Poland: Lidl generates billions of zlotys for the Polish economy
- DRC Discount Retail Consulting GmbH
- 19 hours ago
- 4 min read
Discount Retail Chain Lidl Polska is a socially responsible company, actively involved in activities for the benefit of employees, customers, suppliers, local communities, as well as the protection of the environment, climate and biodiversity. Its activities have a strong, positive impact on the national economy. The Lidl Polska chain not only develops the retail sector, but also has a significant impact on many other industries through the purchase of goods and services from Polish suppliers. Its operational activity translates into benefits for suppliers of goods and services, which strengthens many sectors of the Polish economy.
"For 23 years, we have consistently pursued our mission, we have been offering customers across the country high-quality products at attractive, low prices, sustainably produced. We guarantee the same low prices in all our more than 900 stores. When planning further development, we focus on maintaining this standard. At the same time, we want to further develop cooperation with Polish suppliers and support the presence of their products on foreign markets. 2024 was a record year in terms of exports, the value of exported products of brands available only at Lidl amounted to nearly PLN 6.9 billion. Our activities also have a positive impact in the area of employment. In 2024, a total of over 57 thousand jobs were created and maintained thanks to it, both at Lidl Polska and at our suppliers and subcontractors. We carry out all our activities in the spirit of responsible business, taking care of local communities, biodiversity and the climate", says Włodzimierz Wlaźlak, President of the Management Board of Lidl Polska.
Positive impact on the economy
The operation of Lidl Polska stores in 2024 had a significant, positive impact on the domestic economy. In addition to everyday commercial activity, the development impulse was also created by the purchase of goods and services necessary for the maintenance of stores and employee expenses, which further fueled the economic circulation.
The consulting company Deloitte estimated that in 2024, the operation of Lidl Polska stores generated over PLN 11.4 billion in added value (this is PLN 1.3 billion more than in 2023), of which PLN 6 billion was generated by the company itself, and PLN 5.4 billion by the suppliers of the Lidl Polska chain and thanks to salaries paid to employees. For comparison: EUR 11.4 billion is higher than the total expenditure of enterprises on fixed assets (e.g. investments in buildings and machinery) for environmental protection in Poland in 2023.
Exports – another record set
"The three key channels of Lidl Polska's impact, the development of the chain, serving customer demand and supporting the export of Polish products, remain the foundation of our business approach. For 23 years, we have had a positive impact on the national economy, creating jobs, developing cooperation with Polish suppliers and supporting local communities. In 2024, the total added value generated by the operation of Lidl Polska amounted to PLN 11.4 billion. As a chain, we have provided millions of consumers with access to products from Polish suppliers, which additionally generated PLN 21.5 billion in added value. Thanks to the links between individual branches of the economy, our activities generate results in many sectors, from financial, insurance and real estate services, through trade, hotel and catering, to transport, storage, recycling and municipal services. These broad impacts show that the influence of Lidl Polska goes far beyond retail", sums up Michał Nowaczyk, Member of the Management Board for Finance at Lidl Polska.
The presence of the Lidl chain in 31 countries around the world makes it possible for Polish suppliers to sell their assortment on many foreign markets. Thanks to this, suppliers cooperating with Lidl Polska can increase their production, which entails an increase in employment and has a positive impact on the development of the Polish economy.
In 2024 alone, more than 340 Polish suppliers exported their products to 28 foreign markets where Lidl is present. The value of these exports amounted to nearly PLN 6.9 billion. Over the last seven years (2018–2024), exports of Polish products through the international Lidl network have reached a value of over PLN 32 billion. The value of exports has been steadily growing for years, Lidl Polska intends to continue to promote and support the presence of Polish products on foreign markets.
Sustainability – Climate Goals, Networks and Strategic Partnerships
Lidl Polska also summed up its activities and commitments in the area of sustainable development, presenting the most important projects, partnerships and climate goals. Lidl aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 by setting ambitious new climate targets across its supply chain. The zero-emission policy is implemented, among m.in, through eco-construction, ecology, the development of electromobility and responsible purchasing policies.
Lidl Polska implements the REset Plastic3 strategy. As part of it, the chain has committed private labels to reduce plastic consumption by 30% by 2025 and to use recyclate in packaging by an average of 25%. Plastic fruit and vegetable trays have already been replaced with recyclable, recycled or paper-based packaging where possible. The chain is also fully prepared to implement a deposit system, bottle vending machines are already available in all its over 900 stores, and an educational campaign has been underway for months to encourage customers to test them. This is another step towards a circular economy and real waste reduction.
A responsible supply chain is also at the heart of Lidl's sustainability strategy. Each supplier signs a "Code of Conduct", committing to respect human rights, business ethics and environmental standards. Protecting biodiversity is an integral part of these efforts. Lidl Polska motivates suppliers to introduce practices that support the preservation of ecosystems, m.in. by limiting the use of plant protection products, caring for habitats and using certified raw materials (with m.in. Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade, BIO, MSC, ASC, FSC markings).
The company has been cooperating with the WWF Poland Foundation for years. Currently, as part of a three-year partnership, a project to protect biodiversity in the Baltic Sea region is being implemented. Lidl supports the WWF Blue Patrol, where 200 volunteers monitor beaches every day and work to protect several key species of Baltic mammals and birds. Educational activities aimed at local communities are also carried out. In 2024. Lidl and WWF have also initiated a global partnership in 31 countries of Lidl's operations to support sustainable consumer choices and responsible business models. Read more: Lidl generates billions of zlotys for the Polish economy - investmap.pl
