At the start of Great British Beef Week, the NFU teamed up with the Department for International Trade (DIT) and AHDB to run another export masterclass for farm businesses, this time focussed on red meat.

How to be Export Fit for the Future: Red Meat Masterclass was hosted by NFU Deputy President Stuart Roberts and Exports Minister Graham Stuart and came as DIT announced that there has been a increase in new markets opening up for beef exporters.

The event was part of the ‘Open Doors’ campaign, run by DIT and supported by the NFU, AHDB and Food and Drink Federation.

British beef exports in 2020 – what were they worth?

• Hong Kong – £30.2 million, up 10% from 2019
• Canada – £6.9 million
• Japan – £5.2 million
• The US market also opened last September for exporters, following a 24-year ban. Industry estimates an export value of £66m over the next five years.

NFU President, Minette Batters, said:

“As we celebrate Great British Beef Week and showcase the incredible quality and sustainability of British beef, it’s important that we grow our exports around the world and find new markets. We have developed a fantastic reputation for quality and we believe this also presents an opportunity to develop our market share in existing countries.

“This work with the Department for International Trade is crucial to grow the British brand and allow our farmers to fulfil their ambition to be global leaders in climate-friendly food.”

International trade secretary, Liz Truss, said:

“From Aberdeen Angus to Welsh Black and Hereford, our farmers across the UK are producing great British beef that is renowned worldwide for its quality and production standards, which are second to none.

“Middle-class consumers in Asia and other fast-growing parts of the world crave high-quality produce, as our food and drink producers do best. I urge our brilliant beef farmers to look to the world’s most rapidly growing markets, where their produce is loved and trusted, and cash in on this enormous appetite.

“It is time for a great British exporting boom to propel our recovery and future growth. Through free and fair trade, we are showing the meat of our vision for 'global Britain' as we help our farmers and producers take British food and drink further than ever.”

Food minister at Defra, Victoria Prentis, said:

“British beef is renowned for its high quality food safety and welfare standards.

“Over the past year, the price of beef has made a strong recovery. As well as opening up new trading opportunities for our farmers and food producers around the globe, this week also serves as a timely reminder of the compelling case to Buy British, support our farmers and enjoy high quality local produce.”