also noting the recent lifting of the temporary ban for beef. The British Chamber also noted that the signing of the Executive Order No. 62 or the extension of lowered tariffs for pork has significantly encouraged importers as well as the recently signed Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, providing safeguard to legal importers and local producers to support the local agricultural sector. Overall, meat and meat preparations remain the top 2 exported goods from the UK with a value of £39.1 million in August 2024.
Meanwhile, British Chamber Executive Director/Trustee Chris Nelson further noted the importance of these engagements, “In these visits, we are looking at long-term relationships. They visited some of our member companies such as One World Deli, and also Jess Cham who is the President of the Meat Importers and Traders Association…All of this is very conducive to further growth in that sector and in others.”