Lidl GB CEO, Ryan McDonnell, launched the day by welcoming specially invited guests, followed by addresses from other Board Directors and senior colleagues including the Supply Chain Director, Logistics Director and Customer Director. Suppliers were provided with business updates, along with the opportunity to hear all about Lidl’s ambitious growth plans and the integral role of suppliers in reaching those goals.
While learning about initiatives, industry trends and innovation, the event also provided a unique networking platform for suppliers to connect face-to-face with Lidl colleagues and key contacts from across the business, including those from Buying, Procurement and CSR.
Held at Lidl’s largest RDC in the world, which officially opened earlier in the month, suppliers received a virtual tour of the warehouse, offering them a behind the scenes look into Lidl's operations.
The event follows confirmation earlier in the year that Lidl was accelerating spending plans announced at the end of 2019 and would invest £4 billion in British food businesses in 2023, cementing its support for suppliers across the whole country.
Said Martin Kottbauer, Chief Trading Officer at Lidl GB: “Last year Lidl we saw a record number of shoppers coming through our doors, attracting an additional 1.4 million customers. As households have continued to tighten their belts, we’re incredibly grateful to our business partners for the support they've provided us to ensure our customers have continued access to high quality products at the lowest possible prices.
“We believe our business is only ever as good as our suppliers, and their products are paramount to achieving this. We have led the way with our commitments to longer-term contracts and, as we look to the future and continue on our growth trajectory, we’re committed to bolstering our partnerships further; providing suppliers with the security and certainty needed, as they continue on the journey with us. Our inaugural supplier event is a pivotal part of this, and we look forward to learning and growing together in the years to come.”
Lidl, which prides itself on only stocking 100% fresh British milk, butter, eggs, cream, poultry, beef and pork, has long championed British food and farming and over-trades in British meat, poultry and eggs. Sourcing two-thirds of its core produce from the UK, Lidl GB works directly with in excess of 650 suppliers across the UK, giving them unrivalled access to local and international markets.
Richard Clothier, who is the MD of Wyke Farms Ltd, added: "We've been proud partners of Lidl GB since their inaugural store opened back in 1994, and next year marks a significant milestone of 30 years together. Over this journey, our collaboration has grown substantially, with the amount of cheese we supply on an annual basis increasing by a staggering 14,000 per cent, spanning 20 countries, including the United States.
“What sets Lidl GB apart for us is their family-like approach, marked by honesty and simplicity, aligning perfectly with our values. The supplier event has been enlightening, allowing us to engage further with key people within the business, witness the journey our products undertake, and gain insights into the future of our collaboration within Lidl’s wider vision.”
Last month, Lidl announced it was offering financial incentives for farmers to help boost British egg production. The unique investment will enable farmers to diversify their existing business and provide confidence and security to invest in the future.