UK discounter Lidl GB has committed to sourcing 100% British beef by investing £1.5 billion into the British beef industry over the next five years.
Lidl announced that it would be investing £1.5 billion into British beef production over the next five years as part of its wider commitment to sourcing 100% British beef.
The discounter also said it would financially reward farmers in its newly formed producer group for adopting regenerative farming techniques and reducing on-farm carbon emissions. The Sustainable Beef Group will work with Lidl to improve herd performance, with all initiatives naturally helping to improve farm profitability.
Within their partnership, Lidl and Dunbia have set a target to reduce their scope three emissions intensity by 28% per tonne of finished product by 2030, supporting Lidl’s wider scope three science-aligned climate targets.
This builds on Lidl’s Welsh and Grass Fed beef producer groups. In both instances, the discounter pays a premium to producers to join the group, and the Grass Fed range ensures that cattle spend a minimum of 180 days grazing outdoors each year, with a diet consisting of at least 70% grass.
Gill Higgins, group sustainability director, UK & Ireland at Dunbia, said: “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.
In February 2024, Lidl launched a vacuum-packed mince solution across its range, implemented in partnership with leading beef supplier Dunbia, which it said would reduce plastic usage by 300 tonnes annually. Other supplier initiatives include a £500 million investment in the British pork industry to address recent challenges and support high-quality British pork production.
Richard Bourns, chief commercial officer at Lidl GB, said: “As one of the largest buyers of British beef, we recognise our responsibility to support farms to adopt sustainable practices. This market-leading programme underpins our long-term commitment to buying 100% British, whilst 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.”
