Lidl GB has posted double-digit sales growth and reached a record share of the UK grocery market, propelled by an extra 43 million customer visits over the past year.
According to full-year financial results for the 12 months ended 28 Feb 2026, the German-owned discounter saw revenue climb 10.8% to £13bn, up from £11.7bn in the previous period. Operating profit increased from £314m to £345m, supported by more than £650m in direct customer switching from rival supermarket chains.
The supermarket which surpassed competitors to become the UK’s fifth-largest grocer in May 2026 revealed that three in five British households now shop in its stores, cementing its position as the country’s fastest-growing bricks-and-mortar retailer for over three consecutive years.
Volume Surge Across Fresh and Premium Ranges
Spurred by higher footfall, overall product volume climbed by 486m units. Lidl reported strong momentum across essential grocery categories, including fresh produce, meat, and poultry, alongside a 12% rise in sales for its premium ‘Deluxe’ range.
Growth was supported by a £315m investment into price cuts and promotional deals, including its ‘Pick of the Week’ discounts. Lidl was recently named the lowest-priced retailer in The Grocer’s ‘Super Grocer 33’ pricing survey.
The retailer also saw a 23% jump in active Lidl Plus loyalty app users, driven by personalised promotions and the introduction of its ‘Lidl & Go’ digital feature.
Multi-Million Pound Estate Rollout
Having crossed the 1,000-store threshold last year, Lidl opened more than 40 new sites and spent £43m upgrading 70 existing stores with expanded freezers, self-checkouts, and low-energy chillers.
The discounter confirmed plans to open over 50 additional UK stores in the current financial year as part of a wider £600m capital expenditure programme.
Worker Pay and British Sourcing Commitments
Alongside store expansion, Lidl directed £59m toward staff pay rises and expanded its employee benefits, doubling statutory paternity leave to four weeks at full pay, rising to eight weeks for staff with five years of service.
On the supply side, the grocer increased annual spending with British farmers and producers by £400m, including a 15% rise in British meat and poultry procurement. Approximately two-thirds of Lidl GB’s inventory is now sourced domestically, including 100% of its everyday own-label beef, pork, poultry, milk, butter, and eggs. The chain committed to spending £30bn on British food and agriculture over the next five years.
“Our performance is a clear testament to the trust that millions of customers place in us every week as a direct result of the dedication of our colleagues right across the country,” said Ryan McDonnell, Chief Executive of Lidl GB. “As we grow, our focus doesn’t shift – we’re constantly investing in low prices, high quality, and maximum value for our customers.”
