Lidl GB triples its plant-based product offerings with a target of 25% plant protein sales by 2030

Lidl GB has announced a significant expansion of its plant-based product range, responding to a surge in demand for alternative proteins. Over the past year, the supermarket experienced a 12% growth in sales of plant-based foods, prompting it to more than triple its offerings in this category. Beginning this month, Lidl will introduce new items across selected stores, with a complete national rollout planned by January 2025. The expanded selection includes burgers, sausages, mince, and nuggets, as well as a variety of dairy-free and vegan products.

The new plant-based line, branded under Lidl’s Vemondo Plant! range, adds 28 new items to the shelves. These include tofu, burgers, sausages, mince, and nuggets, with prices starting at £1.75 for tofu and £1.89 for burgers. The range is designed to offer more affordable choices, making plant-based options accessible to a wider range of customers. Alongside these products, Lidl will also introduce new dairy-free items like yogurts and cheeses, as well as deli-style products and ready meals, further expanding options for customers looking for plant-based alternatives.

Lidl is also emphasizing its commitment to keeping prices competitive. By ensuring market-leading prices for these new products, the discounter aims to make healthier and more sustainable choices available to as many people as possible. Richard Bourns, Chief Commercial Officer at Lidl GB, highlighted the importance of this commitment: “We’re making high quality plant-based foods accessible to everyone, ensuring that more customers can afford to make healthy and sustainable choices. Our commitment to sustainable proteins will contribute to significantly reducing our scope 3 CO2 emissions and support a more balanced and sustainable food system for the future.”

Lidl’s expansion of its plant-based offerings is part of a broader strategy to meet ambitious sustainability goals. The company has set an industry-leading target for plant-based proteins to make up 25% of its total protein sales by 2030. This target aligns with the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet 2050 goals, which aim to promote a healthier and more sustainable food system globally. Additionally, Lidl is committing to doubling the proportion of plant-based protein from dairy alternatives within the same time frame. These efforts support the company’s long-term goal of achieving Net-Zero by 2050.

Richard Bourns further explained Lidl’s approach: “Meat, poultry, and dairy play an important role in our diets, which is why we’re investing heavily in British farming to ensure that our suppliers are set up for future growth. At the same time, we know that as a society we need to incorporate more plant-based foods into our diets to ensure balance. That’s why we are proudly standing behind the planetary health diet, which is key to achieving a more healthy and sustainable future and supports our Net-Zero ambitions.”

Lidl’s leadership in the shift towards more sustainable proteins has not gone unnoticed. The company’s efforts will be recognized at the Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards, where it will receive the Bronze Planet Friendly Award from Compassion in World Farming (CIWF). The award acknowledges Lidl’s pioneering role in launching the UK’s first ambitious protein strategy, aimed at significantly increasing plant-based protein sales by 2030.

Dr Tracey Jones, Global Director of Food Business at CIWF, praised Lidl’s achievements: “We congratulate Lidl GB on receiving the Bronze level Planet Friendly Award for their leadership in launching the UK’s first ambitious protein strategy, with the goal of growing its plant-based sales to 25% of its total protein sales come 2030. 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 work to promote plant-based eating also ties into its broader sustainability efforts, including a strategic partnership with WWF, which operates across 31 countries. Earlier, Lidl GB became the first discount supermarket to sign WWF’s Retailers’ Commitment for Nature, committing to reduce the environmental impact of UK shopping baskets by 2030. This partnership emphasizes Lidl’s role in driving change across the retail sector and supporting consumers in making more sustainable food choices.

Rebecca Tobi, Senior Business and Investor Engagement Manager at The Food Foundation, also commented on Lidl’s leadership: “Time is running out for the UK to hit Net Zero. To get there we will need to reduce emissions from the food system which will have to include boosting the proportion of plant protein we are eating. Setting targets is a hugely important step, serving as a North Star for driving meaningful change in shifting the food on offer so that supermarkets are better supporting both people’s health and the planet.”

Lidl’s focus on plant-based options demonstrates its dedication to offering affordable, sustainable products that meet the growing demand for healthier food choices. By expanding its range and setting clear sustainability goals, Lidl is positioning itself as a leader in the plant-based movement, with the potential to influence the broader retail sector toward more sustainable practices.