The move will see Aldi increase its long-term agreements with domestic producers, helping to support food manufacturing across Britain.
The agreements typically run for two years or more, and Aldi is now aiming to source 50% of its domestic produce through long-term agreements by the end of next year.
By increasing its long-term agreements with domestic producers, Aldi says that it is enabling its suppliers to “invest in the growth of their operations and capacity” across fresh produce, dairy, meat and eggs, while giving farmers and producers greater long-term certainty to plan ahead and invest.
The growers and producers with whom the German firm has signed agreements include Kent-based fruit grower AC Goatham & Son, its sole supplier of British apples. This partnership will support a dedicated “Aldi Orchard” supplying fruit to stores across the UK.
The strengthening of Aldi’s commitment to develop UK farming and food manufacturing follows on from a £1.1 billion investment in UK egg production over the next five years, unveiled last month.
This investment will no doubt provide some reassurance to its local suppliers, given the increasingly volatile global economy, which has been significantly impacted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi UK, said: “British suppliers are at the heart of our business. These long-term agreements give farmers and producers the stability they need to plan ahead, invest in their operations, and build more resilient supply chains.
“We’re committed to backing UK agriculture for the long term and ensuring customers continue to benefit from high-quality, affordable British food.”
