Mexico has opened its doors for imports of British pork for the first time.

Access to the Mexican market alone is estimated to be worth £50 million to UK pork producers over the first five years of trade, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.

Defra Secretary of State George Eustice said: "Access to the Mexican market, with its substantial demand for high-quality pork, will be a welcome boost for our pig farmers and producers.

"This is a significant development, which will reinforce our global reputation for quality food and drink."

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This development follows more than four years of negotiations and inspections.

The Mexican National Department for Health, Safety and Agricultural and Food Quality (SENASICA) inspected numerous premises throughout the UK during a visit in February 2020, which led to a decision to approve four processing facilities and four associated cold stores in England and Wales.

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said: "This is a huge win for our farmers and food producers and I look forward to seeing high-quality British pork being enjoyed in Mexico very soon."

Pork will join a broad range of livestock genetics that the UK already exports to Mexico.

Access for bovine embryos was secured in 2020, joining bovine semen, a market worth over £130,000 annually over the last five years.