Lidl is on course to invest £21bn in the UK food industry by 2024, surpassing its previous target by 40%.
- This year alone, Lidl has funneled £5bn into the industry, transforming a significant portion of its product range to British suppliers.
- The discounter sources 100% of its fresh dairy and meat products from British farms, solidifying its commitment to local agriculture.
- In addition to financial investments, Lidl is enhancing supplier relationships through initiatives like the Grassroots Farming Conference.
- These efforts underscore Lidl’s pledge to support British agriculture and ensure the availability of home-grown products.
Lidl is set to make a substantial £21 billion investment within the UK’s food sector by the conclusion of 2024. This strategic move significantly exceeds their initial target of £15 billion by an impressive 40%. Over the course of this year, the supermarket has already infused £5 billion into various sectors, marking a pivotal shift towards sourcing from British suppliers. Currently, two-thirds of Lidl’s permanent range is derived from British sources, with 100% of its fresh milk, butter, cream, eggs, pork, chicken, and beef coming from domestic producers.
Lidl’s chief commercial officer, Richard Bourns, highlighted the importance of their three-decade journey in Great Britain by stating, “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.” This statement emphasizes the strengthening ties with British suppliers over the years, which remains a cornerstone of their strategy to support local agriculture.
The discounter’s dedication to British agriculture is further demonstrated through financial investments and initiatives aimed at fostering supplier relationships. Last month, Lidl announced a substantial £1 billion investment into the British free-range egg industry. This is part of their broader strategy to ensure the stability and growth of local suppliers.
In a bid to fortify these efforts, Lidl is expanding its Grassroots initiative, which serves as a platform for supporting its suppliers. The company plans to launch the Grassroots Farming Conference, aiming to further solidify partnerships with British farmers across various sectors. This forward-thinking approach intends to bolster the availability of products that resonate with consumer preferences for British-sourced goods.
Lidl’s investment strategy not only strengthens its market position but also underscores its commitment to supporting British agriculture for sustainable growth.
