Dunbia ships first NI pork to India

Dunbia Group Chief Executive Jim Dobson (r) and Dunbia Executive Director Jack Dobson pictured with DARD Minister Michelle O'Neill MLA

The first container, which was exported in conjunction with Elmgrove Foods, arrived in port at the end of December with plans underway to ship further containers in the coming months.

Mr Jim Dobson, Group Chief Executive for Dunbia who oversaw the first shipment leaving the plant in Ballymena, commented: “This shipment represents a significant opportunity for Dunbia and our pig farmers and is the beginning of what we hope will be a long and profitable relationship with India which is one of the largest and fastest growing economies in the world.

“The first container has been very well received by our Indian customers and we are currently consolidating further containers for shipment.”

Dunbia Group Chief Executive, Jim Dobson (centre) is pictured with Department of Agriculture & Rural Development Minister Michelle ONeill MLA. Included in the pictured are (r)Matthew Dobson, Dunbia Managing Director for Northern Ireland & Scotland and Dr Jonathan Birnie, Head of Agriculture & Research

India is one of a number of new markets which Dunbia has been pushing to open for Northern Ireland beef and pork.

“We have been working closely with DARD Minister Michelle O’Neill to secure new markets for Northern Ireland beef and pork,” adds Mr Dobson.

“In addition to India, Canada has also been secured for beef exports while Dunbia has recently received provisional approval for exports to China.

“These markets have been secured through a co-ordinated approach which has seen industry and government working together towards a shared goal.

“It is all very positive news for the Northern Ireland agri-food industry and bodes very well for the future but we cannot rest on our laurels.

“We need to exploit every opportunity and seek further new markets, such as US, Philippines and Australia.”

Dunbia is one of the UK’s largest meat processors, processing beef, pork and lamb for local, national and international markets. The company currently trades in 36 countries world-wide.