Lidl announces £500 million investment into British pork
Lidl is investing £500 million into the British pork sector as it looks to help address the challenges faced by the industry.
The supermarket said the new funds will ensure the continued production of high-quality British products “at the best possible prices for customers”.
The sector has recently been impacted by rising costs, a Chinese import ban on EU pork, and butcher shortages. As a result, the supermarket is doubling down on its support for British producers through the introduction of its new ‘Lidl Pork Standard’.
This will include moving pork producers to an open-book producer costing model that includes the on-farm cost of production and the inclusion of a fixed margin for farmers.
The change was developed in collaboration with pork producers through the supermarket’s newly created Lidl Pork Producer Group.
The establishment of the group will enable Lidl to fund research and development projects aimed at mimicking the natural behaviours of pigs. In a new trial, 3D cameras have been introduced to record the nature and frequency of the animals’ enrichment interactions, with the data being subsequently used to enhance welfare.
Lidl is also investing in assessing the carbon footprint of all the farms in the group and putting plans in place to reduce these emissions. In addition, it will be investing over £250,000 in at-risk GB catchments to support river health and water quality, while working to achieve deforestation-free soy sourcing by the end of 2025.
Richard Bourns, chief commercial officer at Lidl GB, said: “This latest investment underlines our commitment to British producers, animal welfare and the environment.
“With our pork market share significantly greater than our broader market share, it highlights the substantial influence we have in this area and we’re embracing our responsibility to drive positive change.
“This next step with Lidl underscores our commitment to supporting British farmers and fostering a sustainable future for the sector, and we look forward to developing our relationship further.”
