The best of Welsh red meat is being showcased at two key events taking place in Germany this week.

The German city of Stuttgart is playing host to the prestigious IKA Culinary Olympics this week and the Wales junior team, run by the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW) of whom Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) is a major sponsor, is one of 60 nations taking part. They will be treating the judges to a main course of PGI Welsh Beef.

The Wales senior team will be presenting an edible chef’s buffet which includes a main course using a saddle and shoulder of PGI Welsh Lamb. Team member Zak Pegg will also be delivering a Welsh lamb masterclass in the Worldchefs Village at the Culinary Olympics.

At the same time on 17 February, HCC is partnering with the Welsh Government to ensure that PGI Welsh Lamb is on the menu at a trade event at the British Consul General’s Residence in Düsseldorf. Guests will include food retail buyers, food service companies and top chefs and restaurateurs from across the region.

Germany is a growing market for Welsh red meat, with export volumes having grown in each of the past three years. It’s now the second largest export destination for Welsh lamb behind France, and combined beef and lamb exports from Wales to Germany are estimated to be worth over £28 million a year.

HCC Export Development Officer Kate Patten said:

“Germany is a hugely important market for HCC, with a number of key customers in its vast food service and catering industry recognising Welsh red meat as a quality, sustainable product which its customers appreciate.

“By partnering with Culinary Team Wales and the Welsh Government’s consular presence, we’re able to bring Welsh lamb and Welsh beef to the attention of thousands more tastebuds and increase the profile of outstanding Welsh food.”

CAW president Arwyn Watkins said:

“It’s great that Hybu Cig Cymru recognises the importance of the Culinary Association of Wales and its teams being ambassadors for Welsh food and drink with the ability to make introductions to new markets around the world.

“Our chefs love cooking with Welsh lamb and Welsh beef because they are both premium quality ingredients.”