Lidl is “on track” to invest £21bn in the British food industry by the end of 2024, exceeding its original five-year target of £15bn by 40%.
In the last year alone, the German discounter said it has invested around £5bn across a range of sectors in a bid to champion British agriculture.
Currently two thirds of the discounter’s products within its permanent range are from British suppliers, with 100% of its fresh everyday milk, butter, eggs, cream, pork, chicken, and beef being British.
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As part of its expanded investment, Lidl is launching a Grassroots Farming Conference in February to strengthen relationships with farmers and address key issues across the sector.
It will cover topics including agricultural policy, mental health, and more, from key speakers including Alex Burrows, chair of NACFT; Michael Kavanagh, director of Green Farm Collective; and Stephanie Berkeley from the Farm Safety Foundation.
Lidl GB chief commercial officer Richard Bourns said: “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. 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.”
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