British pig meat exporters are seeking to expand their reach in Southeast Asia, with Vietnam emerging as a promising market for offal products.
From September 23-25, a recent trade mission led by the UK’s Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), supported by the Department for Business and Trade, aimed to deepen market insight and identify new export opportunities.
They met with key contacts in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City during the three-day mission. The visit followed strong export figures for H1 2025. UK red meat exports, including offal, rose nearly 10% year-on-year, reaching USD 1.3 billion.
Vietnam’s appetite for offal
“Maintaining a wide portfolio of markets is key to ensure the industry optimizes the opportunities available,” said Susan Stewart, AHDB head of international trade development. “While the value of pig meat exports, including offal, to Vietnam in H1 2025 was worth USD $91,904, we have identified it as a market with growth potential.”
She said Vietnam has a strong appetite for offal, which is why the mission focused on these products. This strategy helps balance the carcass and find export markets for cuts that are less popular in the UK. With plants already approved to export to Vietnam, AHDB now aims to grow that trade and expand its pig meat offerings across Southeast Asia.
Building trade through market insight
Ms Stewart said understanding consumer trends and building relationships with in-market contacts are vital for growing pig meat exports. She noted AHDB was pleased to support levy payers through the Vietnam mission.
The Vietnam mission is part of AHDB’s broader international trade development program. This includes participation in global trade shows, inward missions to the UK, and support for market access.
Ms Stewart emphasized the importance of building on recent successes to keep red meat exports growing worldwide. Working closely with industry and government, she added, is key to delivering real benefits for the sector.pork export