Fruit, Vegetables, Plants and Flowers
The journey of our fruit, vegetables, plants and flowers is important to us. With our Purchasing Policy we’re making a firm commitment to increasingly sustainable and responsible production. By collaborating with our partners, we ensure every item bought from our stores meets the highest standards for quality, safety, and respect for both the environment and human rights throughout the entire supply chain.
To further elevate our GLOBALG.A.P. standards, we require our partners to adhere to additional modules. The GRASP module ensures that we're evaluating social and work practices, protecting human rights, and promoting fair working conditions across our supply chain. Similarly, the SPRING add-on supports the sustainable management of water resources, a critical step in protecting our planet's freshwater. In addition to these requirements, we actively encourage the adoption of other leading certifications, such as Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, and the EU Organic Logo, to offer you a more responsible assortment.
Our global commitment to sustainability and ethical practices is something we are particularly proud to apply locally here in Malta. We believe that supporting the Maltese economy and agricultural community is not just a business decision, but a core part of our responsibility to the country we operate in.
This is why we have two key initiatives:
· Your Favourite Local Brands: This is our dedicated assortment of products sourced directly from local Maltese producers and suppliers. We're proud to offer a wide selection of high-quality items that you know and love, while strengthening our partnerships with local businesses.
· Fresh from Maltese Farmers: As of early 2025, we are also actively collaborating with Maltese farmers to source a selection of fresh fruit and vegetables. This new initiative allows us to bring you the freshest produce, from farm to store, while supporting the livelihoods of local farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices right here on the island.
This blend of international standards and local initiatives ensures that when you shop at Lidl, you're not just getting the best value, but also contributing to a more sustainable and prosperous future for our communities.
Quality and safety are essential principles that guide us every day. We define strict standards and implement both internal and external controls to ensure our products meet the highest benchmarks. This includes conducting regular chemical analyses to monitor pesticide residues, always in compliance with legal limits.
Beyond just our products, we take a holistic view of the supply chain and its impact on the planet. We use specialised tools, such as the WWF Risk Filter Suite, to assess and mitigate risks related to biodiversity and water usage. We also carry out Human Rights Impact Assessments (HRIA) along various stages of our supply chain for selected raw materials, with the aim of identifying possible preventive measures and ensuring a fair and ethical production process.
Our commitment also extends to the fight against food waste, a significant challenge for the environment and for society. We have a number of key projects to minimise waste and ensure that surplus food can still be put to good use. Through our Too Good to Waste programme, we aim to reduce food waste directly in-store by placing discounts on items that are nearing their best-before or expiry date. This includes products like our daily fresh bread and other perishable items, allowing our customers to get a great deal while helping the environment. In a related effort, we also offer Food Saving Bags, which are filled with perfectly edible fruits and vegetables that may have slight cosmetic imperfections. These 4kg bags are sold at a reduced price of €3, with €0.50 from each bag going to Caritas, giving our customers a great way to save money while helping to reduce waste and support a valuable charity.
Beyond our in-store efforts, we also operate Feed It Back, a nationwide food surplus redistribution network that connects all of our stores to local charities, food banks, and community groups. This project allows us to donate valuable food that is still good to eat but can no longer be sold in-store. Through this initiative, we ensure that our surplus food reaches those in the community who need it most, helping us combat both food poverty and waste simultaneously.
This combination of rigorous standards, environmental safeguards, and community-focused projects demonstrates our ongoing commitment to being a responsible and sustainable business in Malta.
To learn more, download the Position Paper below.