In March 2023, AHDB will host six UK red meat exporters at the Annual Meat Conference in Texas, US. The aim of the trip is to showcase the high quality products from the UK and to build and grow exports of pork, beef and lamb.
The exhibition, taking place in Dallas from March 6-8, will give the exporters access to more than 1,500 meat professionals from across the US industry, including more than 100 exhibitors in the meat hall. AHDB will share a stand with Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales – and will give visitors the opportunity to sample red meat products.
The conference forms part of a longer visit to the area which will include visits to a beef farm, sheep farm and retailers in Dallas which the AHDB hope will give exporters a secure understanding of the US market, whilst building on networking opportunities.
HMRC’s latest data shows that pork exports increased by 11% between January and November – a rise worth £26m. Beef exports were worth £7.9m in the first 11 months of 2022, and the first shipment of British lamb for over two decades arrived in the US in October, making the country a key target market for the industry.
Senior export manager for the Americas for AHDB, Susana Morris, said that the ‘mission’ to Texas is vital: “The US presents a lot of opportunities for our red meat exports with the market now open to all three meats. The conference will provide us and our exporters with an opportunity to learn and ask questions about the meat, food service and retail sectors in the US as well as networking with critical industry stakeholders and discovering how to leverage consumer demands.”
The visit will provide exporters with valuable information about the wider American meat sector, as well as industry trends, which cuts are in demand and how meat prices are affecting consumer buying behaviours.
