Trade mission to boost sales of Welsh Lamb in Norway
Trade mission to boost sales of Welsh Lamb in Norway
A major trade mission to promote Welsh Lamb in Norway is to take place this week.
Welsh Lamb has already seen an impressive rise in sales in the Scandinavian country, with carcase growth increasing by 438% between 2011 and 2013.
“Norway is an important destination for Welsh Lamb, and we place a high value on the positive relationship we have with importers and retailers in the country,” said Laura Pickup, Market Development Manager at HCC.
Now a trade delegation led by the Deputy Minister for Farming and Food Rebecca Evans and Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales will meet leading politicians, importers and retailers in an effort to further build on this success.
HCC’s Market Development Manager Laura Pickup said: “Norway is an important destination for Welsh Lamb, and we place a high value on the positive relationship we have with importers and retailers in the country.
“We believe there is room for even greater growth in the country, which is why we have lined up a series of high profile meetings for the first week of 2015.
“Increasing exports to Norway will have a beneficial effect on the industry in Wales, leading to improved returns and opportunities for both Welsh farmers and processors.”
The delegation, which also includes representatives of Welsh exporters, will meet Ms Hanne Maren Blåfjelldal who is the state secretary for Sylvi Listhaug in the Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
They will also meet importers and retailers and visit a meat cutting plant where Welsh Lamb is prepared for the local market.
Mrs Pickup said: “There is no doubt that there is growing consumer demand for Welsh Lamb in the country, demonstrated by the dramatic increase in sales over the last couple of years.
“Since Norway is not part of the European Union, tariffs restrict trade for part of the year. One of our primary points for discussion with the Norwegian government during our visit will be to try and see whether further relaxation of tariffs for Welsh Lamb PGI in the country is possible, allowing importers to purchase quotas to import the product.”
The mission to Norway takes place from 5th-8thJanuary.
