A Plaid Cymru AM has called for large supermarkets to stock more Welsh produce ahead of the Christmas and New Year.
The AM for South Wales Central Chris Franks called for supermarkets to stock local goods during Rural Affairs questions in the Senedd.
Plaid Cymru AM Chris Franks said: “I find it difficult to find local Welsh cheeses, drink, butter and fresh vegetables in supermarkets in my region. Given the huge influence that major retailers have on food sales, it is essential that our local produce is given a high priority by major supermarkets. Plaid wants to work to create a network of local health and food co-operatives to ensure that healthy, affordable and local food is available through local co-operative, privately owned restaurants, and farmers’ markets.”
“Areas in my region like the Vale of Glamorgan have a variety of produce that is of excellent quality which should be on offer to the Welsh public.
Plaid Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones said:
“I want to see all supermarkets in Wales give prominence to local and Welsh food. It is true to say that a number of supermarkets have made significant developments on this over the last few years—not all, but some, are in discussion with Welsh food and drink suppliers about a flow of Welsh food into supermarkets, particularly the kind of products that you alluded to—Welsh cheeses, and so on. They can be found in a number of supermarkets.”
The Minister urged consumers to make their views known to supermarkets if they were disappointed by the lack of lock produce. If supermarkets fail to stock Welsh goods they should move their trade elsewhere.
