Lidl GB has announced its support for the British food industry by investing £15 million in national suppliers over the next five years.
9, a:1:{i:0;s:8:”defaults”;}, conveyor belt scrapers, Lidl Invests £15m In British Food Industry, Lidl GB has announced its support for the British food industry by investing £15 million in national suppliers over the next five years.
In addition to this investment, it has also promised to boost sales of British-sourced meat, poultry and fresh produce by more than ten per cent over the next 12 months, and give longer-term contracts to suppliers, offering them more stability to enable them to grow.
This comes after the supermarket chain committed to source all its listed fresh poultry from UK farms. It will also launch a new young farmers programme to support those just entering the industry.
Chief commercial officer at Lidl GB Ryan McDonnell said: “Our business is only ever as good as our suppliers’, so our investments and commitments are key to ensuring that they can invest and expand with us.”
He went on to say having long-term relationships with British farmers is even more crucial during this current period of economic uncertainty while the government negotiates a Brexit deal to leave the European Union (EU).
Indeed, the outcome of Brexit could greatly impact on the food industry, particularly if no deal is struck.
Head of research at Shore Capital Clive Black recently told Food Manufacture: “A massive majority of the food industry wants a relationship with the EU.”
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a prospective deal that “takes back control”.
Mr Black stated the plan would be “especially good news for the dairy industry, particularly in Northern Ireland”. However, in order to go ahead, the strategy still needs approval from the rest of parliament, as well as the EU itself.
With so many food suppliers, including farmers and manufacturers, left confused about the future of their industry, this support from Lidl will be a big relief.
Tom Hulme, who runs AC Hulme & Sons and supplies the supermarket with apples and pears, said: “The company has stayed true to its word with its growing orders over the years, giving us certainty in an industry that faces many uncertainties.”
Lidl, which is celebrating its 25th year, has a long history of supporting British food businesses. In March 2017, it signed the Back British Farming Charter from the National Farming Union (NFU) to encourage people to buy local produce, educate children about farming at school, and raise awareness of looking after the countryside.
Prior to this, Lidl also threw itself behind the NFU’s Fruit and Veg Pledge. This charter was introduced to commit retailers, intermediaries, and growers to a certain set of standards.
Growers promised to produce good-quality and traceable fresh fruit and vegetables; improve efficiency in their business by investing back into it; and introduce new products and production techniques to make fresh food more available for buyers.
In return, retailers pledge to treat suppliers fairly; build long-term relationships with farmers for their security; offer production programmes as much as one year before the crop is needed; give price certainty to growers; pay on time and in full; use the whole crop to reduce costs and wastage; and communicate directly with farmers, among others.
For conveyor belt scrapers for use in the food manufacturing industry, give us a call today., field_544dcaa8220f0, , field_543e9601d7f94, 37, Lidl GB has announced its support for the British food industry by investing £15 million in national suppliers over the next five years.
