Uruguay has achieved a major breakthrough in its agricultural export sector: Hong Kong has officially opened its market to Uruguayan poultry meat and by-products. This marks a historic milestone, as it is the first time Uruguay has gained access to a medium-demand international market for its avian products.
The process began in January 2022, when Uruguay submitted a detailed risk analysis questionnaire to Hong Kong’s Center for Food Safety. Over the next two years, Uruguayan authorities engaged in a series of technical exchanges, culminating in an on-site audit in December 2024. Inspectors from Hong Kong visited farms, feed mills, and the Granja Tres Arroyos slaughterhouse to evaluate compliance with international health and safety standards.
This achievement is the result of a coordinated effort involving the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Uruguayan embassy in China, the National Meat Institute (INAC), and the Uruguayan Chamber of Poultry Processors (CUPRA).
Granja Tres Arroyos: a key player
The Granja Tres Arroyos plant, located in Canelones, is the first facility authorized to export to Hong Kong. The company invested heavily in infrastructure upgrades and staff training to meet the rigorous requirements of the Asian market. It will now be able to export whole chickens, poultry cuts, and by-products, opening new commercial opportunities.
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Strategic importance of the Hong Kong market
Hong Kong is a strategic gateway to Asia, with a population of over 14 million and an annual import volume of more than 300,000 tons of poultry products. According to CUPRA’s executive director, Federico Stanham, this market opening is a turning point: “It’s the first step toward building a sustainable export chain and accessing more demanding markets.”
Moreover, Hong Kong’s food safety standards are closely aligned with those of mainland China. This development could serve as a stepping stone for future negotiations with Chinese authorities, potentially unlocking one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
A boost for Uruguay’s global reputation
This approval reinforces Uruguay’s reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality, traceable, and safe food products. It also highlights the country’s ability to meet stringent international standards, positioning it as a competitive player in the global poultry market.
