British poultry will soon be back on South African plates, following the lifting of an eight-year ban on UK imports. The move is estimated to generate up to £160 million for the UK poultry industry over the next five years.

The ban was originally imposed due to outbreaks of avian influenza in the UK. However, the country was declared free from the disease earlier this year, allowing restrictions to be removed. This development is seen as a significant boost to UK agricultural trade, giving South African consumers access to high-quality British poultry once more.

Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner played a key role in securing the deal. He met with South African Agriculture Deputy Minister Rosemary Capa and Trade Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield last week to finalise the agreement.

Speaking about the breakthrough, Zeichner emphasised that the deal would open new opportunities for UK poultry traders while strengthening the UK’s economic ties with South Africa.

“This deal not only opens new opportunities for UK poultry traders but grants a new avenue through which to grow the UK economy,” said Zeichner.

“We’re one step further on our journey to securing better trade deals for UK farmers, improving industry resilience and kickstarting our food exports.”

South Africa was once a key market for British poultry. In 2016, UK poultry exports to the country were worth over £37 million, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The efforts to regain access have been ongoing for years, with teams from both the UK and South Africa working together to overcome the barriers imposed by the avian flu outbreaks.

Many industry leaders have already welcomed the news. Katie Doherty, CEO of the International Meat Trade Association, called it “fantastic news” for UK producers and exporters, adding that South Africa was a vital market before the ban. British Poultry Council Chief Executive Richard Griffiths echoed her sentiments, highlighting the importance of trade to both domestic and global food security.

“That trade of British poultry can resume with South Africa following the lifting of the avian influenza ban is a great example of government and industry working together to overcome technical trade barriers,” said Griffiths.

He added, “Unlocking access to what was once one of our biggest markets is incredibly exciting.”