Discounter expands ‘Vemondo Plant!’ range after 12 per cent hike in demand for plant-based products
Lidl has tripled the number of plant-based products on shelf in the UK following 12 per cent growth in demand over the last year.
Various new items will be added to Lidl’s own-label Vemondo Plant! range in selected stores from the end of October, ahead of a national roll-out by January 2025.
The expanded range features 28 new items, including multiple varieties of tofu (from £1.75) and burgers (from £1.89).
Shoppers can also find meat alternatives such as plant-based sausages (£1.89), mince (£2.49) and nuggets (£1.99), alongside dairy-free and vegan creations like yoghurts and cheese. There is also a selection of deli-style products and ready meals.
It comes as Lidl commits to doubling the proportion of sales of plant-based protein from dairy alternatives by 2050. This feeds into its commitment to be Net Zero by 2050.
Chief commercial officer at Lidl GB, Richard Bourns, said: “We’re the first UK retailer to set specific plant-based protein targets and are committed to breaking down key barriers that currently exist within the category, like price, quality, and availability.”
Senior business and investor engagement manager at the Food Foundation, Rebecca Tobi, added: “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.
“It’s fantastic to see Lidl GB committing to increase sales of plant protein, becoming the very first UK retailer to both transparently disclose data and have a target for this.”
