Aldi has invested £750m in a new 20-year deal with its Kent-based fruit supplier AC Goatham & Son.
The agreement will see the creation of ‘Aldi Orchard’, a 200 acre-plot growing a mix of Gala and Braeburn apples exclusively for the discounter.
AC Goatham & Son has supplied apples and pears to the discounter since 2016 and was named early last year as its sole supplier of British apples.
The supermarket chain said the long-term agreement will provide “vital support” for British farmers.
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Aldi UK managing director of buying Julie Ashfield said: “We are proud to be one of the largest buyers of British apples and of our partnership with AC Goatham & Son.
“This new 20-year deal represents a £750m investment in British farming and demonstrates our long-term commitment to championing British produce.”
AC Goatham & Son managing director Ross Goatham added: “This is a fantastic achievement and a real testament to the work both AC Goatham & Son and Aldi have put into the agreement to have created something truly collaborative, a first for the British Top Fruit Sector.
“This gives us the confidence now to invest for the future and to grow more British apples and pears for Aldi, guaranteeing sustainability, viability and most importantly UK food security.”
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