UK poultry can now be served on Japanese tables with industry estimates predicting this will boost the industry by up to £65 million over five years.
The government of the United Kingdom has revealed in a press release that Japan has approved the import of poultry meat within an agreement that can represent up to £13 million (USD 18 million) per year to the British poultry industry.
With this agreement, the UK secures one of the strictest markets in the world, allowing producers and exporters to participate in the third-largest economy.
"Japan is renowned internationally for its stringent food safety and import control regime, as well as for its taste for high-quality, varied cuts of meats. The opening of this market for UK fresh and cooked poultry products demonstrates the high standards of UK poultry production methods", says the government statement.
The British government informed that this agreement is the result of complex negotiations with Japanese officials over four years. Several requirements related to animal health and food safety had to be met by the UK to obtain approval.
"Benefits of this development will be felt across the supply chain throughout the UK and will open up new opportunities for British farmers."
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Some government officials in the UK have spoken out about it. The Food Minister, Victoria Prentis, said the UK accounts for high-quality poultry with exceptional flavor and high standards of food safety and animal welfare which is demonstrated by farmers and producers across the state. Additionally, the UK has been optimistic to open new markets for agri-food businesses.
Ranil Jayawardena, Minister for International Trade, said "this is fantastic news for farmers and food producers across the whole of the United Kingdom who can now take advantage of this new market and export poultry meat to Japan – the world’s third largest economy - for the first time.
Also, the UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer said "this represents a major achievement for the UK poultry meat industry, providing UK exporters with the opportunity to further tap into the overseas demand for their poultry meat. This is another positive step towards strengthening the UK’s trade relationship with Japan, in addition to the existing agreements which enable the export of pork, beef, and lamb from the UK"
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