Lidl GB has revealed that it will become the first grocer in the UK to start selling a new range of revolutionary eggs in an exclusive partnership with Kipster, which is said to produce “the most animal and environmentally friendly farms in the world”.
Kipster’s industry leading and transformative farming concept will see British eggs produced by chickens that are farmed to the highest welfare standards and which have a significantly reduced carbon footprint.
The farms – which will be operated by Shropshire-based Griffiths Family Farms – will feature live web cams streaming the chickens 24/7 and exceed typical free range standards, enabling the animals to roam freely inside or out, with access to an indoor playground filled with daylight and fresh air.
It also shuns the standard industry practice of culling newly born roosters given their inability to lay eggs, instead rearing them in their friendly farms to eventually be used for meat.
Having first introduced its egg farming concept to the Netherlands in 2017, the egg company’s new partnership means shoppers at the German discounter will be able to purchase eggs sourced from Kipster’s British “egg farm of the future” from Spring 2025. However, the plans are still awaiting approval from Telford and Wrekin Council.
Last month, Lidl began offering financial incentives to egg farmers and is calling on other retailers to encourage new producers to join the sector.
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It comes as questions are being raised over the welfare standards of eggs being imported into the UK, as a total of 2,536 consignments came from abroad in the first eight months of 2023, which experts warn could be of lower quality.
Lidl GB chief commercial officer Peter de Roos said: “When we first met with Kipster, we were instantly struck by their devotion and commitment to providing the highest welfare standards for chickens and roosters, whilst also doing right by the planet.
“At Lidl we want to give our customers the very best products at the best possible prices, which is why we’re so excited to be the first grocer to bring Kipster’s eggs to our stores across Great Britain.
“We would urge Telford and Wrekin Council to approve the plans to ensure that British shoppers have access to this industry leading egg.”
Founder of Kipster, Ruud Zanders commented: “We are delighted to be working with British farmers who are keen to take the next step towards more animal welfare and environmental sustainability. We are immensely grateful to Lidl for the trust they put in us to get Kipster off the ground in the UK.
“With their support we farmers can close the gap between what we’re doing and what people want and need, which is more ethically and sustainably produced food.”
Global director of food business at Compassion in World Farming, Dr Tracey Jones said: “We fully support Kipster’s innovative barn system for laying hens as it addresses both animal welfare and sustainability concerns, as well as providing a good working environment for the farmers.
“Compassion awarded Kipster a Good Egg Award and Best Marketing Award in 2018 for promoting their welfare and environmentally friendly eggs, and we believe the Kipster concept has real potential for replication and growth in the future.”
