Lidl to invest 4 billion pounds in UK food

Lidl plans to invest 4 billion pounds into British food businesses this year, as it charges ahead with growth plans.

Lidl GB, the British arm of the German retail group, said it would accelerate the spending plans it announced in 2019.

Between 2020 and 2025, Lidl GB had committed to 15 billion dollars in investment in the British food industry. It has raised that amount to 17 billion dollars.

Ryan McDonnell, CEO at Lidl GB, said: "The farmers and producers that supply us, some of whom have been with us for decades, are critical to the success of our business.

They 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. Lidl GB has a good relationship with over 650 suppliers across the country and currently sources two-thirds of its core produce from the UK.

Martin Kottbauer, Chief Trading Officer at Lidl GB, said: Providing suppliers with the security and certainty needed to invest and grow has been a priority for us over the years. It is why we have led the industry on the introduction of longer-term contracts, and it is why our continued investment in the British food and farming industry remains an absolute priority for our business. The supermarket reported an increase in sales by 24.5 per cent over the four weeks to 25 December, compared with the same period in 2021, as the supermarket reported an increase of 24.5 per cent over the four weeks to December.

Lidl has over 70 supermarkets in London, and there are 950 UK stores.