Lidl beats 2025 plant-based sales target

Lidl GB has surpassed its 2025 target for meat-free and milk-alternative sales, recording a 694% increase against its original goal of 400%.

The discounter said the milestone was part of a wider plan to increase the share of plant-based protein to 25% of all protein sold by 2030, in line with the Planetary Health Diet framework set for 2050.

Lidl’s Vemondo Plant! range has led the growth, with sales of plant-based products outperforming meat-style substitutes by almost 20% when comparing its top three items with best-selling meat replacements.

To meet rising demand, the retailer this week launched more than 20 new products under the own-label line, including marinated tofu, falafel and tortellini. Lidl said it aimed to have the full Vemondo range certified by the Vegetarian Society.

Amali Bunter, head of responsible sourcing and ethical trade at Lidl GB, said: “Surpassing our 2025 meat-free and milk-alternative sales target marks a significant milestone in our wider healthy and sustainable diets agenda and supports our long-term goal of aligning with the Planetary Health Diet by 2050, a vital lever in the net-zero transition.

“We’re proud to be leading the industry with our protein transition goal of ensuring that plant-based protein sales (by tonnage) account for 25% of our total protein sales by 2030. Alongside this we are continuing to work closely with our farming partners on the sustainability credentials of our animal-based protein products, providing our customers with a full offering of sustainable choices when they visit our stores.”

Since January, Lidl said it had sold more than 1,400 tonnes of pulses, seeds and grains – a trend it claimed reinforced its position in making plant-based food more widely available.