15 October 2025 | London, UK Lidl GB British food investment plan totals £30 billion in the British food and farming sector over the next five years — twice the amount it pledged previously.
The new commitment runs from 2025 to 2030 and focuses on long-term deals with local farmers, growers, and producers. It covers major parts of the UK food system including fruit, vegetables, meat, and poultry. Lidl said the plan is aimed at keeping food affordable while backing British suppliers for the long haul.
The retailer, now marking 30 years in Great Britain, said the move underlines its confidence in local supply and national food security.
Part of the funding will go into sustainability projects on farms. Lidl confirmed that by 2026 all British fresh fruit and vegetable suppliers will be 100 percent LEAF Marque certified — a mark linked to soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare. The LEAF label will start appearing on fresh produce in stores next year.
Lidl also supports national water projects through WRAP’s Water Roadmap, with work already underway in Medway, Norfolk, southwest England, and along the rivers Wye and Usk. These areas face increasing water stress, and the initiative is designed to protect both water quality and farm resilience.
Another priority is the retailer’s Sustainable Beef Group. Lidl has already invested £1.5 billion in British beef, helping farmers cut emissions, improve efficiency, and stay profitable. Through the ruumi app, beef farmers can monitor grazing and carbon data to manage land more responsibly.
“This investment puts British farming at the heart of what we do,” said Richard Bourns, Chief Commercial Officer at Lidl GB. He added that more than 650 suppliers stand to benefit from the long-term stability the plan provides.
Food Security Minister Dame Angela Eagle called the announcement “a strong vote of confidence in the quality and reliability of British farming.” She said supporting local producers strengthens rural employment and builds a food system “that’s good for people and the planet.”
Lidl said its sourcing model offers stability to suppliers while helping customers keep costs down. The company sees the £30 billion plan as a way to build a stronger and fairer food chain across the UK.
