Welsh food and drink exports in 2021 reached a record high of £641 million, Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths has announced.
Furthermore, Wales had the largest percentage increase in the value of food and drink exports out of the four UK nations between 2021 and 2021, rising by £89 million, a growth of 16%.
The highest value category for Welsh food and drink in 2021 was meat and meat products at £187 million. Also of interest is the cereal and cereal preparations category, which saw a year-on-year increase of 173%, rising from £51 million to £139 million.
In terms of destination, eight of the top ten Welsh food and drink export destination were within the EU. In total, exports to the EU were worth £465 million in 2021, a £51 million increase from the year prior.
The Republic of Ireland remained the highest value destination at £113 million. Other top destinations included France (£100 million), the Netherlands (£49 million) and Germany (£44 million).
There was a significant increase in exports to Belgium which were worth £56 million in 2021, a rise of 162% from £21 million in 2020. The highest value category to the country was dairy products and birds eggs.
Commenting, Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths said: “It is great news Welsh food and drink exports have reached their highest value ever.
“The past couple of years have been very challenging and these figures clearly demonstrate the resilience and determination of our Welsh companies to succeed in overseas markets.
“The industry in Wales is also leading the way out of the four UK nations with the largest percentage increase in the value of food and drink exports.
“I am pleased the Welsh Government’s Food and Drink Export Programme is supporting businesses to broaden trade in new and existing markets in countries around the world.”
