We are incredibly disappointed to see Aldi break its long-term commitment to sell only British lamb.
Aldi's commitment to sourcing British has played a key role in Aldi鈥檚 growth and in building confidence in its brand.
Dismay at backtrack
Members will be dismayed by this decision because the production of high-welfare, climate-friendly British lamb cannot be turned off like a tap.聽
We understand that the decision is part of Aldi鈥檚 strategy to grow its lamb market share.
The retailer has confirmed that the majority of its lamb will continue to be British and a full British lamb range will continue to be championed when 鈥榠n season鈥�.
NFU President Minette Batters said: 鈥淏ritish lamb is a high-welfare, sustainable, delicious product and we know that shoppers trust its quality and high-production standards.
鈥淎ldi has prided itself on 100% British sourcing on fresh meat, so British sheep farmers, and many shoppers who want to buy locally produced lamb, will be dismayed to see them backtrack on their long-term commitments on lamb sourcing.
鈥淚t is especially disappointing that home-grown, climate-friendly lamb will be replaced by products with significant food miles.鈥�
NFU President Minette Batters
鈥淚t is especially disappointing that home-grown, climate-friendly lamb will be replaced by products with significant food miles.
鈥淚t also puts British farmers in a difficult position. Lamb production isn鈥檛 a tap that can just be turned off and this is coming at a time when the sector is already under huge pressure with inflationary costs and policy uncertainty.
鈥淏ritish food is some of the best in the world and it鈥檚 important our retailers recognise this, especially in times of challenge.鈥�
Aldi is committed to poultry, pork and beef
Aldi鈥檚 CEO assured Minette that they would retain their commitments to source 100% British fresh poultry, beef and pork lines as well as maintaining 100% British lamb mince.
We continue to engage with Aldi to help them meet these commitments and meet its growth objectives.
