Aldi backs British farmers with £5bn investment

Britain’s biggest discount supermarket, Aldi, has announced plans to invest £5bn in British farming and food production through a series of long-term supply agreements with UK producers.

The supermarket – now the UK’s fourth largest – said the deals, which typically run for at least two years, are designed to give farmers and food businesses greater confidence to invest while helping to strengthen domestic food supply chains.

The commitment covers key sectors including fresh produce, dairy, meat and eggs, with Aldi aiming for half of all its UK-sourced produce to be supplied through long-term agreements by the end of 2027.

See also: Rising food prices ‘won’t reach farmgate’, farmers warned

As part of the package, Aldi has pledged £1.1bn to British egg production over the next five years, providing additional support for the sector at a time when producers continue to face cost and market pressures.

Aldi UK’s chief commercial officer, Julie Ashfield, said: “British suppliers are at the heart of our business.

“These long-term agreements give farmers and producers the confidence to plan ahead, invest in their operations and build resilient supply chains.”

Grown in Britain

Among Aldi’s existing partnerships is Kent-based grower AC Goatham & Son, which supplies all of the retailer’s British apples through a dedicated Aldi Orchard programme serving stores across the country.

The announcement comes alongside research commissioned by Aldi which suggests many consumers are unaware that a range of vegetables can be grown in Britain.

The survey of 2,000 adults found that while 80% of respondents said supporting British farmers was important to them, only 27% actively considered whether fruit and vegetables were British-grown when making purchasing decisions.

Celebrity backing

To help promote seasonal UK produce, Aldi has partnered with Clarkson’s Farm personality and farmer Harriet Cowan.

“I’m passionate about highlighting the brilliant work British farmers do to bring high-quality food to our tables,” she said.

“I’ve loved teaming up with Aldi to learn more about the fruit and veg we grow here in the UK and to shine a light on what’s in season.”

The retailer, in collaboration with Ms Cowan, has also produced a range of seasonal recipes featuring British-grown produce, available through its website.