October 14, 2011

According to figures released by Hybu Cig Cymru, UK beef and sheep meat exports have significantly increased in January-June 2011.

During the January-June period, sheep meat exports from the UK increased by 6% to 41,000 tonnes while beef exports rose by 39% to 68,000 tonnes.

The increased trade has been fuelled by a fall in production in other parts of the world, notably New Zealand and South America, coupled with a favourable exchange rate and increased marketing activity abroad, said HCC. France remained the number one destination for UK sheep meat, with shipments to Germany on the rise.

HCC's monthly Market Bulletin, which examines worldwide trade patterns, also recorded a 21% decrease in New Zealand shipments during the first six months of the year. Volumes from Argentina, Ireland and Spain were also significantly lower.

Emma Jones, HCC's Market Development Executive said that these are UK figures, and full year detailed results on the performance of Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef in the export market will be available early in 2012, but these statistics are very encouraging.

"If the pattern continues for the full year, we are optimistic that the value of Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef exports will beat the 2010 record of GBP147 million (US$232 million)."