Lidl has become one of the main export platforms for Spanish products, after having acquired 1.4 million tonnes of fruit and vegetables from Spain in 2016, which represents 7% of the total production, and exported 85% (1.2 million tonnes) to the 10,000 stores that the supermarket chain has in Europe.
The purchasing and marketing director of Lidl, Miguel Paradela, has confirmed the supermarket's "firm commitment" to Spanish horticultural products and stated that the company contributes to promote their consumption both in the Spanish market and internationally.
"We are one of the most dynamic companies when it comes to promoting the consumption of Spanish fruit and vegetables. With our model of aggregate purchases, we facilitate the export of the excellent Spanish horticultural products and help boost the business of our national suppliers, providing a turnkey service and allowing them to make use of our more than 10,000 stores in 28 European countries. This commitment to Spanish agriculture allows us to make a decisive contribution to the sector's sustainable development," he stressed.
Lidl exports more than 50 varieties of Spanish fruits and vegetables. The most exported products are melons and watermelons, citrus fruits (lemons and oranges) and tomatoes, with Germany, the United Kingdom and France as the main markets.
At the same time, the supermarket chain has strengthened its commitment to healthy and sustainable foods, promoting value added products, such as those that are 100% organic.
Thus, in 2017, the company has doubled its range of organic fruits and vegetables, which already represent more than 10% of its fruit and vegetable range, and has increased its sales volume four-fold.
Moreover, Lidl recalled that it has been promoting fruit and vegetable consumption in Spain through advertising campaigns since 2014, which has led to a 22% increase in sales compared to the same period of the previous year. Thus, the sale of products like Canary bananas or potatoes has doubled or even tripled.
Source: Europa Press