Taking place at the Villas de Grecis in Bari, the reception, for more than 100 existing customers, as well as potential customers included a presentation on the qualities of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Welsh Lamb, and a cookery demonstration.
Gwyn Howells, chief executive, said: “Italy is a prime market for Welsh Lamb, particularly light lambs, and we were there to further investigate sales opportunities with our Italian partners.
“It is important that we retain strong links with our Italian customers,” said Howells. “Last year Welsh Lamb sales to Italy were worth £7 million, and we are determined to increase that figure to help maintain returns for farmers in Wales.”
HCC is also hoping to boost its exports to the Netherlands with the appointment of a new marketing specialist in the country. André Adolfs will start work in October.
Laura Pickup, HCC’s market development manager, said: “While we already export £14.3m of Welsh Beef and £4.5m of Welsh Lamb to the Netherlands, our research indicates that there is still room for improvement.”