Lidl GB has decided to significantly increase the number of plant-based products it offers, following a 12% rise in demand for these products over the past year. The supermarket will more than triple its plant-based range by January 2025, reflecting a broader shift towards healthier, more sustainable food choices.
Starting this month, select Lidl stores will introduce a variety of new plant-based items, including burgers, sausages, mince, and nuggets, with a full national rollout to follow in the coming months. The expansion is part of Lidl’s strategy to ensure that more people have access to affordable plant-based products.
New Products and Prices
Lidl’s new plant-based range, known as the Vemondo Plant! own-label line, will feature 28 new items. The new range includes multiple varieties of tofu, starting from £1.75, and burgers priced from £1.89. Shoppers will also find meat alternatives such as sausages (£1.89), mince (£2.49), and nuggets (£1.99). Alongside these, there will be dairy-free and vegan options like yoghurts and cheese, as well as ready meals and deli-style products.
By expanding its plant-based offerings, Lidl aims to provide more options to meet the diverse dietary needs of its customers. Whether they are looking for healthier alternatives or environmentally friendly options, Lidl wants to ensure that plant-based foods are accessible at competitive prices.
Focus on Affordability and Growth
Lidl GB’s Chief Commercial Officer, Richard Bourns, emphasized the supermarket’s commitment to affordability. He stated, “We are investing heavily in British farming to support future growth while also making sure our plant-based products are affordable for everyone. We want to make it easier for our customers to make healthy and sustainable choices.”
Lidl’s focus on affordability is reflected in its pledge to offer market-leading prices for plant-based products. This move comes as the company sees increasing demand for plant-based protein. By offering a wider selection of plant-based foods, Lidl hopes to encourage more people to incorporate these products into their diets, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future.
Industry-Leading Goals for Plant-Based Protein
Lidl is setting ambitious targets when it comes to plant-based protein. The supermarket aims to have plant-based protein account for 25% of its total protein sales by 2030. This goal aligns with the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet 2050, which encourages people to adopt diets that are healthier for both themselves and the planet.
In addition to plant-based protein from meat alternatives, Lidl is also focusing on dairy alternatives. The company has committed to doubling the proportion of sales from plant-based dairy alternatives by 2030. These goals are part of Lidl’s broader efforts to achieve Net-Zero emissions by 2050.
Sustainability and Climate Goals
Lidl’s commitment to plant-based products is part of its larger plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The company has recently announced new climate goals, which include reducing its carbon footprint by promoting sustainable food choices. By expanding its plant-based range and setting targets for plant protein sales, Lidl is taking steps towards a more sustainable food system.
As Richard Bourns explained, “We know that we need to incorporate more plant-based foods into our diets to ensure balance. That’s why we are proudly supporting the planetary health diet, which is key to achieving a healthy and sustainable future. Our commitment to plant-based proteins will help reduce our carbon emissions and support a more balanced food system.”
Recognition for Leadership
Lidl’s efforts to promote plant-based protein and sustainability have not gone unnoticed. The supermarket has received the Bronze Planet Friendly Award from Compassion in World Farming (CIWF). This award recognizes companies that have taken significant steps to improve the treatment of farm animals and reduce their environmental impact.
Dr. Tracey Jones, Global Director of Food Business at CIWF, praised Lidl for its leadership, stating, “We congratulate Lidl GB on receiving the Bronze level Planet Friendly Award for their leadership in launching the UK’s first ambitious protein strategy. Lidl is setting an example in the UK retail sector, and we hope their initiative inspires other supermarkets to consider the impact their business has on planetary health.”
Lidl’s Partnership with WWF
To further support its sustainability goals, Lidl has entered into a new five-year international partnership with WWF (World Wildlife Fund). This partnership, which spans 31 countries, aims to promote more sustainable shopping choices. Lidl GB has also become the first discount supermarket to sign WWF’s Retailers’ Commitment for Nature. This agreement encourages supermarkets to halve the environmental impact of UK shopping baskets by 2030.
Meeting Net-Zero Goals
As the UK works towards its Net-Zero targets, supermarkets like Lidl are playing a crucial role in reducing emissions from the food system. According to Rebecca Tobi, Senior Business and Investor Engagement Manager at the Food Foundation, Lidl’s commitment to increasing plant protein sales is an important step in the right direction. She said, “Time is running out for the UK to hit Net-Zero. To get there, we will need to reduce emissions from the food system, and boosting the proportion of plant protein in our diets is a big part of that.”
Lidl’s decision to set targets for plant protein sales and disclose data transparently is a significant move in the UK retail industry. The supermarket’s efforts to promote plant-based products and reduce emissions align with broader societal goals to create a healthier and more sustainable food system.
Conclusion
Lidl GB’s expansion of its plant-based range is a clear response to growing demand for healthier and more sustainable food options. By offering a wider selection of affordable plant-based products, Lidl is helping to make these choices more accessible to everyone. The supermarket’s commitment to sustainability, as well as its ambitious targets for plant protein sales, demonstrates its leadership in the shift towards a more balanced and environmentally friendly food system.
As the UK works towards Net-Zero by 2050, Lidl’s efforts to promote plant-based foods and reduce greenhouse gas emissions will play a key role in shaping the future of the food industry. With its new Vemondo Plant! range and ongoing commitment to sustainable farming and affordable pricing, Lidl is setting an example for other retailers to follow.
