Lidl UK, the prominent discounter, has proudly announced its ambitious plan to invest a total of £21 billion in the British food industry. This commitment not only surpasses its original five-year pledge of £15 billion but also represents a remarkable 40% increase.
Initially, Lidl had pledged to invest £15 billion by the end of the fiscal year 2024. However, with its new total of £21 billion, the supermarket chain is set to inject an additional £6 billion into the sector. This significant investment clearly underscores Lidl’s unwavering support for British agriculture and food production.
In a remarkable show of dedication, Lidl invested approximately £5 billion in the last financial year alone. Currently, around two-thirds of the products in Lidl’s permanent range are sourced from British suppliers. Notably, the retailer proudly boasts that 100% of its fresh everyday dairy items—including milk, butter, eggs, and cream—as well as its meat products such as pork, chicken, and beef, are sourced entirely from British farms.
Richard Bourns, the Chief Commercial Officer at Lidl GB, shared his insights: “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.”
He further emphasized, “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.”
Upcoming Conference to Address Agricultural Issues
In an effort to further bolster its relationships with suppliers, Lidl is expanding its initiatives within the agricultural community. Building on the success of its Grassroots program, Lidl is excited to announce the launch of the Grassroots Farming Conference. This conference aims to strengthen ties with British farmers across various sectors, including pork, dairy, and beef.
The inaugural Grassroots Farming Conference is scheduled to take place on February 19th and 20th next year at Harper Adams Agricultural University. The event will cover a broad range of topics that are crucial to the agricultural sector, such as agricultural policy and mental health support for farmers. Notable speakers at the conference will include Alex Burrows, Chair of the NACFT; Michael Kavanagh, Director of the Green Farm Collective; and Stephanie Berkeley from the Farm Safety Foundation.
