European meat group HKScan is preparing to start exporting pork to China following approval from Chinese regulators, who inspected its Forssa production site in Finland last August.

Announcing the news, HKScan said export approval to China was a “major milestone” in the group’s strategy to expand its export footprint.

Jukka Nikkinen, head of the group’s export business, said the company would now “continue our efforts to gain similar approvals for Swedish exports”. The group also has “long-range plans” to export other meat products suited to local tastes, including poultry, processed meat and convenience meals.

HKScan exports meat to over 60 countries. It’s primary business is in the EU, with long-haul markets including New Zealand and Japan. The company’s top line was dented by the Russian import ban on various EU food products. “The opening of a new export market for Finnish foodstuffs is important in the wake of the import bans imposed by Russia last January,” the company said.

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