Cork duo picked for 10th anniversary Kickstart class
Two Cork suppliers have been selected to take part in a major development programme with a nationwide supermarket.
Nua Naturals and iStil 38 are part of Lidl’s 2026 Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, as the initiative celebrates 10 years of supporting Irish food and drink producers.
The Kickstart Class of 2026 represents a new wave of ambitious producers spanning food, drink, wellness, and artisan categories. Nua Naturals brings premium wellness innovation with its high-quality matcha and cacao powder, supporting the growing demand for natural nutrition and healthy living. Drinks company iStil 38 makes award-winning pink berry and vanilla-flavoured Irish vodkas, both handcrafted in small batches in Skibbereen, West Cork.
The full range of 50 products from 22 Irish suppliers will be available in Lidl’s 235 stores nationwide from Thursday 10 September, as part of a two-week promotional campaign.
Alongside the in-store presence, Kickstart suppliers will benefit from a comprehensive six-month development 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.
Now in its 10th year, Lidl Ireland has invested more than €42 million in its Kickstart Supplier Development programme, supporting over 300 local suppliers and bringing hundreds of innovative Irish products to Lidl customers. The programme has also delivered long-term success, with many participants securing permanent listings in Lidl stores, including Slice of Life Pizza, Fused by Fiona Uyema stir fry sauces, Applewood Farm’s apple cider vinegar, and Naked Bakes cookie dough.
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. 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.”
Adam Baker, Global Retail Specialist at Bord Bia, commented: “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.”
Cork suppliers that have taken part in the programme over the last number of years also include Second Street Bakeshop, Greenfield Yogurts and The Good Dairy Company.
For more on the Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, www.lidl.ie/kickstart.