Lidl has today announced that it is introducing a new range of Welsh Cheddar cheese under Lidl’s ‘Valley Spire’ brand. The new product will be available exclusively in Wales.
This will be the first time that Lidl will stock an exclusively Welsh cheese range in Wales, complementing the other regional cheeses currently offered in stores. All of Lidl’s Valley Spire cheeses will be made using Welsh milk produced by farmers based in and around North and Mid Wales.
Lidl says it is part of the retailer’s commitment to sourcing its products as locally to stores as possible.
The range will include specialties such as: Welsh Mild Cheddar, Welsh Medium Cheddar, Welsh Mature Cheddar and Welsh Extra Mature Cheddar.
The product selection will be supplied by a new contract between Lidl UK and South Caernarfon Creameries (SCC), which is owned by its 130 farmer member suppliers, located in North and Mid Wales. The SCC will provide authentic Welsh Cheddar to Lidl and also continue to supply the grocer with a Mature Cheddar from their own brand, Dragon, in Lidl’s Welsh stores.
Nick Beadman, National Account Manager at South Caernarfon Creameries said: “We are extremely pleased to be supplying Lidl with its first Welsh Cheddar range to be sold nationally. Having recently opened our new cheese production facility at South Caernarfon Creameries, this new relationship with Lidl is significant for both our co-operative as well as the local economy.”
Joshua Smith, Senior Buying Manager at Lidl said: “Extending our range to include Welsh Cheddar was an important and natural progression. South Caernarfon Creameries produce authentic Welsh quality products, which gives our Valley Spire range local provenance. We are incredibly proud that two thirds of the products that we permanently stock in our stores are sourced from British suppliers, including a number of Welsh suppliers with whom we have very strong relationships and remain part of our commitment to championing local farmers.”
