German retailer ALDI refuses to sell cheap meat

The German discounter chain ALDI (by Albrecht Discount) said that by 2025 cheap MEAT will disappear from the shelves of its stores in the north and south of Germany.

The retailer believes that selling meat at low prices means that the company cannot create normal conditions for keeping animals on farms. The restructuring of the assortment will be carried out on the basis of the principle of their well-being.

Until 2030, the retailer plans to switch to purchases from suppliers that guarantee the maintenance of livestock and poultry according to welfare standards: cows, pigs, chickens and turkeys must be given the necessary space and the opportunity to walk in the fresh air. This requirement applies only to fresh meat produced in Germany, but does not apply to imported and frozen.

ALDI Nord and ALDI Süd announced that by the end of 2021 they will increase the share of chilled high-quality meat in the assortment of stores to 15% (currently 12%), and by 2030 all 100% will be represented by two categories of the highest quality. Consumers will have to forget what a kilo of minced meat is for €0.99.

Purchasing Managing DIRECTOR of ALDI Süd Lars Klein noted that the company's management is well aware that the restructuring of the assortment involves a high financial risk, but considers this step important and necessary. When the price of meat will rise, he did not say. 

ALDI buys 24% of the meat in the German market, so the announced strategy will encourage farmers to improve animal welfare, experts suggest.

Meat consumption per capita in Germany is declining. Over the year, this figure fell by 750 grams to 57.3 kilograms. Many consumers attribute their rejection of this product to the appalling conditions in which animals are kept on large farms.

In Germany, four levels of livestock and poultry welfare standards are distinguished: the 1st meets all legal requirements, the 2nd level implies 10% additional space for pigs, the 3rd - the need to add another 40% and ensure the free range of animals, the 4th - increase the area of ​​buildings by 50%, replace bedding with more comfortable ones and ensure walking of livestock.