Aldi has announced it will offer faster payments to small suppliers of fresh produce as part of efforts to support British growers through challenging weather and economic conditions.

The discounter said it will now provide accelerated payment terms to all fresh produce suppliers with an annual turnover under £5m.

It is understood the changes are set to take effect immediately and will run through the rest of 2025. Eligible suppliers have been invited to opt in.

The measure follows a dry spring and forecasts for a hotter-than-average summer, both of which the supermarket chain said are expected to add strain to UK farming operations.

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“We know smaller growers are under real pressure – from a dry spring to rising input costs – and we want to do what we can to help,” said Aldi UK chief commercial officer Julie Ashfield.

“These shorter payment terms are a small, practical step to give them quicker access to cash and a bit more flexibility as the season progresses.”

The move is part of Aldi’s wider commitment to long-term, fair supplier relationships and support for British agriculture, and the grocery retailer also reiterated its pledge to uphold UK food safety and animal welfare standards, even as new international trade deals are negotiated.