Dominican Republic is ‘jewel in the Caribbean’ for pork exports

From January to December, over 2,600 t of pig meat, mostly offal, was shipped to the Caribbean nation, a rise of 60% compared with the same period in 2020.

Last year, the country saw an increase in pork consumption among the country’s 10.6 million population, and experienced outbreaks of African swine fever meaning demand outstripped domestic production.

Pork producers in the Dominican Republic supply around 70% of the pork consumed, while the remaining 30% is imported in different varieties, which includes ground, chops, cuts, ribs, fat, ham, loin and legs.

We believe the region offers potential for the UK’s pork sector, with pork being the second favoured meat behind chicken.

AHDB Senior Export Manager Susana Morris said: “We gained market access to the Dominican Republic five years ago and since then we have seen a steady increase in the amount of pork exported to the country year-on-year.

“In addition to demand from the tourist sector, the Dominican Republic’s solid economic growth is increasing consumer purchasing power, which is fuelling its growing gastronomy sector. This growth has led to a higher level of interest in premium red meat, which provides many potential opportunities for our pork exporters.”

The Dominican Republic is an upper middle-income country with low and stable inflation. It is the second largest economy in the Caribbean, just behind Cuba, and the third largest in terms of population.

Susana added: “The Dominican Republic has become a key target market for the UK’s red meat sector and AHDB recognises the value this country can provide for our levy payers in the years ahead.

“The UK’s reputation for high-quality pork and its high safety and welfare standards, means we have the potential to continue growing our share of this expanding export market and build on these already impressive figures in the future.”