A market access deal has been secured, allowing UK companies to export cooked poultry meat to Japan.

Negotiations were led by Defra’s Agriculture Attaché and colleagues based at the British Embassy in Tokyo. They were supported by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), South Kesteven District Council and the British Poultry Council (BPC).

UK poultry producer Moy Park was the first to officially register and export its produce to Japan, which, according to the UK Government, 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”.

UK poultry meat has been exported to Japan since a market access deal for fresh and cooked poultry was secured in 2021, but Avian Influenza outbreaks in the UK have led to restrictions on the trade.

UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Jorge Martin-Almagro, said: “This market access agreement is one more positive step forward for the UK poultry industry and is testament to the quality of their meat.

“In the face of ongoing challenges posed by Avian Influenza, it is a real achievement to have secured a deal which allows the exports of these valuable UK poultry products.”

Mark Spencer, Food and Farming Minister, said: “British poultry is rightly celebrated as some of the best in the world and I’m delighted that new high value products can now be enjoyed in Japan.

“I’d like to pay tribute to our Agri-food Attaché network who work hard to secure trade opportunities like this and fly the flag for UK farmers.”

Opening doors for poultry businesses

A further market access agreement was secured in recent weeks as, according to Defra, Japan is a valuable market for high quality UK breeding poultry.

The agreement ensures that any potential avian influenza outbreaks do not lead to a countrywide ban on exports from affected regions, but rather puts temporary restrictions on them.

This is done by streamlining regionalisation for exports of breeding chicks, allowing Japanese poultry companies to continue access to UK high-grade stock.

Minister for International Trade Nigel Huddleston said: “This is a significant win for British poultry farmers and producers who can now export their top-notch produce to this vast and lucrative market.

“Unlocking trade barriers around the world increases opportunities for British businesses and is key for growing exports, driving economic growth and creating new jobs as we look to hit £1 trillion of exports every year by 2030.”

Chief executive of the BPC, Richard Griffiths, said: “We welcome the good news of market access for cooked poultry meat exports to Japan. Industry has worked closely with Government over the years to open doors for businesses producing world class standards of safe, affordable, nutritious food and high value poultry breeding stock.”