Germany seeks stronger PH partnerships in meat trade

German meat industry companies are looking to build long-term partnerships with Philippine importers, processors and distributors following the restoration of market access for German pork, opening new opportunities for bilateral trade and cooperation in the country’s meat supply chain.

The opportunity was highlighted during the German-Philippine Meat Industry Conference hosted by the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), in cooperation with the Meat Importers and Traders Association (MITA), at the Glasshouse, New World Hotel Makati on October 27, 2026.

The conference formed part of the German Meat Business Mission to the Philippines, conducted under the export promotion program of Germany’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH) and implemented by GEFA Exportservice GmbH and German Meat GmbH.

The event brought together around 52 stakeholders, including meat importers, traders, processors and distributors, alongside representatives of the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS).

Discussions covered market access, meat processing, distribution, food safety requirements and potential business partnerships, complemented by presentations from German delegates and targeted business-to-business meetings.

“Successful market entry is not just about good products, it is also about understanding the market and finding the right partners,” said GPCCI Board Director Stefan Kolbe.

He emphasized that the mission’s success should ultimately be measured not by the number of meetings held but by the business partnerships that emerge from them.

Reopening of pork market creates new trade opportunities

A major development highlighted during the conference was the restoration of Philippine market access for German pork this year, following a six-year absence due to restrictions associated with African swine fever (ASF).

German beef had regained access to the Philippine market the previous year. The reopening of pork trade under a regionalization scheme allows imports from areas recognized as free from the disease, rather than imposing restrictions across the entire country.

German Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke described the development as a vote of confidence in Germany’s veterinary controls and the science-based approach adopted by both countries in managing animal health risks.

He also pointed to the recent substantial agreement on an EU-Philippines free trade agreement, which includes improved market access for European meat products and more transparent sanitary and phytosanitary rules, as another reason for the timing of the business mission.

“The opportunity is not simply to ship more meat from Germany to the Philippines. It is to find out where German supply can genuinely complement this market,” Ambassador Pfaffernoschke said.

He stressed that restored market access provides an opportunity for trade, but establishing commercial relationships ultimately rests with the companies involved.

Naomi Daur of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity said Germany’s export promotion initiatives aim to strengthen agricultural trade relations by helping companies from both countries better understand their respective markets.

She cited the German meat industry’s capabilities in food safety, traceability and modern processing technology as potential areas of cooperation with Philippine businesses.

MITA President Sherwin Choi, meanwhile, underscored the meat industry’s contribution to maintaining a stable, safe and reliable food supply for Filipino consumers.

Despite continuing industry challenges, he said there are opportunities for growth, innovation and stronger international cooperation.

“Germany has long been recognized for its high standards, technology and expertise in the meat industry,” Choi said. “We look forward to learning from one another, exploring new business opportunities and building partnerships that will benefit both our countries.”

Philippine import requirements and industry capabilities

The conference also provided German companies with a closer look at Philippine meat import regulations and inspection procedures.

Joseph Bryan Defeo of the NMIS Meat Import and Export Division outlined the country’s three-stage meat import inspection system, covering pre-border, border and post-border controls.

These include accreditation of foreign meat establishments, licensing of importers and final inspection at NMIS-licensed cold storage warehouses.

Defeo reported that the Philippines currently has 486 licensed meat importers. He also discussed common compliance issues, particularly labeling errors and damaged packaging, and the measures importers can take to avoid such problems.

In his closing remarks, Karel Alexander-Eichler, Managing Director of the German Export Association for Food and Agriproducts (GEFA), welcomed the restoration of Philippine market access for German pork, describing it as the result of extensive cooperation between government authorities and industry stakeholders in both countries.

He also expressed hope that the ongoing review of market access for German poultry would advance through science-based regulation, transparency and continued cooperation between the competent authorities.

“Our objective is not simply to export more meat. Our objective is to develop a reliable, sustainable and mutually beneficial trade relationship with the Philippines,” Alexander-Eichler said.

Five German companies present export capabilities

The business mission featured five German companies offering different products and capabilities across the meat supply chain.

Carne Fleischhandel GmbH, which processes approximately 30,000 tons of pork heads annually and exports to 17 countries, offers products that can be customized according to buyer specifications.

Gebrüder Christ OHG, a Frankfurt-based poultry exporter operating since 1990, already has experience supplying the Philippine market, serving food processors and professional kitchens.

OMG Oliver Mielke GmbH, a family-run trading company near Hamburg established in 1997, connects German meat producers with professional buyers, emphasizing dependable supply and long-term business relationships.

WIESENHOF International GmbH markets poultry to international business customers through an integrated supply system focused on food safety, quality and traceability.

Meanwhile, ZEMO Gebrüder Moser GmbH, a second-generation family business founded in 1984, specializes in cutting and marketing beef from selected young female cattle and has been exporting its products since 2000.

With Philippine market access for German pork restored and beef exports already permitted, the business mission seeks to translate improved trade conditions into lasting commercial relationships.

For both countries, the next step is to turn regulatory progress and renewed market access into mutually beneficial business opportunities that can contribute to a dependable and competitive meat supply chain.