Jon Burrows MLA hails Cranswick Ballymena’s role in major UK pork trade deal

Inset: UUP North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows

Cranswick Country Foods in Ballymena has been given the green light to export pork to Mexico, in what North Antrim Ulster Unionist MLA Jon Burrows has described as a “hugely significant step” for the local economy and Northern Ireland’s agri-food industry.

The landmark approval is part of a wider £19 million UK trade deal unveiled by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), following the go-ahead from Mexico’s National Service for Agrifood Health, Safety and Quality (SENASICA).

In total, 12 UK facilities, including three from Northern Ireland, have been granted export access until June 2027.

Cranswick Ballymena joins Karro Food Group in Cookstown and Interfrigo cold store in Antrim as the Northern Ireland-based contributors to this new export chapter.

Local recognition for global success

Welcoming the announcement, MLA Jon Burrows praised the Ballymena facility and its workforce:

“This is a hugely significant step for Cranswick Ballymena and a fantastic boost for our local agri-food economy. The company’s inclusion in this landmark export deal is a direct reflection of the high standards, quality, and professionalism that characterise our food producers here in Northern Ireland.”

Mr Burrows went on to highlight the wider implications for the region:

“This achievement demonstrates the value of continued investment in food safety, animal welfare, and product quality, and highlights the important role local producers play in putting Northern Ireland firmly on the international map.”

He also offered a personal note of congratulations:

“I want to warmly congratulate the management and staff at Cranswick Country Foods for securing this opportunity. It is a real vote of confidence in their hard work and dedication, and I have no doubt they will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Teamwork behind trade success

Mr Burrows also commended the collaboration that led to the agreement:

“This success is a testament to strong cooperation between government departments, trade officials, and industry partners. I commend the efforts of DAERA, Defra, and the teams involved in securing access to this important new market.”

The approval signals a significant opportunity for Northern Ireland’s agri-food producers to expand into international markets, reinforcing the region’s reputation for excellence in pork production and food safety.

With the export agreement valid until June 2027, the move provides both immediate and long-term opportunities for growth, employment, and economic resilience across Northern Ireland’s rural and food production sectors.