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Both targets have been set against an FY2016 baseline. Lidl GB has driven impressive progress to date by working with environmental NGO wrap to identify practical, data‑driven ways to cut waste across the value chain.

Recent interventions have included introducing technologies and processes to match bakery production with customer demand, and enhancing the offer of discounted foods after 7pm via the Lidl Plus app.

Lidl GB recorded a 30% year-on-year reduction in bakery-related food waste last year as a result of these changes.

Food Waste Action Week

The supermarket has also partnered with the redistribution platform Neighbourly.

Lidl GB's head of sustainability, Matt Juden Bloomfield, said: "We've made good strides, but we know we can do more. With that in mind, we have increased our targets to ensure we remain accountable and also introduced some exciting new trials to take things to the next level.

"We remain committed to accelerating our progress in this space and collaborating closely with our industry peers to drive lasting impact for both the environment and the communities we are at the heart of."

Surplus Saviours

Matt Juden Bloomfield

The "exciting new trials" referred to are with Neighbourly and with a supplier who will use surplus bakery products from stores in the Peterborough region in the manufacture of animal feed.

On the former, Lidl GB will support Neighbourly's 'Surplus Saviours' programme this summer. Across the Midlands, the scheme will enable registered individuals - including charity volunteers and customers - to collect unsold surplus food for use by registered charities.

It is hoped that the programme will redistribute more than 5,000 tonnes of food to those in need.

The announcement from Lidl GB coincides with Food Waste Action Week in the UK. Coordinated by WRAO, the campaign provides actionable advice to individuals as well as businesses across the food value chain.

A closer look

Take your organisation's circular economy strategy to the next level at edie 26

Readers responsible for their organisation's waste reduction and management initiatives are encouraged to attend edie's biggest event of the year for unparalleled networking and workshopping opportunities.

Taking place 25-26 March 2026 at the Business Design Centre in central London, edie 26 will bring together 1,000+ sustainable business leaders for two days of collaboration and co-creation.

We will host a dedicated Circularity & Supply Chains stage, with speakers including:

* WRAP's director of insights & innovation, Claire Shrewsbury

* Nestle's head of packaging, Alison Bramfitt

* Hubbub's director and co-founder, Gavin Ellis

We remain committed to accelerating our progress in this space and collaborating closely with our industry peers to drive lasting impact for both the environment and the communities we are at the heart of.

The wider picture

Announcements set expectations instantly; delivering on them is the slow part, and that delay is where most of the realignment happens.

What to remember

  • Both targets have been set against an FY2016 baseline
  • Recent interventions have included introducing technologies and processes to match bakery production with customer demand
  • The supermarket has also partnered with the redistribution platform Neighbourly
  • Lidl GB's head of sustainability, Matt Juden Bloomfield, said: "We've made good strides, but we know we can do more
  • "We remain committed to accelerating our progress in this space and collaborating closely with our industry peers to drive lasting impact for both the environment and the communities we are at the heart of."

Figures worth noting

  • It is hoped that the programme will redistribute more than 5,000 tonnes of food to those in need
  • Taking place 25-26 March 2026 at the Business Design Centre in central London, edie 26 will bring together 1,000+ sustainable business leaders for two days of collaboration and co-creation

What people ask

What should you know about Food Waste Action Week?

The announcement from Lidl GB coincides with Food Waste Action Week in the UK.

What happens next?

With that in mind, we have increased our targets to ensure we remain accountable and also introduced some exciting new trials to take things to the next level.

All told

As always in the food industry, the gap between what gets announced and what actually reaches people is where the real story will be decided.