Welsh PGI lamb and beef exports top £224m

Exports of Welsh lamb and beef earned more than £224m last year.

International sales of lamb with protected geographical indication (PGI) status grew £7m to a total of £154.7m in 2013.

PGI beef sales were unchanged from 2012 at £69.4m.

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“This is good news for Wales’ farmers and exporting companies,” said Hybu Cig Cymru (Meat Promotion Wales) market development manager Laura Pickup.

“PGI Welsh lamb in particular is now considered to be a global brand, known throughout the world for its quality and superior taste,” she said.

France and Germany are the two biggest markets for Welsh lamb, buying £71m and £13m last year.

Lamb exports to Denmark, Norway and Sweden have grown to £4.6m – after opening up only three years ago.

The Dutch are the biggest customers for PGI Welsh beef, buying £14.3m in 2013.

“Not only are we continuing to perform strongly in our traditional overseas markets in mainland Europe but we have also seen excellent growth in emerging territories,” Mrs Pickup said.

Welsh beef was granted PGI status by the EU in November 2002, and was followed by Welsh lamb in July 2003.

To carry the label, animals must be born and reared in Wales, fully traceable, and slaughtered and processed in an abattoir approved for PGI production.