Welsh Food and Drink exports were worth £797 million in 2022, the highest recorded yearly value, Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths has announced.
With the Royal Welsh Show in full swing, the Minister has revealed the industry’s exports increased by £157 million between 2021 and 2022, representing a 24.5% rise. This is a larger percentage increase than the UK as a whole, which grew by 21.6%.
The highest value export categories for Welsh Food and Drink in 2022 were meat and meat products at £265 million, a 42% increase from 2021, and cereal and cereal preparations which rose 16% to £160 million.
The value of the sector’s exports to the EU reached £594 million, a £130 million increase from 2021. The industry’s exports to non-EU countries were worth £203 million in 2022, a large growth from £176 million in 2021.
France is now the highest value destination for Welsh food and drink exports at £150 million. Other top destinations include the Republic of Ireland (£145 million), Belgium (£78 million), Netherlands (£52 million) and Germany (£51 million).
Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths said: “Welsh food and drink exports continue to go from strength to strength, ensuring people in many countries abroad can enjoy high-quality products from Wales.
“The sector’s skills, drive for innovation and passion to provide the best possible produce is clear from today’s results.
“I am pleased to be able to make this announcement at the Royal Welsh Show which provides companies from across Wales with the opportunity to showcase their brilliant food and drink, and I’m sure visitors from near and far are enjoying it.”
Project Helix and the Strategic Innovation Scheme
The Minister has also announced the Strategic Innovation Scheme, which aims to provide a comprehensive range of business support services to food and drink businesses across Wales. As part of this, Project Helix, which offers technical and commercial support to the Welsh food and drink industry, will continue until March 2025.
Latest figures show Helix, which launched in 2016, has provided a £355 million economic boost to the industry, helped create 683 jobs and protected a further 3,647 jobs. More than 700 businesses have been supported through the scheme and almost 2,100 new food and drink products developed. The project will now be able to support larger manufacturers in Wales alongside small and medium-sized enterprises and micro-businesses.
