Lidl is offering financial incentives to egg farmers and is calling on other retailers to encourage new producers to join the sector.
Following considerable pressure on the egg industry over the past year, the German discounter looks to support new and existing farmers by diversifying their business and giving them long-term contracts with increased funding.
Through these contracts, farmers will be given the security and confidence needed to invest in and expand their existing businesses, helping to provide greater returns in the long term.
The retailer is also supporting existing suppliers by investing an additional £40m compared to last year.
Whilst other supermarkets in recent months have chosen to import eggs from oversees, the latest move forms part of Lidl’s commitment to sourcing and selling 100% British fresh shell eggs by the end of 2024.
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Chief trading officer at Lidl Martin Kottbauer said: “The last year has been particularly challenging for the British egg industry, and it’s had an impact on everyone.
“The easy option would certainly have been for us to source elsewhere, but we are firmly committed to the long-standing relationships we have with our British suppliers, and our commitment to sourcing 100% fresh shell British eggs.
“As an industry we need to be doing more to ensure the long-term sustainability of the British egg sector, which is why we have taken steps to offer incentives and security for farmers to expand into egg production.”
He added: “This approach, which is supported by long term contracts, is giving our suppliers much needed confidence to invest in their businesses and further secure their futures. We would urge other retailers to do the same.”
The news comes as Lidl has opened its largest ever warehouse in the UK, following a £300m investment, creating up to 1,500 jobs for the local community.
