Lidl pledges fair deal for British growers

By backing the National Farmers’ Union’s ‘Fruit and Vegetable Pledge’, the discount retailer has promised greater price certainty for growers, to pay all its suppliers on time and in full, to reduce waste and, among other points, to increase the proportion of British fruit and veg that it sells when produce is in season.

Lidl has also pledged to continue its on-going promotional activity with growers, including ‘Pick of the Week’ promotions, which are designed to provide flexibility and security to its suppliers through “crop-availability-led planning”.

Rival retailers Aldi is the only other supermarket chain to have signed the pledge since it was launched by the NFU last year.

Ryan McDonnell, Lidl UK’s commercial director, said: “We are very proud to have developed and maintained strong, long-standing relationships with all our suppliers, and our commitment to the NFU pledge cements this further.

“We’re also very keen to ensure that our sourcing process supports the growth and development of UK growers, which is vital in encouraging more and more people, particularly our shoppers, to regularly eat more fruit and veg.”

Ali Capper, chairman of the NFU’s horticulture and potatoes board, said Lidl had been an ideal candidate to make the pledge.

She said: “We are delighted that Lidl has publicly committed to our pledge, highlighting its commitment to long-term supply relationships, equitable distribution of reward along the supply chain, and fair and respectful trading relationships.”