Aldi confirms major investment to help achieve goal of buying 50 per cent of all British fresh produce through long-term agreements
Aldi has announced it will invest £5 billion in reaching its target to buy 50 per cent of its homegrown produce through long-term agreements by 2027.
The agreements, which typically last at least two years, cover fruit and veg, dairy, meat and eggs, and aim to give producers greater certainty to invest, while helping strengthen British food supply chains, the discounter said.
“British suppliers are at the heart of our business,” said Aldi chief commercial officer, Julie Ashfield.
“These long-term agreements give farmers and producers the confidence to plan ahead, invest in their operations and build resilient supply chains,” she added.
Aldi has also announced a new partnership up with farmer and Clarkson’s Farm cast member Harriet Cowan, to encourage shoppers to buy more British-grown fruit and vegetables.
As part of the collaboration, Cowan has visited Aldi supplier and carrot producer Strawson’s, documenting the visit on a paid-for video on Instagram, and she will be developing recipes using British-grown fruit and veg.
It comes as new research found many shoppers do not realise vegetables including cucumbers, courgettes and aubergines can all be grown in the UK.
The poll of 2,000 adults found that while 80 per cent say supporting British farmers is important to them, only 27 per cent actively consider whether fruit and vegetables are grown in Britain when deciding what to buy.
Cowan said: “I’m passionate about highlighting the brilliant work British farmers do to bring high-quality food to our tables.
“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.”
Among Aldi’s long-term partnerships is Kent-based grower AC Goatham & Son, sole supplier of its British apples through a dedicated ’Aldi Orchard’.
