HMRC figures show UK lamb exports to Switzerland increased by over 200% in the first six months of 2020, compared to 2019, making it the UK’s seventh-largest export market.
Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) explained that with lamb from Wales accounting for nearly a third of UK exports, it is estimated that this increase over the first six months of the year could be worth nearly £600,000 to the Welsh red meat industry.
HCC export development officer Kate Patten said the reopening of Swiss hotels and restaurants had a timely boost to trade.
“As a quality-driven market, it is testament to the product that we have seen fast-growing success there since it was first listed in the country in 2014,” she said.
We are especially pleased to see things returning to normality in foodservice which is a key driver in the sales of Welsh lamb.
Covid-19 has hit the foodservice industry globally. Swiss foodservice buyer Fideco told HCC it was now back to around 90% of its normal supply to eating out venues and was aiming to be back at 100% by September.
Representatives from Fideco visited the Brecon Beacons in 2018 to see for themselves how Welsh lamb is produced.
A spokesperson said: “Welsh lamb is an important product in our portfolio, supplied to and loved by the top restaurants all over Switzerland. We look forward to our continued good relationship with HCC and Welsh Lamb.”
Welsh lamb is available in several of the top supermarkets and cash and carries in Switzerland through meat specialist distributor A+C Delikatessen.
