Raw Materials - Lidl Cyprus

Working Together for Transparent and Traceable Supply Chains: Lidl & WWF

As part of our partnership with WWF, we monitor and manage the international sourcing of specific raw materials. We focus on systematically improving transparency and traceability in our supply chains, with the goal of promoting the procurement of certified raw materials that are not linked to deforestation (e.g., palm oil, soy).The following targets apply to our private-label products (core and promotional product ranges) in all Lidl countries where international cooperation with the WWF is active.

Deforestation- and conversion-free raw material procurement

We increasingly source high-risk raw materials - such as soy, palm oil, cocoa, coffee, beef, wood, pulp, and paper - from deforestation- and conversion-free supply chains and actively manage our raw material strategy to address risks for our private-label products. This approach consistently implements the requirements of the upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation and aligns with the Accountability Framework Initiative (AFI). We and our suppliers work according to the binding requirements and cut-off dates of the AFI and the EU Deforestation Regulation.* This applies to the high-risk raw materials soy, palm oil, cocoa, coffee, beef, wood, pulp, and paper.

* Each standard defines a cut-off date, marking the point after which deforestation for growing raw materials is prohibited at a specific location. These dates vary between standards.

Specific measures in raw material supply chains

Soy

As part of the partnership, we are committed to creating fully traceable soy supply chains that are free from deforestation, conversion, and exploitation. To achieve this, we will thoroughly review the origin of the soy used directly in our supply chain (alternative proteins and soy products) as well as in the feed of selected animal products such as chicken, eggs, and pork. This analysis will help us identify areas for action. Furthermore, we will collaborate with the Collaboration for Forests and Agriculture (CFA) to assess and address issues related to deforestation, land conversion, and exploitation within our own soy supply chains. Our long-term goal is to ensure that our soy supply chains are fully traceable and free from deforestation, conversion, and exploitation.

Palm (kernel) oil

Since the beginning of the 2025 financial year, we source only traceable palm and palm kernel oil that is free from deforestation, land conversion, and exploitation. To ensure this, 100% of our palm and palm kernel oil used in food and non-food products must comply with the "RSPO Segregated" or "EU Organic" standards. Furthermore, 100% of derivatives should at least comply with the "RSPO Mass Balance" standard, and we commit to working towards segregation. At Lidl Cyprus, 97% of the palm oil contained in our private-label products is sourced from certified cultivations in compliance with the RSPO standard.

Cocoa

We aim for full traceability of our cocoa. To achieve this, we are gradually increasing the share of independently certified raw materials in our private-label products to at least 95%. The EU Organic, Rainforest Alliance, or Fairtrade standards are accepted as minimum requirements.

Cellulose and paper

We are working towards sourcing traceable, deforestation-, conversion-, and exploitation-free paper and pulp products on an international level. To this end, we will analyze the quality and origin of paper and pulp products. This analysis will help us develop a comprehensive long-term strategy to ensure that our paper and pulp products are fully traceable. This includes pulp and paper in our private-label products, their labels, and packaging in all Lidl countries where the WWF partnership applies. Accepted standards are FSC, FSC Mix, Recycling, and, in exceptional cases, PEFC.

Coffee

By the end of fiscal year 2028, we will transition to recognized certifications for all private-label coffee products (including capsules, instant coffee, and cappuccino). In addition, we are continuously increasing the percentage of certified roasted coffee to at least 95%. We accept the EU Organic, Rainforest Alliance, or Fairtrade standards as minimum requirements. At Lidl Greece, in partnership with the WWF, 86% of the coffee used exclusively in our private-label products comes from certified farms and is certified according to EU Organic (EU Bio), Rainforest Alliance, or Fairtrade standards.

Tea

Our assortment of private-label black, green, and rooibos teas will be transitioned to certified raw materials meeting the EU Organic, Rainforest Alliance, or Fairtrade standards in the participating countries. At Lidl Cyprus, through our partnership with WWF, 75% of the tea in our private-label products originates from certified sources, complying with EU Bio, Rainforest Alliance, or Fairtrade standards.

*The audit data refer to fiscal year 2024.

For our detailed implementation plan and the results of the external audit, please see here.