The Spanish pig sector is an international reference today
Spanish white pig meat exports reached 2,079,000 tons in 2016 and reported an increase in value by 16.5% compared to the previous year. How was the situation last year and what do you expect for 2018?
The 2017 was a historic year like never before, not only in exports but also for the entire pig sector as a whole, just like it happened in 2016. More than 15,000 million were invoiced, representing 1.4% of the national GDP, and sold abroad more than 5,000 million euros. All this because the sector is a national and international reference today, which has a model that represents an example throughout the world for its professionalism, quality, food safety, animal welfare and environment standards.
In this respect, we will be working in 2018 to continue advancing in aspects such as innovation, promoting the Spanish brand in foreign markets and, of course, in being increasingly sustainable.
How much did pork exports account for from Spain’s total meat exports? And how much did they account for from the country’s total agricultural exports?
Exports of the Spanish meat industry exceeded last year 6,000 million euros and 2.3 million tons. This means that the exports of the pig sector are responsible for 80% of the total exports of the meat sector. The pig sector’s exports also represented about 11% of the total Spanish Agri-food exports. Furthermore, the Spanish pork is the third most sold product in the foreign markets, only behind fruit and vegetables.
Which were the main countries that Spain exported pork to? Are Spanish white pork producers looking to open new markets?
In 2017, France was our main market in terms of volume (322,000 tons) and value (902 million euros). The second largest importer was China with a volume of 318,000 tons and a value of 500 million euros, followed by other important markets such as Italy, Portugal, Japan, Poland, the United Kingdom, Germany and South Korea.
We present our product to more than 130 countries around the world. Of course, it is important to conquer new markets, it is also important to consolidate our position in those markets where we are already present.
To which countries have the exports increased? Were there any declines reported in pork exports to other countries?
France and other EU markets have increased their purchases from Spain, regaining market share in 2017 against Asia, mainly due to the decline in sales in China, but this was not seen as bad news, because from this it can be observed that the Spanish pork sector is prepared to diversify markets without depending on a single country. Less sales in China were automatically translated into more exports to Europe, Japan, or the Philippines.
What are the most popular Spanish pork products on the main markets?
Exports of fresh, chilled and frozen pork represent more than 70% in volume and value of whole exportation, but other products such as offal, sausages, bacon, cured hams and cured shoulders are also important in the foreign sales.
Interporc has been carrying out an international promotion plan for the Spanish pork. How many of your goals have you reached in 2017?
The main objective of the internationalization is to gain or consolidate the trust in our product and the 'Brand of Spain'. We are looking to become a reliable partner in which we have converted already. The numbers are endorsing the work that INTERPORC does in promoting but this work bases its success on the raw material: products that are a benchmark worldwide in terms of quality, safety, and sustainability.
What challenges do Spanish pork producers have to face in 2018?
The challenge of our producers is to continue responding to the demands of the consumer, increasingly concerned about health, animal welfare and the environment. The sector must continue to grow, favoring the territorial structuring and settlement of the population in rural areas. On the other hand, animal health and animal welfare, the main strengths of the sector, should remain a priority, because in addition to complying with the requirements of European legislation, we must go further and be sensitive to what society demands of us.
What are your thoughts regarding Alimentaria? How much does this trade fair help the local white pigmeat producers?
Alimentaria is one of the most important fairs for professionals in the sector and attracts buyers from all over the world, which makes it the perfect showcase to publicize our products. On this occasion, we will have a prominent space in INTERCARN once again, the show dedicated to fresh meats and meat products of this fair, we will carry out numerous activities, such as culinary demonstrations by Michelin star chefs like Kisko García, tastings, exhibitions cutting of ham or dissemination actions towards professionals and consumers.
What is the strategy of INTERPORC to support and promote Spanish producers during the following years?
We as an Inter-professional Agri-Food Organization represent the entire sector from production to processing and commercialization. In this sense, our work involves developing actions that benefit all sectors. For example, we carry out numerous promotional campaigns trying to inform consumers about the nutritional and healthy properties of pork, encouraging consumption that can benefit all parts of the food supply chain. But we also work to enhance the image of the pig sector as an example of sustainability, which I think is the term that best defines the Spanish and European production model. We have the most demanding production model in the world in terms of animal welfare and care of the environment, which along with food safety have been key to open the doors of many countries, in which this type of aspects is valued as a priority.
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