Welsh mission to Norway see positive results

19-Jan-2015 - Last updated on 19-Jan-2015 at 10:48 GMT

The HCC estimated that export volumes of 1,300 tonnes were achievable

Related tags Welsh lamb International trade Lamb

Increasing amounts of Welsh Lamb could be exported to Norwegian soil following a successful trade mission to the Scandinavian country by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC).

The diplomatic visit was led by deputy minister for farming and food Rebecca Evans AM and HCC, and included a series of meetings "with influential decision-makers from the Norwegian government, meat importers and retailers".

Gwyn Howells, chief executive, HCC, said: "The discussions held with key members of the Norwegian meat industry were informative and very productive.

"Norway is not self-sufficient in lamb and its season is short. The country relies on imports to meet the demand of Norwegian consumers, whose traditional diet includes lamb."

He said the visit was an important opportunity to boost the profile of Welsh Lamb, as well as improving its understanding of Norway’s trade and market requirements, "and discuss current export arrangements, which are currently governed by tariffs".

"The response we received was extremely encouraging. We will remain in close contact with the Deputy Minister in order to continue the dialogue and monitor progress," he added.

Evans said the country was an important and valued market for Welsh Lamb, and she hoped the talks would lead to a continued healthy and productive relationship between the two nations.

Wales has seen a significant increase in exports to Scandinavia in recent years. However, exports to Norway, in particular, could provide further gains if tariffs were to be altered.

The HCC said it anticipated that 1,300 tonnes of Welsh Lamb – to the value of £10.4 million – could be exported to Norway.