The value of lamb and beef exports from Wales hit the £250m in 2022, according to new research from Hybu Cig Cymru (Meat Promotion Wales).
Based on HMRC UK trade data the increased overall export figure compared to £201.7m a year earlier. While inflation is a factor the level was also significantly up on 2019 when the value of exports was £198.5m.
The total value of Welsh Lamb exports in 2022 was £171.5m. Exports to the largest European partners – France, Germany and Belgium – were all up on 2021, with the French market alone worth an estimated £77m to Welsh sheep farmers.
The growing trading figures come as HCC and leading Welsh processing companies have completed a week of promotions for PGI (protected geographical indication) Welsh lamb in the Middle East to target audiences attending the giant Gulfood trade show in Dubai.
Head of supply chain delivery at Hybu Cig Cymru, Jon Parker, said: "These are really encouraging export figures for Welsh red meat and it’s great to see growth in HCC’s priority markets. We’re leading the way as global trade returns to a more normal pattern after the Covid disruption.”
The figures show that emerging markets in the Middle East bounced back after Covid, with increased trade in the valuable foodservice and hospitality sector. There were particularly notable increases in exports to Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
On a greater focus on PGI Welsh Lamb brand building in the Middle East, Mr Parker said: “We’re determined to resume the levels of growth that we had been seeing in exports to the Middle East region before Covid, so the recovery into the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait is very promising. It will all help at a time when domestic demand in the UK is less buoyant than it was.”
“The recent Gulfood trade show there was a huge amount of interest in Welsh Lamb. We’ll be working alongside governments and processors to ensure we take advantage of every opportunity with a varied programme of promotion."
On other global markets Mr Parker said: "There were fewer lamb exports to Hong Kong , but growth was seen in North America, with the first shipments to the US made towards the end of 2022 and trade to Canada worth over £3m over the year.
“With sales in the home market having fallen back from the peaks seen during the Covid years of 2020 and 2021, and British consumers feeling the cost-of-living pinch, industry experts are united in projecting that overseas sales are more important than ever to securing good returns for farmers and processors."
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