Get your food product into the big time
Cork food producers have the chance to get a huge boost for their businesses by winning the chance to be stocked in a major supermarket chain.
Lidl Ireland has opened its 2025 Kickstart Supplier Development Programme for applications to local food and drink producers in Cork. Now in its ninth year, Lidl’s Kickstart programme, supported by Bord Bia, helps artisan producers break into the competitive supermarket sector by getting their products on sale in Lidl stores throughout the island of Ireland.
Successful applicants undertake a six-month development programme offering suppliers dedicated business support from Lidl Ireland’s in-house experts, advancing their product, brand, and business with practical guidance on production efficiency, product development, packaging, and how to scale for success.
Since its launch in 2017, Lidl has invested €37 million in supporting over 300 Irish businesses through the Kickstart programme. Many Kickstart suppliers have also benefitted from having their products exported across Lidl’s international network of stores.
Last year, more than 100 artisan products from over 45 Irish producers were selected for the programme including Cork suppliers Greenfield Yogurts and The Good Dairy Company. Following a successful stint, Naked Bakes has now secured a €700,000 permanent listing with Lidl Ireland.
Kate O’Driscoll, Supplier Development Manager at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: “Lidl’s Kickstart Supplier Development programme allows us to support Irish producers building their businesses while providing our customers with a great range of new and innovative Irish products. We’re delighted to support suppliers like Naked Bakes and several others on getting fully listed and now being part of Lidl’s everyday product range. Other products have benefited from the expansive international store network, reaching the shores of the UK, Europe, and even the USA over the nine years of the programme.”
She added: “We saw a record number of applicants in 2024 across a range of categories and we’re looking to build on this again this year.”
Fiona Twomey, Global Retail Specialist at Bord Bia said: “The Kickstart programme provides companies with a great opportunity to engage with a global retailer like Lidl, picking up important learnings and experience along the way through capability development workshops. In addition to this, Kickstart can also open doors for participating companies to explore export opportunities through Lidl's global network of stores.”