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Food giant McDonald’s is being challenged to think locally and create a Welsh Lamb burger.

The fast food chain already promotes a host of country-specific products around the world, from Jamaican chicken burgers to tzatziki wraps in Croatia.

Llyr Gruffydd , Plaid Cymru ’s North Wales AM, believes McDonald’s can play an important role in finding new markets for Welsh Lamb once Britain leaves the EU.

He said: “My request to McDonald’s is simple – given the quality and recognition for Welsh Lamb, why not promote a Welsh Lamb burger as part of this range of localised foods?

“There are 89 McDonald’s outlets in Wales that would surely stock a Welsh Lamb product – and I’m sure it could work in outlets across the border too, given the popularity of Welsh Lamb.”

(Image: Rui Vieira/PA Wire)

Meat marketing body Hybu Cig Cymru is keen to position PGI Welsh Lamb as a premium product but it accepts that all potential markets must be explored to maximise carcase utilisation.

McDonald’s is already a major outlet for UK agricultural produce and Mr Gruffydd said including Welsh Lamb in its roster of products was a natural progression.

(Image: Graham Young)

As well as supporting Welsh hill farmers, such a move would introduce Welsh Lamb to a new clientele and enhance McDonald’s buy-local credentials, he insisted.

“We know that McDonald’s is a global brand and, whatever we think of it, it’s an important part of the fast-food industry,” said Mr Gruffydd.

“And, although it has a global product, within that brand it also reflects local dietary preferences and national dishes.

“That means you can get a gazpacho soup in Spain and a Samurai Pork burger in Thailand as well as a McPaneer Royale in India.”

McDonald’s, which in recent weeks has been grappling with a shortage of UK bacon , said it doesn’t currently have any plans to introduce a lamb burger to its UK menu.

But a spokesman added: “We are proud to continue to support British and Irish farmers who supply 100% of our beef.”

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