Welsh Food and Drink exports were worth £797 million in 2022, the
highest recorded yearly value, Rural Affairs Minister has announced.
With the Royal Welsh Show in full swing and crowds enjoying some
of Wales’ best food and drink products, the Minister has revealed
the industry’s exports increased by £157m 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 £265m, a 42% increase from
2021, and Cereal and Cereal Preparations which rose 16% to £160m.
The value of the sector’s exports to the EU reached £594m, a
£130m increase from 2021. The industry’s export to non-EU
countries were worth £203m in 2022, a large growth from £176m in
2021.
France is now the highest-value destination for Welsh food and
drink exports at £150m. Other top destinations include the
Republic of Ireland (£145m), Belgium (£78m), Netherlands (£52m),
and Germany (£51m).
Rural Affairs Minister, 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.”
The Minister has also announced a new scheme, the Strategic
Innovation Scheme, 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.
Thanks to today’s announcement, the project will now be able to
support larger manufacturers in Wales alongside small and
medium-sized enterprises and microbusinesses who have already
benefitted.
Mike Woods, Chief Executive of Just Love Food Company said:
“Since the affiliate joined the business through Project Helix
our turnover has grown by over 65% and it wouldn’t have been
possible without those more robust technical structures in place.
Project Helix has helped the business grow and it's helped put a
foundation down that will help continue growth.”
The Minister added: “The Strategic Innovation Scheme will
underpin the Welsh Government’s Vision for the Food and Drink
Industry.
“As part of this, Project HELIX, which has had a hugely positive
effect on Wales’ food and drink industry, helping companies to
adopt a more efficient and strategic approach, will continue
until March 2005.
“The project’s positive impact is clear to see through the £355
million economic boost it has provided as well as the number of
new jobs it has helped to create and the thousands it has
protected. It has also been key in upskilling the Welsh
workforce, and supported businesses to develop new products.”
