Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) has become the first company in Thailand to export cooked duck meat to Australia, marking a significant milestone in the collaborative trade relationship between the two nations. It is estimated that approximately 500-600 tons of cooked duck meat will be shipped from CP Foods to Australia this year.
This historic import of cooked duck into Australia follows seven years of negotiations, culminating in the approval from Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, which came into effect on May 16.
On June 12, 2023, a momentous launch ceremony was held at CP Foods' Minburi Poultry Processing Plant 2, with the participation of Mr. Prayoon Inskul, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Dr. Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, the Director General of the Department of Livestock Development (DLD), and Mr. Prasit Boonduangprasert, the Chief Executive Officer of CP Foods. The ceremony was attended by management members from both organisations, including Dr. Sopat Chavalkul, the Deputy Director General of DLD, and Mr. Ekpiya Ua-wutthikrerk, the Head of International Trade Business of CPF Global Food Solution Public Company Limited (CPFGS).
Dr. Somchuan emphasised that Thailand has become the first country in the world to successfully export cooked duck meat to Australia, a nation known for its strict sanitary and biosecurity regulations on food and agricultural goods. This accomplishment is the outcome of collaborative efforts between government agencies and private sectors to enhance the quality standards of duck meat production across the supply chain. It is also the result of a seven-year-long negotiation that began in 2016. This achievement demonstrates the international acceptance and readiness of Thailand's duck meat in terms of quality and safety for the global market.
"Congratulations to CP Foods for being the pioneering company in exporting cooked duck products to Australia. CP Foods has successfully adhered to the stringent sanitary and biosecurity import conditions set by Australia and the Department of Livestock Development (DLD). This ensures that Thailand's food safety standards align with global standards," stated Dr. Somchuan.
Mr. Prasit revealed that Australia not only signifies a significant milestone in the company's market expansion but also reflects the high capability of Thai companies in producing agricultural goods. With an annual consumption of 50,000 tons, Australia presents a potentially strong market for duck meat, and the company anticipates an increasing demand for ready-to-eat duck meat in this market.
The first batch of cooked duck meat will be delivered to Australia this week by air, and the company plans to export approximately 500-600 tons of cooked duck products per year, including roast duck, shredded duck meat, and crispy duck pancakes.
“The company extends its gratitude to the Director General of DLD, as well as the officials from DLD and other relevant organisations, for their successful entry into the Australian duck meat market. This accomplishment enhances the competitiveness of Thailand's livestock industry. The company remains dedicated to exploring opportunities for exporting cooked duck meat to potential markets," said Prasit.
The duck meat products are certified with internationally recognised standards such as BRC (British Retail Consortium), SEDEX, and SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit). As a result, CP Foods' duck meat products are acknowledged by prominent modern trade retailers in Europe and worldwide, including highly competitive markets such as Germany, the United Kingdom, European Union countries, Japan, Singapore, New Zealand, and more.