Lidl’s £1.5 billion investment over five years aims to promote sustainable practices among British beef farmers and enhance the quality of its meat supply.
Lidl Invests £1.5bn in Sustainable British Beef Production
Lidl has announced a significant boost to its sustainability commitments with a £1.5 billion investment in British beef production over the next five years. The initiative forms part of the supermarket’s efforts to set a new benchmark in sustainable beef sourcing while maintaining its promise of 100% British beef.
The discounter has launched the Sustainable Beef Group, a venture aimed at aiding farmers in transitioning to environmentally friendly practices. This group will support suppliers who make strides in reducing carbon intensity and adopting regenerative farming techniques. Such techniques include improvements in grazing management, biodiversity, and the quality of soil and water specific to each farm.
Richard Bourns, Lidl GB’s chief commercial officer, highlighted the importance of the initiative: “As one of the largest buyers of British beef, we recognise our responsibility to support farmers adopt sustainable practices. This market-leading programme underpins our long-term commitment to buying 100% British while investing significantly in sustainable practices that exceed industry standards. It ensures our customers can continue to enjoy the best in high-quality, sustainably sourced British beef at the lowest possible prices.”
The initiative garners support from key partners, with Dunbia UK and Ireland’s group sustainability director, Gill Higgins, expressing enthusiasm: “We are delighted to support Lidl with their new sustainable beef programme. This initiative will support British beef farmers in adopting more sustainable farming methods while ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality beef for Lidl and their customers. This is a great example of how strategic partnerships and supply chain investment can support progress in the agri-food industry.”
The collaboration between Lidl and Dunbia is set to roll out new measures, including a vacuum-packed mince solution across Lidl’s range in February 2024. This packaging innovation is projected to reduce plastic usage by 300 tonnes annually. Furthermore, the partnership strives to cut scope 3 emissions intensity by 28% per tonne of finished product by 2030, in line with Lidl’s broader science-aligned climate targets.
Additionally, the new initiative fits into Lidl’s broader strategy, succeeding similar schemes like the exclusive Welsh and Grass Fed beef producer groups. These groups already see the retailer paying a premium for producers who join, thereby encouraging more sustainable practices.
Through this sustained investment and collaboration with suppliers, Lidl aims to reinforce its position as a leader in sustainable food retail while supporting British farmers in adopting more eco-friendly agricultural practices. The investment signals a significant step towards a more sustainable future in British beef production.