A MONMOUTH supermarket has been praised for championing Welsh agriculture and supporting the dairy industry.

The Lidl store on Redbrook Road is one of 55 across Wales where a range of Welsh products are stocked such as milk, cheese, eggs, lamb, beef and potatoes.

It forms part of the retailer’s commitment to back British farmers.

Shoppers are able to recognise Lidl’s Welsh products – currently over 70–by the Red Dragon logo, as well as bilingual packaging in Cymraeg and English.

Local MP David Davies visited the store to meet staff and hear how Lidl is protecting and promoting Welsh culture and heritage–including investment in Welsh language services.

In January, Lidl became the first supermarket to achieve the prestigious Cynnig Cymraeg certification from the Welsh Language Commissioner.

Mr Davies said: “I must commend Lidl for its approach and the fantastic work it is doing to fly the flag for Wales.

“I was particularly impressed by the large choice of Welsh produce, from milk and potatoes to the new Birchwood beef range, which is supporting 130 farms and farming families across Wales.

“The range is fully traceable from field to store, so Welsh shoppers can enjoy beef that is locally reared and of the highest quality.

“The supermarket is also working hard to support the roll-out and inclusion of the Welsh language in stores. As a Welsh speaker myself, I try to use the language daily and it is great to see Lidl offering provision for Welsh speaking customers and colleagues.”

Alongside dual signage, Lidl is promoting and facilitating the use of the Welsh language across all aspects of its business in Wales, including in-store announcements, colleague name badges, customer service phone helplines and written communications, packaging on all local Welsh produce, self-service checkouts, and relevant social media updates.

Ute Thomas, regional director for Lidl in Wales, added; “At Lidl, we are committed to being an inclusive retailer for our customers, for our communities and our colleagues and prospective colleagues.

“In Wales, protecting and promoting the Welsh language is a huge part of what it means to be inclusive. Since 2014, we have provided signage in dual languages, in conjunction with local planning authorities, but since then, our commitment to our Welsh speaking customers and colleagues has only increased.

“We’re thrilled to receive our Cynnig Cymraeg certification in recognition of this hard work.”