Danish Crown to open pork processing plant in China

European meat processor Danish Crown has announced it will invest approximately $57 million to establish a pork processing and retail product plant in Shanghai, China.

Already an exporter of fresh pork and products such as trotters, ears and tails, Danish Crown wants to capitalise on the changing consumption patterns in China. Traditionally, the sale of meat to Chinese consumers has been from so-called wetmarkets where the pig is sold cut into relatively large pieces. But consumption is increasing at foodservice and restaurant outlets, online grocery purchase is expanding rapidly and consumers in supermarkets have started buying retail packed products.

Danish Crown CEO Jais Valeur says production will be based on Danish raw materials. He believes the move is an opportunity for the company to get closer to consumers and further up in the value chain in China, rather than just being a raw material supplier.