Lidl announces plans to increase its investment in Irish food makers

LIDL will invest over €250k in the programme and select up to 100 of Ireland’s best products, which will be available in all Lidl stores throughout the Republic of Ireland.

The programme, which is supported by Bord Bia, is designed to help small and medium Irish food and drink businesses that need support in growing their brand and building their supply network.

The final product selection will complement the portfolio of Irish products currently available in Lidl stores.

Successful suppliers that are selected to be part of the Kick Start Supplier Development Programme will attend a series of seminars aimed at guiding them through the process and teaching them skills to help grow their business ahead of their products going on sale at Lidl.

The seminars will be carried out by panel of industry experts from Lidl Ireland and Bord Bia and will include topics around quality control, packaging, marketing & PR and brand building.

“We will be investing over €250k in the first year to support new suppliers who will be joining our programme. This is a fantastic opportunity for small suppliers who will get to have their products in 153 stores throughout Ireland. In September, we want to showcase the very best of Irish food and drink so if you think your product fits the bill, we want to hear from you,”John Paul Scally, managing director at Lidl Ireland said.

The initiative was welcomed by Bord Bia chief executive Tara McCarthy, who described it as “an invaluable opportunity for Irish producers”.