UK meat processors have been given the go-ahead to start exporting lamb to Saudi Arabia.
This follows Saudi Arabian authorities lifting a ban on sheepmeat from the UK.
Farm levy body AHDB said the market could be worth £25million over the next five years, with exports likely to start as early as next month.
“This is great news for the sheep industry and for lamb processors and producers in the UK who are keen to look at new, non-EU markets,” said AHDB international market development director Phil Hadley.
“The announcement is the result of ongoing and detailed work between all parties and is a testament to the high regard and quality of UK lamb.”
Quality Meat Scotland chief executive Alan Clarke said the announcement would bring a welcome boost to the sheep industry in Scotland the UK.
He said: “While the EU remains by far the biggest market for Scotch Lamb PGI, the opportunities presented by other non-EU markets such as Saudi Arabia sends a very positive signal to the industry in terms of confidence for the long-term future.”
The news comes weeks after China agreed to start lifting the ban on UK beef.
