LIDL has announced that it will soon become the first UK retailer to sell milk exclusively produced and bottled in Wales, thanks to a partnership with Pembrokeshire Creamery.

Starting from June 1, Lidl customers in Wales will be able to purchase Welsh own-label milk products, with plans to extend this to include cream shortly thereafter.

Previously, milk produced in Wales was transported to England for bottling before being sold in Welsh stores. However, with a significant £20m investment supported by the Welsh government, Pembrokeshire Creamery has now established the only bottling facility in the country certified to supply supermarkets. This development not only reduces transportation distances, thus cutting down on food miles, but also generates 80 new jobs in the local community.

The initiative is part of Lidl’s broader strategy to support Welsh agriculture and provide consumers with locally sourced products. Their range already includes Welsh bread, butter, yoghurt, eggs, lamb, and beef. Richard Bourns, Lidl GB’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasised the retailer’s dedication to local produce: “Our partnership with Pembrokeshire Creamery is testament to our commitment to offer Welsh shoppers the very best in homegrown food and drink.”

Mark McQuade, Managing Director of Pembrokeshire Creamery, highlighted the efficiency of the new operation. “The partnership will deliver products from farm to shelf in a more efficient way, removing the need for Welsh milk to be sent to England for bottling, before coming back to Wales,” he said.

This news coincides with Lidl’s announcement of a £500m investment in the British pork industry, aimed at supporting continued production amidst recent challenges such as rising costs, a Chinese import ban on EU pork, and butcher shortages, which have significantly impacted the sector.

Lidl’s initiatives are set to bolster not only the local Welsh economy but also the broader agricultural sector across the UK.

LONGSTANDING Pembrokeshire local business, W.B. Griffiths & Son, located in Haverfordwest, emerged victorious in the latest Pembs Lottery draw. The company, which has been an avid supporter of the lottery since its inception, was rewarded for its loyalty with a substantial win.

Director Neil Griffiths graciously accepted the £2000 prize on behalf of the business and expressed their delight in being able to give back to the community that has supported them throughout the years. Griffiths revealed that the prize money would be directed towards local community projects, thereby fostering a positive cycle of support within the area.

The gesture characterises Pembrokeshire. W.B. Griffiths & Son’s commitment to supporting local initiatives not only enriches the community.

The Pembrokeshire Lottery team extended their heartfelt congratulations to the fortunate winners, acknowledging their unwavering support and dedication to the local community.

THIS Welsh contingent, all aged under 25, will be heading for glory in France as part of a 31-strong Team UK, just hours after the Olympic flame is dimmed. They will compete in a range of disciplines in the event known widely as the Skills Olympics.

Just like their sporting counterparts, the members of Team UK have dedicated themselves to rigorous preparation for this extraordinary chance to proudly represent their nation in their chosen careers.

The UK has been taking part in the WorldSkills Competition since 1953 and the event is used by governments, economists and global business leaders around the world as a litmus test to measure preparedness to optimise future economic growth.

WorldSkills UK, a four nations partnership between education, industry and UK governments, is responsible for selecting, mentoring and training Team UK. Pearson, the world’s leading learning company is the official partner of WorldSkills UK for WorldSkills Lyon 2024.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles MS said: “I’m delighted to announce the Welsh contingent in Team UK.

“The dedication and hard work of Ruby Pile, Oscar McNaughton, Rosie Boddy, Max Clarke, Arron Luker and Ruben Duggan exemplify the impact of skills development programs. Their participation in WorldSkills Lyon 2024 reflects the commitment to excellence and the pursuit of mastery in their disciplines.

“WorldSkills is a testament to skills development in Wales and globally. It provides a platform for talented individuals to showcase their expertise and compete at an international level.

“These skilled professionals represent a diverse range of fields, from Additive Manufacturing Aircraft Maintenance, Restaurant Services. Cyber Security and Plumbing and Heating, demonstrating the importance of vocational education and training.

“As we celebrate their achievements, let’s recognize the vital role that skills development plays in shaping our future workforce and fostering innovation.

“Just as we will be celebrating the athletic prowess of our sporting elite in Lyon the week before, we will cheer the talents and dedication of these six young competitors keen to showcase their prize-winning abilities.

“And it’s important to acknowledge the impressive representation of their country by considering the ratio of competitors to population. One in five of our national team is Welsh.

“We’re all so very proud of you here in Wales.

“I wish each and every one of our competitors and those from the rest of the UK the best of luck.”

Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “WorldSkills Lyon 2024 – think Olympic Games – where the prize is the world-class skills that UK employers are crying out for.

“The UK’s participation in the ‘skills Olympics’ will provide vital insights to ensure we can develop our apprenticeship and training programmes, to make them truly world-class.”

“I couldn’t be prouder of the exceptional young people in Team UK; they are fantastic role models. Together with Pearson, we will use their participation at WorldSkills to boost the prestige of technical and vocational education, inspiring many more young people to take up technical and vocational training across the UK to help drive investment, jobs and economic growth.”