From three to ten Kipster farms thanks to Lidl

Lidl and Kipster have intensified their collaboration with the opening of a new Kipster farm in Barneveld and the announcement of seven additional farms. This expansion marks an important step in their joint commitment to sustainable and animal-friendly agriculture.

Opening of Kipster Barneveld

On July 18, 2024, the Beek family officially opened their Kipster farm in Barneveld. This farm has received the 3-star Better Life label from the Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals. The farm follows a circular model where chickens are fed with residual flows from the food industry to reduce waste. Male chicks are not killed but raised for meat production. Additionally, CO2 emissions are meticulously monitored and compensated. Kipster will soon introduce 24/7 livestream cameras in the barn, and eggs are packed directly on the farm and delivered fresh to Lidl.

Growth to ten Kipster farms

Lidl Netherlands has announced plans to expand the number of Kipster farms from three to ten. Quirine de Weerd of Lidl emphasizes that the demand for sustainable and animal-friendly eggs continues to grow. Kipster's eggs, awarded the 3-star Better Life label, are very popular among customers. Ruud Zanders, co-founder of Kipster, is enthusiastic about the expansion but acknowledges the challenges in finding suitable land and permits. However, he is confident in the collaboration with farmers, banks, and other stakeholders to take this crucial step toward sustainability.

Launch of Kipster Circular Bread

In addition to the expansion of the farms, Lidl also launched Kipster bread. This whole-grain bread is made from Groningen wheat, fertilized with Kipster chicken manure. The project, carried out in collaboration with Agrifirm, Bakkerij Fuite, NijsenCompany, and Groningen arable farmers, ensures that residual streams such as unsold bread are returned to the chicken feed. The chickens produce eggs, meat, and manure, which are then used for wheat cultivation. This innovative circular farming model will soon be available in all Lidl stores.

Lidl.nl

Image: Kipster