Lidl pledges £30 billion investment in British food and farming by 2030

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Lidl will make a £30 billion investment in British food and farming between 2025 and 2030, doubling its previous pledge and strengthening support for more than 650 UK suppliers.

The discounter said the five-year investment will provide long-term security to farmers, growers and producers across England, Scotland and Wales, while enhancing food security and supporting sustainability.

“This investment is a clear, long-term commitment to British farmers and growers – a commitment that places British food and farming at the heart of our growth plans, ensuring we continue to offer our customers the quality British products they demand,” said Richard Bourns, Chief Commercial Officer at Lidl GB.

“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.”

Lidl’s new £30 billion commitment represents a 100 percent increase on its original £15 billion target set in 2019, which the retailer exceeded by £6 billion earlier this year. The investment covers a broad range of key food categories, from fruit and vegetables to meat and poultry.

Focus on sustainability

Sustainability underpins the investment, with Lidl committing to 100 percent LEAF Marque certification across all British fresh fruit and vegetable suppliers. The LEAF logo will begin appearing on packaging from next year. The retailer will also continue funding water catchment projects through the UK Food and Drink Pact Water Roadmap, supporting collective action in regions such as the Medway, Norfolk and the rivers Wye and Usk.

British beef will see a £1.5 billion boost through the expansion of Lidl’s Sustainable Beef Group. Working directly with farmers, the discounter said the initiative aims to cut carbon intensity, improve herd performance and farm profitability. It is also collaborating with partners such as the ruumi app to help farmers adopt regenerative land management techniques and track progress on grazing, herd performance and emissions.

Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs Dame Angela Eagle welcomed the move.

“Lidl’s investment is a strong vote of confidence in the quality and reliability of British farming and we’re proud to support partnerships that recognise the excellence of all that our farmers produce,” she said.

“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.”

Lidl, which this year marked four decades in Britain, said the £30 billion investment reflects its “long-term sourcing model” designed to help suppliers scale sustainably while maintaining affordable prices for consumers.