Supermarket chain Aldi has committed to increasing its spend with 海角视频-based food and drink suppliers by 拢3.5bn over the next five years.
The German-owned company said it is investing 拢500m in new and upgraded stores, distribution centres and its supply chain in 2021, which will create over 4,000 jobs.
The company currently spends annually 拢8bn on 海角视频-based suppliers, which covers 75% of its food and drink sales.
Aldi 海角视频 chief executive, Giles Hurley, said: "We are expecting significant sales growth in 2021 as we open new stores and bring Aldi to more locations across the 海角视频.
"With the vast majority of our grocery products now coming from British suppliers, our growth will lead to additional jobs and investment in our 海角视频 supply chain.鈥
One example is cheese producer and Wales' oldest and largest dairy co-operative, Southern Caernarfon Creameries, which has been supplying Aldi since 2011.
The partnership has seen significant growth over the years, leading to the expansion of South Caernarfon Creameries' workforce to 160 members of staff.
Nick Beadman, commercial manager at South Caernarfon Creameries, said: 鈥淎ldi is a key partner for us, and it鈥檚 fantastic that they share our values when it comes to fairness for our producers, the welfare of our animals and the quality of our produce. We鈥檙e looking to expand even further over the next few years with their support.鈥
Aldi has also confirmed that the immediate payment terms for small suppliers it introduced at the start of the Coronavirus pandemic will be extended until the end of 2021.
The commitment means that the supermarket will continue to process payments for suppliers with an annual turnover of less than 拢1m with Aldi as soon as they are submitted.
The move will benefit more than 1,000 small British businesses in the supermarket鈥檚 supply chain.
