EXPORT deals are on the cards as major firms travel to the largest food exhibition in the Far East with the British Pig Executive (BPEX) and the Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC). Foodex Japan 2004 takes place from March 9 to 12 and there are hopes of not only contracts to supply pig meat but also importers have expressed interest in British pork sausages. Trade links were re-opened with Japan late last year when agreement was reached between Defra and the Japanese Government following two trade missions by BPEX. BPEX Chief Executive Mick Sloyan said: "Japan is the world's biggest importer of pig meat. At present demand for pork and pork products is very strong there and BPEX is keen to see British producers get a share of it." MLC export marketing manager for pig meat and processed products Bent Windahl will travel to the exhibition together with five British pig meat and processed products exporters. Bent said: "The most important Japanese pig meat buyers have been invited to our stand to meet these British exporters. "This not only about pig meat as the Agricultural Secretary to the British Embassy, Tokyo, has told me Japanese buyers are very interested in British pork sausages."
