Lidl GB has further boosted its existing £15 billion investment in the British food industry.
The popular retailer had committed to funding between 2020 and 2025 but has now increased that pledge to £17 billion.
Lidl GB works with more than 650 suppliers across the country and sources two thirds of its core produce from the UK.
Paramount to success
The supermarket has been forthcoming in saying that the farmers and producers that supply its goods have been paramount to the success of the business.
Lidl enjoyed some noticeable sales increases, with a rise of almost 25% over December, compared to the same period in 2021.
The discounter has long championed British food and farming and over-trades in British meat, poultry and eggs – currently holding the largest market share in volume of fresh British pork.
Overseas cheese
Cheese is another great export for Lidl shoppers overseas, with Lidl GB sending more than £50 million of British cheese to Europe.
Westcountry cheddar cheese supplier Wyke Farms has worked with Lidl since 1994 and currently has a long-term contact with Lidl GB until 2028, a deal worth £35m a year. As a result of its longstanding relationship with Lidl GB, Wyke is now exporting to 16 other Lidl markets, with Poland being the biggest fans of Somerset Vintage Cheddar outside of Great Britain.
Ryan McDonnell, CEO at Lidl GB, said: “We see them as partners in our mission to provide households with high quality affordable produce, and for many, working with Lidl GB and being part of our growth has opened opportunities for their own expansion, both here in the UK and across the globe.”
Martin Kottbauer, chief trading Officer at Lidl GB, added: “Providing our suppliers with the security and certainty needed for them to invest and grow has been a big focus for us over the years. It’s why we’ve led the industry on the introduction of longer-term contracts, and it’s why our continued investment in the British food and farming industry remains an absolute priority for our business.”
Lidl has over 70 supermarkets across London, and a total of 950 UK stores.
