Saudi Arabia lifts ban on UK lamb imports
"This is great news for the sheep industry and for lamb processors and producers in the UK who are keen to look at new, non-EU markets," Phil Hadley, the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board's (AHDB) Market Development Director, said, according to Farming UK.
Mr. Hadley says that the recent suspension of the ban is "a testament to the high regard and quality of UK lamb."
The Welsh red meat body Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) said that Saudi Arabia is a priority future market for high-quality PGI Welsh Lamb.
Lamb is one of the most popular meat among Arab consumers and this makes the market a great opportunity for the British lamb exports.
With its 33 million consumers who have one of the highest average incomes in the region, Saudi Arabia imports nearly 40% of its meat.
HCC’s Market Development Executive Rhys Llywelyn said; “This is excellent and long-awaited news. Gaining permission to export Welsh Lamb to Saudi Arabia has been no easy matter, and is the culmination of many years of work.”
“This market offers a huge opportunity for us,” added Rhys. “It will take work to establish the PGI Welsh Lamb brand in the market, but it is already well-known in the UAE. From our recent work with the processors in terms of certification and with the Welsh Government trade mission, we feel as though we’re as ready as we can be to take advantage.”
“With Brexit on the horizon, exploring markets beyond the EU is more important than ever,” he explained. “We look forward to working with Welsh farmers and processors to make the most of this opportunity.”
In 2017, lamb export from the UK reached a value of over £384 million, rising from £302 million in 2015 and £327 million in 2016.
UK reported major increases in the volume of lamb exported to a number of countries including Germany (up 25%), Belgium (up 16%), Italy (up 13%) and Denmark (up 13%).
Furthermore, although shipments towards non-EU markets, such as Hong Kong, Switzerland and Canada, increased, the European Union remains the destination for nearly 94% of the lamb exported from Britain.
Photo Source: Flickr/snowpea&bokchoi
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