LIDL ROOTS FOR BRITISH VEG SUPPLIERS AMIDST CHALLENGING WEATHER CONDITIONS, INVESTING OVER £70M THROUGH NEW LONG-TERM CONTRACTS

• Lidl GB is investing over £70 million into British root veg suppliers through new long-term contracts as many struggle with adverse weather conditions  
• The contracts of up to three years will benefit farmers producing root veg, including carrots, parsnips and swedes
• Amid variable weather challenges, long-term contracts are set to offer added certainty and security, encouraging suppliers to invest for the future

26th January 2024 – As many farmers are faced with challenging weather conditions, Lidl GB has announced a significant change to fortify its commitment to supporting British farmers by transitioning British root veg suppliers to long-term contracts.  

Representing an investment of over £70 million, the new contracts of up to three years will offer those supplying Lidl’s Winter veg staples, including carrots, parsnips, and swedes, the certainty and security to invest in their operations.

The move underscores Lidl’s commitment to ‘Backing British’ and the development of local economies, while highlighting the importance of fostering sustainable partnerships, especially during challenging times.

The change is not only a gain for suppliers but also aligns with the discounter’s broader mission of offering customers the best of British at the lowest prices.

Paul Gibson, Buying Director at Lidl GB, said: "As the whole market faces challenges, including unpredictable weather patterns, our decision to transition suppliers to longer contracts underscores our commitment to supporting local producers. Not only is it an investment in the quality and consistency of our supply chain, but it’s also testament of our dedication to the British food industry.”

Commenting on its 20-year partnership with the discounter, James Barker, COO of Burgess Farms, added: "Entering our vicennial year with Lidl GB represents a significant milestone for us, and one we are very proud of. Despite industry-wide challenges over the last two years, Lidl's transparent and collaborative approach has enabled us to continue delivering excellent quality produce to its customers. Together, we've cultivated a sustainable British farming supply chain, from field to shelf, and the long-term agreement means we can continue to build on this in the future.”

This investment in long-term contracts is part of Lidl’s broader £17 billion injection into the British Food Industry by 2025. It follows a series of similar initiatives, including its innovative approach to boost British egg production by offering financial incentives to egg farmers.

Sourcing two-thirds of its core produce from the UK, Lidl works with over 650 suppliers across the country and remains committed to fostering strong partnerships, ensuring the availability of high-quality British produce for its customers.
 

ENDS

Notes to Editors

About Lidl GB

Since establishing itself in Great Britain in 1994, Lidl GB has experienced continuous growth and today has over 31,000 employees, over 960 stores and 14 distribution centres in England, Scotland and Wales.

As part of the Schwarz retail group, Lidl is one of Europe’s leading organisations in the food retail industry. The supermarket, which has more than 376,000 employees globally, currently operates approximately 12,200 stores and more than 220 logistics centres and warehouses in 31 countries.

The supermarket takes pride in providing its customers with the highest quality products at the lowest possible prices throughout Great Britain, from Kirkwall to the Isle of Wight.

Social responsibility and sustainability are at the core of the company's daily operations, with the company placing a strong emphasis on its responsibility for people, society, and the environment. Lidl GB is passionate about working with British producers and sources two thirds of its products from British suppliers.

The Schwarz Group, which operates worldwide as a retail group, generated a total revenue of €154.1 billion in the financial year 2022.

For more information about Lidl GB visit https://corporate.lidl.co.uk