UK Pork Delegation Explores Vietnam’s Local Market Dynamics

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Ho Chi Minh City, 25 September 2025 – A high-profile UK pork trade delegation, organised by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) in collaboration with the British Consulate General and BritCham Vietnam, has completed a three-day programme in Vietnam designed to strengthen bilateral agri-food cooperation and showcase the strengths of British pork.

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The delegation features some of the UK’s most reputable pork producers, GPS Food Group Ltd., Norwest Foods International Ltd., and Dunbia, all of whom exemplify the high standards of quality, food safety, and animal welfare that distinguish British agriculture. Their participation underscores the UK’s long-term commitment to building strong partnerships with Vietnamese importers and supporting the sustainable growth of bilateral trade.

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The visit commenced on 23 September in Hanoi with a constructive meeting between the UK delegation and the Department for Animal Health and Livestock Production. Discussions covered key issues such as disease prevention and control, veterinary certification processes, and the harmonisation of food safety standards. Both sides underlined the importance of building resilient supply chains and ensuring consumer trust in imported products. The dialogue laid a strong policy foundation for future cooperation and provided the UK exporters with valuable insights into Vietnam’s regulatory landscape.

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Picture: A discussion between the UK delegation and the Department for Animal Health and Livestock Production

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On 24 September, the UK pork delegation hosted high-level seminars at the Caravelle Hotel and in Ho Chi Minh City. The events brought together leading Vietnamese importers, distributors, and food industry representatives to explore new avenues of cooperation under the UK–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) and the UK’s recent accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

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The programme combined keynote speeches, corporate presentations, and tailored business matching sessions, creating a dynamic platform for exchange. UK representatives underscored the defining strengths of British pork, strict traceability systems, world-class food safety standards, and packaging solutions adaptable to customer requirements.

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Participants from Vietnam expressed strong interest in these advantages, particularly given the competitive edge offered by the CPTPP. Under the agreement, tariffs on frozen pork will be completely eliminated by the end of this year, two years earlier than scheduled under the UKVFTA, opening the door to deeper and more cost-effective trade collaboration.

Picture: Personal business matching between the UK’s pork producers and Vietnam’s retailers

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To round off the programme, the delegation conducted a market study visit on 25 September across several key retail sites in Ho Chi Minh City. The delegation was guided throughout by BritCham Vietnam alongside with Mr. Matthew Albon-Crouch, UK Agriculture Attaché in Vietnam. The itinerary began at Bình Điền Market, the city’s largest wholesale hub, where delegates observed the early-morning operations that ensure fresh meat and produce reach consumers daily. The visit provided an authentic look at how Vietnam’s traditional food distribution system operates, with its emphasis on freshness, accessibility, and daily replenishment.

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Picture: UK pork delegation visits Bình Điền market to observe local food market operation

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The study then shifted to the modern retail environment with guided visits to Emart Sala, Mega Market An Phú and Go Gò Vấp, where representatives provided valuable briefings and guided tours. Here, the delegation gained valuable exposure to the operational models of leading supermarket chains, including sourcing practices, product categorisation, cold-chain management, and merchandising strategies.These insights highlighted how consumer preferences are evolving towards greater convenience, safety, and product variety, while still valuing the freshness and affordability of traditional markets.

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Picture: UK pork delegation at Emart Sala

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Picture: UK pork delegation at Mega Market An Phú

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Picture: UK pork delegation at GO Gò Vấp