British Poultry Returns to South African Markets After Eight-Year Hiatus

UK poultry exporters are now preparing to resume trade with South Africa, supported by Defra, the market access team, and other industry bodies.

Deal Expected to Bring £160m to UK Poultry Industry Over Next Five Years

British poultry is set to return to South African tables after the UK secured a market access deal estimated to generate up to £160 million over the next five years. This marks the end of an eight-year ban imposed on UK poultry imports due to avian influenza outbreaks. With the UK declared free from avian influenza earlier this year, the trade barrier has been lifted, providing British poultry producers the opportunity to re-enter one of their historically important markets.

This achievement is a significant milestone in the UK's efforts to enhance agricultural trade. South African consumers will now have access to high-quality British poultry, contributing to local food security. Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner finalized the deal with South African counterparts, Deputy Ministers Rosemary Capa (Agriculture) and Andrew Whitfield (Trade), last week.

Minister Zeichner emphasized the broader impact of the deal, saying, “This agreement not only opens new opportunities for UK poultry traders but also provides a pathway to growing the UK economy by boosting food exports.”

In 2016, UK poultry exports to South Africa were valued at over £37 million, making it a crucial market before the ban. The successful reopening of trade is the result of long-term collaboration between UK and South African officials.

Katie Doherty, CEO of the International Meat Trade Association, expressed enthusiasm, calling the reopening "fantastic news" for UK exporters, while Richard Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Poultry Council, highlighted the collaboration between government and industry to overcome the avian influenza trade barrier.

UK poultry exporters are now preparing to resume trade with South Africa, supported by Defra, the market access team, and other industry bodies. This deal follows another recent success for UK agricultural exports, with beetroot gaining entry to the US market.