Discount retailer Lidl GB is set to surpass its initial £15bn ($18.92bn) investment goal in the UK food sector by the end of the financial year 2024, with plans to invest a further £21bn - an increase of 40%.  

This additional £6bn highlights the company's continuing support for British agriculture and food production. 

In the previous financial year, Lidl GB invested £5bn across various sectors, demonstrating its commitment to championing British agriculture.  

The retailer sources two-thirds of the products in its permanent range from British suppliers.  

All its fresh milk, butter, eggs, cream, pork, chicken and beef are of British origin. 

Lidl GB chief commercial officer Richard Bourns said: "As we celebrate 30 years of Lidl in Great Britain, it’s a fitting time to reflect on how far we’ve come. One of the things we’re most proud of is the strong relationships we’ve built with British suppliers, who have grown with us over the years. Now more than ever, we remain committed to supporting British farmers, ensuring we’re a dependable partner to those who put quality, home-grown food on Lidl shelves across the country." 

The retailer's focus on British produce is demonstrated by its business model, which offers an extensive own-brand range comprising 90% of its product offering. This direct approach has led to relationships with more than 650 suppliers throughout the UK. 

Throughout 2024, Lidl has planned a series of investments specific to different sectors within the British food industry.  

These include a £1bn investment in the free-range egg industry in October 2024, and a £1.5bn commitment over five years to source 100% British beef.  

Following a £14m investment in 2022, Lidl announced a £500m investment into the British pork sector in April 2024, and has invested £70m in British root vegetable suppliers due to challenging weather conditions faced by farmers. 

To further support local farming communities, Lidl is expanding its initiatives for suppliers with the introduction of a Grassroots Farming Conference.  

The event aims to strengthen ties with farmers across the pork, dairy and beef industries.  

Scheduled for 19 and 20 February 2025 at Harper Adams Agricultural University, it will address topics such as agricultural policy and mental health.  

In October 2024, Lidl GB revealed plans to open ten new stores ahead of Christmas 2024, creating 400 new jobs.