From 13 to 20 September 2025, the “EU Pork, The Smart Choice” campaign organised a study tour to Spain and Portugal for key Chinese importers and distributors. The visit aimed to strengthen cooperation and provide a deeper understanding of Europe’s pork industry.
During the trip, the delegation visited leading pork producers in both countries, exploring the entire supply chain—from farming and processing to sales. Participants experienced first-hand the strict standards and exceptional quality that define European pork.
This was the third consecutive study tour organised since the campaign began in 2023, offering Chinese professionals the opportunity to visit Europe’s main pork-producing regions. Through direct exchanges, the group gained a clearer view of the EU’s commitment to quality, safety, animal welfare, and sustainability. These face-to-face interactions helped build stronger mutual trust and continue to lay the foundation for long-term cooperation.
Spain and Portugal are among the world’s top pork producers and exporters. Their advanced technologies and rigorous production standards have earned European pork a strong international reputation. China remains one of their most important export markets, and the close trade relationship between both sides continues to generate significant economic value and business opportunities. It also ensures that Chinese consumers can enjoy safe, traceable, and high-quality European pork products.
On 15 and 16 September, the delegation visited two well-known Portuguese companies—one recognised for its high level of automation and the other for its precision cutting techniques. By observing production workshops and packaging lines, participants gained a detailed understanding of Portugal’s modern processing technologies and its solid food safety systems.
From 17 to 19 September, the group travelled to Spain, where they visited several leading pork and ham producers. The first stop was a century-old Serrano ham company, where delegates learned about the strict production standards and traceability system behind this traditional product.
The tour also included a visit to a large integrated pork company that combines slaughtering, cutting, and processing. Many of its products are already popular among Chinese importers, and the company showed interest in developing customised products tailored to Chinese consumer preferences.
Along the way, participants also enjoyed traditional pork dishes from both Spain and Portugal, experiencing the unique flavours and culinary heritage of European pork.
The study tour proved highly valuable. It deepened the understanding of European pork’s high standards among Chinese industry representatives and reinforced mutual trust between both sides. The visit strengthened the bridge of cooperation and created new opportunities for the continued growth of European pork in the Chinese market.
