Lidl GB has announced a £30bn investment in the British food and farming industry, strengthening its commitment to back local suppliers.
The new investment reflects the value of sourcing contracts with British-based suppliers, which will be made between 2025 and 2030. The £30bn figure marks a doubling of the discounter’s commitment five years ago to invest £15bn, which it surpassed by an additional £6bn in 2024.
Lidl noted that its investment will support a broad range of key British food categories from fruit and vegetables to meat and poultry, strengthening the UK food system and enhancing national food security.
The retailer’s plan includes £1.5bn investment in British beef, supporting farmers to cut carbon and improve herd performance; 100% LEAF Marque certification for all British fresh fruit and veg suppliers by next year; expansion of sustainability schemes such as the WRAP Water Roadmap; and collaboration with regenerative farming platform ruumi.
“This investment is a clear, long-term commitment to British farmers and growers – a commitment that places British food and farming at the heart of our growth plans, ensuring we continue to offer our customers the quality British products they demand,” said Richard Bourns, Chief Commercial Officer at Lidl GB.
“By backing British, we aim to provide over 650 British suppliers the confidence and security to invest in their own businesses, laying the foundations for sustainable future growth.
“Our success is rooted in the brilliance of the suppliers we work with, and we’re extremely proud of the growth we’ve achieved together. As we enter our fourth decade in Great Britain, we remain focused on providing our customers with exceptional quality at market-leading prices, with these long-term partnerships underpinning our promise.”
NAM Implications:
- A discounter ‘going local’ big time.
- Growing market share faster than many.
- Time for brands to find ways of climbing aboard…
