Aldi announces 5bn long-term agreements with suppliers

The supermarket said the contracts would cover fresh produce, dairy, meat and eggs, with agreements typically lasting two years or more.

Aldi aims to source 50% of its domestic produce through long-term agreements by the end of 2027, although the retailer has not detailed how much of the £5bn represents new spending rather than existing supplier commitments.

The announcement includes a £1.1bn commitment to British egg production over the next five years, which Aldi said would help strengthen poultry supply chains and provide greater certainty for egg producers.

Longer-term contracts are often viewed by producers as a way to manage volatility and support future investment, though farming organisations have continued to call for fairer relationships between retailers and suppliers.

Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi UK, said British suppliers remained central to the supermarket’s operations.

“British suppliers are at the heart of our business,” she said.

“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.”

Ms Ashfield said Aldi remained committed to supporting UK agriculture while ensuring shoppers continued to have access to affordable food.

“We’re committed to backing UK agriculture for the long term and ensuring customers continue to benefit from high-quality, affordable British food,” she said.

The retailer also released research suggesting that while consumers support British farming, many do not actively consider where produce is grown when shopping.

A poll of 2000 adults found that 80% of UK consumers said supporting British or local farmers was important to them, but only 27% said they actively considered whether fruit and vegetables were grown in the UK.

The research also highlighted confusion around British-grown produce, with some shoppers unaware that courgettes, cucumbers and aubergines can be grown domestically.

Staples such as peppers, sweet potatoes and runner beans were also commonly assumed to be imported.

The poll found that 43% of respondents were not confident identifying which produce was in season at different times of the year, while 47% said they cooked the same meals throughout the year.

Aldi has also partnered with farmer and television personality Harriet Cowan to encourage shoppers to buy more British-grown fruit and vegetables.

Ms Cowan said she wanted to highlight the work British farmers do in supplying households with food.

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