Dramatic transformation at Lidl: shoppers finds it hard to overlook the change
In a move that may surprise customers of Aldi, Lidl, and other retailers, Lidl is taking significant strides to enhance animal welfare in its product range. The German food retailer has announced plans to support local farmers with fair animal welfare subsidies and make progress in the meat and sausage sector, not just focusing on dairy products.
One of Lidl's key initiatives is the introduction of the "Fair Holding - For the Welfare of Animals" label. This label, which guarantees higher animal welfare and environmental standards, will be clearly marked on all products of level 3. From the end of 2025, Lidl will switch all quark, fresh whipped cream, sour cream, curd cheese, and skyr in all fat levels to Tierwohl holding form level 3. By the end of 2025, at least 50% of Lidl's "Metzgerfrisch" own-brand range will also be switched to holding form level 3.
Lidl's goal is to make animal welfare the standard, not a luxury product. The retailer is expanding its animal welfare offensive to a wide range of dairy products, with all raw materials for these products coming from German agriculture. This change will improve conditions for animals and provide full transparency for customers.
Higher standards in animal welfare cost money, as indicated by Lidl. However, the retailer believes that the benefits of improved animal welfare and transparency outweigh the costs. Lidl is also not forgetting its commitment to its customers, ensuring that these changes will not lead to increased prices.
Lidl is not alone in its efforts to improve animal welfare. The retailer's British counterpart, Lidl GB, has already committed to sourcing 100% British beef across all its stores, emphasizing its support for British farmers and adherence to high standards of animal welfare, food safety, and environmental stewardship. Lidl has also pledged alignment with various assurance schemes like the Red Tractor, ensuring safe and responsible food production practices.
In addition, Lidl has been expanding its plant-based offerings, aligning with broader sustainability goals and potentially reflecting a strategy that reduces dependency on animal products.
To make higher animal welfare standards the norm by 2030, companies like Lidl might focus on several strategies, such as enhanced sourcing practices, transparency and accountability, customer engagement, and advocacy and collaboration. By working together with farmers, consumers, and animal welfare organizations, Lidl aims to change conditions in the industry and set a new standard for animal welfare.
- Lidl's commitment to improving animal welfare extends beyond dairy products as they aim to upgrade the welfare standards of a wide range of products, which includes items from the health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and nutrition categories, such as plant-based options.
- Upgrading the animal welfare standards in its product range is not just about adhering to high quality and safety, but also about contributing to lifestyle changes that emphasize food-and-drink choices promoting health and wellbeing.
- When it comes to cooking and preparing meals at home, the home-and-garden sector can benefit from Lidl's efforts as well, since a focus on animal welfare can positively impact the overall quality of ingredients used in homemade meals.
- By working hand in hand with farmers, consumers, and relevant organizations, Lidl aims to foster a collaborative partnership that sets an example for the entire science and food industries, ultimately leading to a welfare-conscious market that prioritizes the wellbeing of animals and the environment.
