Lidl Pledges £30bn to Bolster British Food Industry

Over the next five years discount retailer Lidl GB will double its investment in the British food and farming industry, strengthening its commitment to backing domestic suppliers, including fresh produce, and supporting long-term sustainable growth across the sector. 

The landmark £30 billion (bn) pledge represents a 100% increase on the supermarket operator’s original commitment of £15bn announced in 2019, which Lidl said it surpassed by an additional £6bn in 2024.

The new five-year investment will continue to support key sectors that are vital to the UK food system from fruit and vegetables to meat and poultry, and is designed to strengthen the UK food system and enhance national food security.

It builds on existing long-term supplier partnerships and major sustainability initiatives, including 100% LEAF-certified British fresh produce.

Lidl said its £30bn commitment reflects the value of sourcing contracts with domestic suppliers which will be made between 2025 and 2030 by concentrating on fostering long-term partnerships with over 650 farmers, growers, and suppliers across England, Scotland and Wales.

This long-term sourcing model provides suppliers with the stability and confidence needed to invest, innovate and scale sustainably, Lidl explained in a press release.

Now in its fourth decade of operation in Britain, the UK arm of German discounter Lidl emphasised that it remains focused on delivering quality and affordability while backing a resilient, ethical, and sustainable British supply chain. 

Richard Bourns, Chief Commercial Officer at Lidl GB, said the investment places British food and farming “at the heart of our growth plans”, ensuring Lidl continues to offer customers “the quality British products they demand”. 

“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,” commented Bourns. 

“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,” Bourns added. “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.”

Defra Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Dame Angela Eagle, said the investment demonstrates a strong vote of confidence in the quality and reliability of British farming. 

“By backing British produce we’re not just supporting our rural communities and agricultural workforce; we’re investing in sustainable food systems that will benefit consumers and the environment for generations to come – aligning with our vision for a resilient food strategy as part of our Plan for Change,” Dame Eagle noted.

Lidl’s £30bn Pledge Includes:

• A commitment to 100% LEAF Marque certification across all British fresh fruit and vegetable suppliers, thereby championing responsible farming practices that promote soil health, biodiversity and animal welfare.

• Continued funding for water catchment projects like UK Food and Drink Pact Water (WRAP) Roadmap, supporting collective action to address water risks in key sourcing regions such as Medway, Southwest England, Norfolk and the rivers Wye and Usk. This will address issues such as water availability and quality, plus societal challenges, and build climate resilience into food supply chains.

• Growth of Lidl’s Sustainable Beef Group with a £1.5bn investment in British beef production.

• Collaboration with partners such as the Ruumi app, providing beef farmers with digital innovation.