Lidl Ireland recently unveiled the latest cohort of 22 Irish suppliers selected for its Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, as the initiative celebrates 10 years of supporting Irish food and drink producers.

The full product range from the Kickstart Class of 2026 in Lidl stores nationwide from Thursday 10 September, for a limited time.

According to the discounter, the Kickstart Class of 2026 represents a new wave of ambitious producers spanning food, drink, wellness and artisan categories.

This year’s lineup features a wide range of locally sourced products, from Donegal based Little Mammas Gelato, to RYSE Chocolate Energy Bars founded by brother-in-laws in Co. Meath and Cully’s famous batch loaf from Cully’s Craft Bakery, a renowned family-run bakery operating in Cavan since 1953, it added.

The full range of 50 products from 22 suppliers will be available in Lidl’s 235 stores nationwide from Thursday 10th September, as part of a two-week promotional campaign.

Welcoming the 2026 cohort, Kevin Duffy, chief commercial officer for Kickstart at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said:
“Reaching ten years of Kickstart is a proud milestone for Lidl Ireland and a testament to the ambition, resilience and quality of Irish producers.

“Over the past decade, we have seen small and emerging businesses grow into recognised retail brands, creating jobs and expanding into new markets at home and abroad as they become firm favourites of our customers.

“This year’s cohort reflects the innovation and diversity that makes Ireland’s food and drink sector so dynamic. From artisan producers to fast-growing challenger brands, these businesses represent the future of Irish enterprise.”

The Kickstart Class of  2026

This year’s Kickstart programme received hundreds of submissions from every county across the island of Ireland.

Among those selected are father and daughter duo, Kevin and Rachel Byrne, creators of Zingibeer who are based in Dublin city, as well as Cork based Niks Tea and Galway’s Gran Gran Foods.

The Kickstart Class of ’26 reflects the growing diversity and ever-evolving innovation that is at the heart of Ireland’s thriving food production industry, and includes:

• BiaSol (Offaly) brings sustainable
• JARU (Dublin)
• Nua Naturals (Cork)
• Crust Gluten Free (Galway)

Bord Bia support

Backed by Bord Bia, suppliers have now commenced a six month programme to get them ‘retail ready’ – learning everything from product development and packaging to labelling and marketing culminating in the all-important two weeks promotional sales period in Lidl stores across the island of Ireland.

Lidl has also partnered with BIA Innovator Campus in Co. Galway which is ‘Ireland’s first centre of excellence for food businesses for a second year running to give an exclusive opportunity for suppliers to take part in industry expert-led seminars’.

Beyond in-store exposure, Kickstart continues to open doors internationally, with many alumni going on to export their products through Lidl’s extensive global network across Europe, the UK and the USA, including Applewood Farm’s Apple Cider Vinegar which was exported to Lidl stores in the USA.

Commenting, Adam Baker, global retail specialist, Bord Bia, said: “Lidl’s Kickstart programme is an invaluable opportunity for emerging Irish food and drink businesses.

“It provides a direct route into retail, while also equipping producers with the tools and expertise needed to scale sustainably and explore export opportunities.

“This association plays a significant role in supporting the continued growth, innovation, and global ambition of Ireland’s agri-food sector”

For more information on the Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, click here.

Read more: Lidl Ireland launches 10th Kickstart Supplier Development Programme

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