Using Welsh language on packaging can give suppliers a competitive advantage in Wales, new research by the Welsh Language Commissioner has suggested.

A study of businesses including butcher brand Edwards of Conwy, potato grower Blas y Tir, and yoghurt brand Village dairy/Llaeth y Llan revealed using the Welsh language was of “commercial value.”

Companies benefitted from a strong brand identity, brand loyalty and greater opportunities to sell in new markets, in addition to increased customer awareness.

Using the language “got us into new retailers,” said Blas y Tir MD Huw Thomas.

Meanwhile, campaigners have begun a boycott of Morrisons stores due to what it claimed was a “lack of respect” for Welsh. Cymdeithas yr Iaith (Welsh Language Society) claimed Morrisons did not have a policy that reflected the official status of the language. The retailer has rejected the claims.