WD Meats to export steak products to Singapore

WD Meats is the first Northern Ireland based meat company to secure approval from animal health authorities in Singapore to supply products for retail and foodservice operations there.

The Minister was in Singapore as part of a visit to support Northern Ireland companies seeking to develop business there and in other South East Asian markets.

Arlene Foster said: “Winning approval to supply premium meats to this important Asian marketplace is an immensely important development for WD Meats. It is one of only three processors from the UK cleared to supply imported beef in a market that could be worth around £10million.

“The new business opportunity follows a decision by the Singapore government to lift a ban on UK meat following the BSE outbreak in Great Britain. WD Meats has a strong track record in exports and is positioned to develop opportunities in Singapore.

“Our hope is that other markets, including China, will follow Singapore’s example, creating new opportunities for our red meat companies to supply their products.”

WD Meats is a family-owned and managed business which has been processing beef in Coleraine since 1987. The company’s modern, 100,000 sq ft complex, is built on 35 acres and incorporates its total processing operation under one roof.

Francis Dillon, Managing Director of the company, said: “We are now actively marketing our range of premium steak products and aim to finalise arrangements with suitable representatives in what could be an excellent marketplace for us.

“The agreement to lift the ban means that beef processors will now be able to export cuts of de-boned beef from cattle aged 30 months to Singapore. It follows pressure from the UK Government and gives us a strong position in the market.”