Two food and farming businesses from Wales are prioritising expansion to markets in the Middle East and will be attending a high-profile Welsh Government trade delegation to Qatar and Kuwait.
Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) and Rachel's Dairy are among those taking part in the export market visit this month.
Qatar is a relatively small country but one of the richest in the world. It is seen as an affluent market with a growing population.
The small nation will also be hosts of the 2022 World Cup. Business will hope to capitalise on the opportunities that could bring.
Kuwait is the fifth richest country in the world and one of the UK’s largest and most important trading partners.
For Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales, the region’s high consumption of red meat and reliance on imports to meet demand is an important draw.
Only earlier this year did Kuwait lift a ban on British lamb opening the market up for the first time to potential suppliers.
Kuwait imports 83.3% of the meat that is consumed by its population and Qatar imports 93.7%.
'Great potential'
HCC marketing manager Rhys Llywelyn said the Middle East market has "great potential" for Welsh Lamb.
“For some years we’ve been working with processors and Welsh Government on promotions at regional trade fairs such as Gulfood, and this mission is a chance to take advantage of new opportunities to establish business links in several countries in the region.
“There is undoubtedly demand from the region’s retailers and high-end foodservice operators for premium products such as PGI Welsh Lamb.”
Speaking ahead of the export market visit, Economy Secretary Ken Skates said: “This Welsh Government led trade mission to Qatar and Kuwait is well timed coming ahead of the introduction of daily and direct flights between Cardiff Airport and Doha that will transform Wales’s relationship with the Middle East.
“The new route will provide huge opportunities and as a Welsh Government we want to do all we can to ensure that these opportunities are capitalised on and turned into tangible economic benefits for Welsh companies.”
