Southland-based Blue Sky Meats is eyeing the prospect of supplying high-value meat products to China but warns it could take 10 years to achieve the full market potential. Company chairman Graham Cooney said the signing of a Free Trade Agreement with China last year and an expectation that the Chinese currency would continue to appreciate over time had triggered the move reports The Southland Times.  The focus would be on higher value products, a step forward from the lower value meat and offal currently sold in that market, which would continue.

Traditionally, the lower value product had been sold as a commodity to suppliers and finishing product companies that developed it into customer-ready goods. It was felt there was an opportunity to supply a premium product to target expatriates and increasingly affluent Chinese, as well as luxury restaurants and hotels, he said. However, it was not likely to happen immediately and could take up to 10 years to develop the market and see the full benefits.

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