Based on supplier feedback and commitments to British sourcing, Aldi, Lidl, and Morrisons are often considered top supermarkets for farmers. Aldi was voted most compliant with the Groceries Supply Code of Practice for eight consecutive years, while Lidl and Morrisons boast high percentages of 100% British sourcing for meat and dairy.
“Almost every major supermarket chain has publicly backed farmers in their fight against the government's inheritance tax increase,” reports The Times. The chains include Aldi, Asda, the Co-op, Lidl, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Tesco, and Waitrose.
Under the new initiative, all fresh produce suppliers who have a turnover of under £5 million will be offered new, quicker payment terms for the remainder of 2025. The changes take effect immediately and form part of Aldi's broader commitment to long-term, fair relationships with British growers.
Waitrose: Consistently rates highest for welfare standards, provenance transparency and taste in independent tests. Large range of high-welfare, breed-specific and label-backed options (Waitrose 1, RSPCA Assured, free-range, organic).
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Asda has been named as the worst of the UK's major supermarkets in its treatment of suppliers. It dropped below Morrisons, which was bottom of the list last year, as the Bradford-based chain took action to improve its performance according to a survey of more than 1,200 grocery suppliers by the industry watchdog.
Discount retailer Aldi has retained its title as the best UK supermarket for its treatment of suppliers, according to a survey by the groceries code adjudicator (GCA).
The Aldi £13 rule refers to its significant pay increases for UK store assistants, making it the first supermarket to pay above £13 per hour, with rates rising to £13.35 nationally and £14.71 within the M25 from March 2026, with even higher rates for experience, all part of its pledge to lead on pay and offer paid breaks.
We have been working with the farms in our Dairy Development Group since 2007, and have built long-standing relationships with the farmers, improving cow health and productivity while ensuring fair pricing.
Morrisons sources nearly all its fresh meat from 100% British farms, buying directly from over 2,500 farmers and owning its own abattoirs for processing, ensuring traceability and high standards for beef, pork, lamb, and chicken. They are unique in buying livestock direct from British farmers, emphasizing strong partnerships and adherence to Red Tractor or equivalent assurance schemes for animal welfare.
The Aldi 2p rule is a policy at the supermarket, which is designed to keep it ahead of the retail pay curve. This was seen at the beginning of September 2025, when the pay for UK store assistants went up to £13.02 an hour, when it was originally expected to be £13.
Aldi pays UK Store Assistants a starting rate of around £13.02 to £13.95 per hour, rising with experience, with higher rates in London (around £14.35 rising to £14.66). Pay increases generally occur in March and September, exceeding the National Living Wage, with higher pay for nights and Bank Holidays, plus paid breaks.
We work closely with farmers to ensure we can take the whole crop wherever possible. This approach produces stronger relationships, more consistent supply, reduces waste and increases yield.
We use Bill of Lading data to understand ALDI Grocery Stores's trade in goods. In 2025, ALDI Grocery Stores's top imported product was Baked Goods, with a total of 467 units, accounting for 6.12% of its total imports. Most of the imports originated from China (4,718 shipments, 61.8% of the total).
For the best supermarket steak, Aldi often wins for value and has received major awards, while Waitrose and M&S are top contenders for quality, especially their butcher counter or premium ranges, with Morrisons also noted for serious meat handling like dry-aging. Lidl offers great budget options, but the overall "best" depends on whether you prioritize budget, quality, or specific cuts like Wagyu, often found in Aldi's premium lines.
