- WA agricultural exports hit a record $41.3 million, driven by Free Trade Agreement
- WA sheep meat exports continue to grow in the UK market
- Follows Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis’ successful first ‘red meat’ mission to the UK
Western Australian agricultural exports are thriving in the United Kingdom with exports of lamb and mutton growing to $22 million in 2023-24.
This growth follows the Cook Government’s successful ‘red meat mission’ to the UK, led by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis, and the introduction of the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement (A-UK FTA), which eliminated more than 99 per cent of tariffs on Australian goods.
During the mission, Minister Jarvis and major Western Australian sheep meat companies met with buyers at Smithfield Market in London, one of Europe’s largest wholesale meat markets. The delegation also strengthened relationships with British meat processors and the UK’s Minister for State for Food, Farming and Fisheries.
In the first full year of the Free Trade Agreement – Western Australian agricultural exports reached a record $41.3 million, up 15 per cent on the previous year. This was led by growth in sheep meat exports, which rose by six per cent, and wine, which increased by 15 per cent.
Western Australia produces some of the world’s finest food and beverage products and the Cook Government has been working hard alongside Western Australian businesses to capture lucrative new market opportunities from the Free Trade Agreement, as well as in the European Union.
Several businesses offering a range of WA products from meat and seafood to honey, as well as wine – are already making strides towards entering or increasing sales to the UK market of nearly 67 million people.
High value Pardoo wagyu beef could soon be on the menu of restaurants and pubs, as the Pilbara pastoral business takes steps towards securing European and UK supply chains.
The UK is already the State’s most valuable export market for wine, accounting for 36 per cent of total wine exports, with demand continuing to build.
Australian Rare honey is also building UK market share, with its luxury honey collection available exclusively at high end retailer Harrods.
Seafood is making inroads with premium retailer Whole Foods Market choosing to exclusively feature Marine Stewardship Council certified, sustainably sourced Fremantle Octopus in its seafood counters and freezers throughout the UK.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
“Our Government is prioritising the growth of WA’s red meat sector by working to unlock new opportunities locally and internationally for our farmers.
“Earlier this year, I met with the UK Minister for State for Food, Farming and Fisheries, as well as the British processors and international meat traders associations in London to discuss market requirements and highlight WA’s potential to become a preferred supplier.
“WA produces some of the finest food and beverage products in the world and our Government is working alongside WA businesses to drive growth, jobs and the economy.”
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
“There are exciting times ahead for WA exports to the UK, which is a priority destination for WA wine supported by our Wine Industry Export Growth Partnership.
“Industry has reported a 23 per cent increase in sales from 2022-23, to more than $13 million in the last financial year.
“Demand for seafood from our pristine WA waters continues to increase, with exporters like Austral Fisheries’ Glacier 51 Toothfish and Fremantle Octopus being sold by high end retail stores across the UK.
“The Cook Government is working hard to support regional food and beverage businesses to expand and diversify into the export market, which is great news for our regions.”