Global sales of Welsh beef and lamb were worth more than US$384 million to the economy of Wales last year, Farmers Guardian reports.

Exports of PGI Welsh Lamb products were worth US$265 million in 2013 - rising US$12 million on-year - while overseas sales of PGI Welsh Beef were at US$119 million, the same as in 2012. PGI is a European designation which means that only sheep born and reared in Wales and slaughtered in HCC-approved abattoirs can legally be labelled as Welsh Lamb.

"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, particularly Scandinavia," said Laura Pickup, market development manager with Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales.

Exports to Denmark, Norway and Sweden began three years ago. Since then the total value of Welsh Lamb exports to the three countries has more than tripled from just over US$2.6 million a year in 2011 to more than US$7.9 million last year.

For lamb, France continues to be the largest buyer, purchasing more than US$120 million of PGI Welsh Lamb. In Europe, the Netherlands is the biggest consumer of PGI Welsh Beef, at US$24.5 million in 2013. They were followed by France at US$15 million.

"PGI Welsh Lamb in particular is now considered to be a global brand, known throughout the world for its quality and superior taste," said Pickup.

Exports make up about a third of PGI Welsh Lamb sales, with the rest sold in the United Kingdom.