Seara set to ship Brazilian pork to South Korea after lengthy absence
Seara will export a number of pork cuts, including shank, shoulder, belly and sirloin, from the Port of Itajai in the Santa Catarina state. These are expected to arrive in South Korea in 45 days.
The deal was finalised by Seara president Joanita Karoleski after a visit to South Korea over the weekend, with negotiations having lasted for around two years.
It is estimated that the reopening of South Korea to Brazilian pork will generate around R$1.5 billion per year, according to Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA).
“The South Korean market has long been desired by Brazilian exporters, so this trade opening was received with great satisfaction,” said Karoleski.
South Korea is considered the world's third-largest importer of pork and is one of the highest per capita consumers of pork, at around 33kg per person per year.
Seara’s director of external markets Antonio Augusto De Toni pointed to the significant opportunity presented by Korea’s demand for pork.
“The Korean market imports an average of 35,000t of pork per month, so it represents enormous potential for the Brazilian pig [industry],” said Augusto De Toni.
JBS has been re-igniting confidence in Brazilian meat following a turbulent 2017 for the country in terms of corruption after sealing a deal with the South African market to export 10t of collagen fibre and collagen powder from bovine skin.
