Lidl secures 60 new Irish suppliers through Kick Start programme
Now in its second year, Lidl's Kick Start supplier development programme has allowed the retailer to grow its current supplier base of over 200 Irish suppliers.
Print10 September 2018
In February, Lidl Ireland called out to Irish suppliers nationwide to enter products into its supplier development programme, Kick Start. This programme, run by Lidl Ireland and supported by Bord Bia, is designed to help small and medium Irish food and drink businesses to grow their brand and build their supply network.
In total, 60 suppliers have been chosen from across the country and their products will be sold in all 195 stores across Ireland and Northern Ireland for a limited edition Best of Ireland food promotion commencing on 17 September, 2018.
After careful consideration, Lidl selected 60 Irish suppliers to work with, which will see 86 new and exciting products go on sale this month. The new range compliments the portfolio of Irish products currently available in all Lidl stores nationwide. The Kick Start range will showcase products including; bacon jam from Enniskillen, spice bag seasoning from Dublin, roast ground coffee from Galway, gourmet ketchup from Laois, Irish whiskey cream ice cream from Tipperary, granola bars in biodegradable packaging from Roscommon and many more.
One of this year’s successful entrants is Belfast-based supplier, Refuge Hot Chocolate, who was established by founder Tara Mullen as a social enterprise to help support survivors of human trafficking.
All suppliers that were selected to be part of the Lidl Kick Start programme, have attended a series of free, comprehensive seminars which has guided them through the process and taught them skills to help grow their business ahead of their products going on sale at Lidl. The seminars were carried out by panel of industry experts from Lidl Ireland and included topics around quality control, packaging, marketing & PR and brand building.
“Now in its second year, our Kick Start Supplier Development programme allows us to grow our current supplier base of over 200 Irish suppliers and remain committed to sourcing locally, spending over 500 million annually on Irish products,” said Liam Casey, commercial director at Lidl Ireland.
“We were very encouraged by the vision, skill and commitment of the producers who applied,” Casey added.
Lidl’s Best of Irish Food promotion launches in all 195 Lidl stores from 17 September and will be available while stocks last.
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