THE first vegan supermarket

has opened its doors in Llanelli thanks to the support of a grant from Carmarthen shire County Council.

Kind Earth served its first customers with organic and locally sourced produce from its Stradey District Centre store in Maes y Coed.

The business, owned by local resident Matt Rogerson, was supported with a grant of £4,435 through the council’s business start-up fund which is linked to job creation.

The money was used to purchase equipment including an EPOS system, fridges and freezers, shelving, trollies, baskets and light fittings.

The business is a plastic-free zone, offering paper bags and paper carriers to customers as packaging.

In addition to selling groceries, the store will run a terracycle scheme and host to a number of events including litter picking days and workshops on a wide range of topics to improve lifestyles.

Kind Earth’s Matt Rogerson said opening the store was a dream come true for him.

He said: “The shop is not only a vegan supermarket where people can buy fresh good quality locally sourced grocery items but offers customers to get involved in initiatives and workshops to make us a healthier and more sustainable community.”