British bacon, sausage and ham exports are hitting new heights with the Republic of Ireland remaining the largest market.

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Bacon exports have more than tripled since January of last year. For the whole of 2008, they reached 31,000 tonnes, worth £72 m. and are expected to remain at the same level in 2009. Shipments to Spain rose from 482 to 5,432 tonnes.

Exports of sausages have progressed substantially to 6,350 tonnes worth £14 m. in 2008 and are expected to reach 7,500 tonnes this year.

The main destinations are Ireland (37%) and Spain (29%). Germany, Malta, Denmark, Greece, Malta and Portugal are also substantial markets.

With regards to ham, our exports were up to 16,000 tonnes worth £43 m. in 2008 from 9,000 tonnes in 2006 and 12,000 tonnes in 2007 and are expected to rise by a further 15% in 2009. Some 860 tonnes of ham were exported to Hong Kong in 2008.

BPEX Export Manager Jean-Pierre Garnier said: "These figures are very good and in a competitive market place show exporters are taking advantage of high quality, high welfare pork and pork products which are an attractive proposition overseas."

"The marketing investment that this industry has afforded in many markets is showing dividends.

"With more pork likely to be produced in 2010, we can expect this progress to continue."

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