UK discounter Lidl has published its first socioeconomic impact report, claiming that it delivered £14.5 billion in gross value added to the British economy in FY24.
The report stated that Lidl is a “significant taxpayer” and in FY24 paid more than £1 billion in tax, which it said contributes towards public services such as the NHS, education, transport and state pensions. The report also highlighted that for every £1 of direct value created by Lidl GB, its British suppliers generate an additional £7, with a further £2 added across the wider value chain.
As part of its commitment to Backing British, Lidl invested £5.8 billion in British food in FY24, with more than two-thirds of the discounters’ products sourced from British suppliers. In this way, Lidl said it helps its suppliers to grow in order to “build long-term and sustainable relationships”.
The retailer said that through its direct operations and wider supply network, it also supports 281,813 jobs both directly and indirectly in Britain from farm to factory.
Every store and warehouse is linked to local charities, aiming to provide greater access to affordable, high-quality food through its surplus food donations, activated through charity partners. The report said that 11% of UK households experience food poverty and the donations made through Lidl in 2024 provided 18.5 million meals, supporting 6.8 million people in need.
“This milestone shows the confidence businesses have in our plan for growth, and I’m excited to see more opportunities like this open up in communities across the country.”
Ryan McDonnell, CEO of Lidl GB, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the socio-economic impact that our operations bring to communities in Great Britain. Given that we’re on track to open hundreds more stores across the country, we’re encouraged by the numbers reflected in this report because they demonstrate our tangible contribution to the British economy as a whole.
“Cutting the ribbon on our 1,000th store is a milestone moment for us as we celebrate not just another new Lidl, but the meaningful impact it will have. We know there are still many communities which could benefit from the Lidl Effect so we remain laser focused on delivering that through our ambitious growth plans.”
Business Secretary, Peter Kyle said: “It’s brilliant to see a retailer like Lidl thriving in the UK, opening new stores, supporting a quarter of a million jobs and delivering billions for our economy. This milestone shows the confidence businesses have in our plan for growth, and I’m excited to see more opportunities like this open up in communities across the country.”
The inaugural report comes as Lidl opened its 1,000th store in GB at East Grinstead. The discounter also invested £478 million in the development of new stores and distribution centres in 2024, renewing that investment with £500 million set aside for its expansion this year.
Over the next five years, Lidl said it intends to double its original sourcing investment into British suppliers, to the value of £30 billion. It also said that through its nationwide schools’ programme Lidl Foodies, more than 250,000 primary school children will be taught the importance of healthy, sustainable eating. Now in its second year, the initiative represents an investment of £650,000 over two years.
