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Aldi has announced plans to commit more than £5 billion to long-term supplier agreements with British farmers and food producers, as the retailer looks to strengthen domestic supply chains and support growth across UK agriculture.

The investment forms part of Aldi’s wider strategy to increase sourcing stability and provide greater certainty for suppliers operating across key categories, including fresh produce, dairy, meat and eggs.

Under the initiative, Aldi is expanding the number of long-term agreements it holds with UK producers, with contracts typically running for two years or more. The supermarket aims to source 50% of its domestic produce through long-term agreements by the end of 2027.

Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi UK, said: “British suppliers are at the heart of our business. These long-term agreements give farmers and producers the stability they need to plan ahead, invest in their operations and build more resilient supply chains. We’re committed to backing UK agriculture for the long term and ensuring customers continue to benefit from high-quality, affordable British food.”

Among the partnerships highlighted by Aldi is its long-standing agreement with Kent-based grower AC Goatham & Son, which supplies all of the retailer’s British apples through a dedicated “Aldi Orchard” programme serving stores nationwide.

The retailer has also pledged £1.1 billion to UK egg production over the next five years, a move aimed at reinforcing domestic poultry supply chains and improving long-term certainty for British egg farmers.

The announcement comes as Aldi released new consumer research suggesting a disconnect between shoppers' attitudes toward British farming and purchasing habits in-store.

According to a survey of 2,000 UK adults commissioned by the retailer, 80% of respondents said supporting British or local farmers is important to them, yet only 27% actively consider whether fruit and vegetables are grown in the UK when shopping.

The research also found widespread confusion around which produce can be grown domestically. Many respondents were unaware that vegetables such as courgettes, cucumbers and aubergines are cultivated in Britain, while peppers, sweet potatoes and runner beans were commonly assumed to be exclusively imported products.

In addition, 43% of consumers said they lacked confidence in identifying seasonal produce, while nearly half reported cooking the same meals throughout the year regardless of seasonality.

As part of efforts to raise awareness around British-grown produce, Aldi has partnered with farmer and television personality Harriet Cowan on a campaign promoting seasonal UK fruit and vegetables.

Cowan has developed a series of recipes featuring British produce, including Creamy Pea and Pesto Pasta Skillet, Pork Tenderloin with Rhubarb Sauce, Beef and Pepper Stir Fry, and Hot Honey Carrots.

“I’m passionate about highlighting the brilliant work British farmers do to bring high-quality food to our tables,” said Cowan. “I’ve loved teaming up with Aldi to learn more about the fruit and veg we grow here in the UK and to shine a light on what’s in season.”

The retailer’s latest investment signals growing competition among UK supermarkets to strengthen relationships with domestic suppliers amid ongoing concerns around food security, supply chain resilience and the long-term sustainability of British farming.