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Lidl GB has announced it will exceed its five-year investment target in British food and farming by 40%, bringing the total to £21 billion by the end of FY24.

This move represents an additional £6 billion, reinforcing the retailer’s support for British agriculture and food production.

In the last financial year, Lidl invested approximately £5 billion across various sectors. Currently, two-thirds of the discounter’s permanent product range is sourced from British suppliers, with all its fresh milk, butter, eggs, cream, pork, chicken and beef being 100% British.

This year, Lidl has announced several significant sector-specific investments to strengthen its supply chain and support British farming.

In January, it committed over £70 million to root vegetable suppliers to provide stability amid challenging weather conditions. April saw a £500 million investment in the British pork sector, which included launching a producer group to foster collaboration and sustainability.

By July, Lidl pledged £1.5 billion to the British beef industry over the next five years, accompanied by a sustainability programme rewarding farmers who adopt eco-friendly practices. Most recently, in October, Lidl announced a £1 billion investment into the British free-range egg industry, offering long-term contracts and guaranteed minimum volumes to its suppliers.

Richard Bourns, chief commercial officer at Lidl GB, 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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