UK discounter Lidl has revealed it is on track to invest a total of £21 billion in the British food industry, exceeding its original five-year commitment of £15 billion by 40%.
By the end of FY24, Lidl had promised to invest £15 billion. Its £21 billion invested equates to an additional £6 billion, with Lidl stating that it “underscores the retailer’s ongoing support for British agriculture and food production”.
It invested around £5 billion in the last financial year alone. Currently two thirds of the discounter’s products within its permanent range are from British suppliers, with 100% of its fresh everyday milk, butter, eggs, cream, pork, chicken and beef being British.
Richard Bourns, chief commercial officer at Lidl GB, said: “As we celebrate 30 years of Lidl in Great Britain, it’s a fitting time to reflect on how far we’ve come. One of the things we’re most proud of are the strong relationships we’ve built with British suppliers, who have grown with us over the years.
“Now more than ever, we remain committed to supporting British farmers, ensuring we’re a dependable partner to those who put quality, home-grown food on Lidl shelves across the country. By continuing to invest in British agriculture, we’re helping to ensure our suppliers can thrive in the future, providing the British-sourced products our customers love all year round.”
Conference to cover agricultural issues
Lidl is expanding its initiative for those supplying the company. Building on the success of Lidl’s Grassroots programme, the discounter is launching a Grassroots Farming Conference to “strengthen ties” with British farmers across more sectors including the pork, dairy, and beef industries.
The inaugural conference will take place between 19th and 20th February next year, at Harper Adams Agricultural University and will cover topics including agricultural policy, mental health, and more. Key speakers include Alex Burrows, Chair of NACFT; Michael Kavanagh, Director of Green Farm Collective; and Stephanie Berkeley from the Farm Safety Foundation.
