This new agreement will see the discount retailer become the UK’s biggest seller of British wagyu steaks, with the product made available in all its stores nationwide. In total, Aldi expected to sell 2.5 million British wagyu steaks a year once the roll out is completed later this year.
Jim Bloom, founder of Warrendale Wagyu, said: “We’ve worked with farmers across the UK to produce top-quality British wagyu steaks, but this is a huge milestone as we gear up to supply Aldi stores nationwide.
“We’re grateful for the long-term relationship we have with Aldi and its continued belief and investment in our business and the British farming industry as a whole.”
Dairy crossbreed
Yorkshire-based Warrendale Wagyu is a family-owned business that has been supplying Aldi since 2020. All its meat uses Fullblood Wagyu genetics crossed with dairy breeds in a grass-based production system.
By using this approach, the company can produce a genuine wagyu product, but also gives a value to calves born in the dairy supply chain – an issue the food industry has been tackling for several years.
Warrendale Wagyu was recognised in 2024 with a King’s Award for innovation for its approach to working with British dairy and beef farmers.
Aldi UK chief commercial officer Julie Ashfield added: “Our award-winning British wagyu steaks are incredibly popular with shoppers and it’s exciting that we’ll soon be able to offer these products in all our stores across the country.
Commitment to British farming
“This contract is just one of the long-term partnerships we’ve invested in as part of our unwavering commitment to British farming and providing our customers with exceptional quality British products.”
Warrendale’s deal with Aldi will provide financial security for the business and the 800 British farmers within its supply chain.
Meanwhile, Aldi has announced plans to invest £67 million in upgrading its existing UK stores during 2025.
