Kickstart your business with Lidl
Follow in the footsteps of Cork businesses like Second Street Bakeshop, Greenfield Yogurts and The Good Dairy Company and get your product for sale all over Ireland.
Lidl Ireland is giving a ‘kickstart’ to local food and drink producers as it launches its 2026 Lidl Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, designed to support small and medium sized suppliers.
With applications now open for 2026, Lidl is keen to hear from up-and-coming suppliers looking to grow their business and supply Lidl.
Now in its tenth year, the Lidl Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, backed by Bord Bia, offers artisan producers a crucial opportunity to enter the highly competitive supermarket retail sector. Successful applicants undergo a bespoke six-month supplier development programme, receiving dedicated business support from Lidl’s in-house experts, and culminating in a promotional listing of Lidl Kickstart supplier products across the retailer’s 234 stores across the island of Ireland.
The six-month Lidl Kickstart Supplier Development Programme provides successful applicants with dedicated business support from Lidl Ireland's in-house experts, focusing on practical aspects such as production efficiency, product development, packaging, social media guidance, administration support and strategies for successful scaling.
Last year’s intake saw more than 46 artisan products from 25 Irish producers hit the shelves of Lidl stores across the island of Ireland. Through the programme, many Lidl Kickstart suppliers have also benefited from having their products exported across Lidl’s international network of stores.
Kevin Duffy, Chief Commercial Officer at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland said: “Lidl's Kickstart Supplier Development programme champions local Irish producers. It's not just about getting products on our shelves; it enables these businesses to grow significantly, offering our customers a fantastic, vibrant selection of innovative new Irish products.
We are incredibly proud of the programme's long-term success. We’ve leveraged our massive international store network to help products go global, opening up exciting new markets across the UK, Europe, and the USA.”
Adam Baker, Global Retail Specialist at Bord Bia said: “Lidl's Kickstart Supplier Development Programme is an invaluable opportunity for any emerging Irish food or drink business. It's a superb chance for small businesses to get their products in front of a major retailer, with multiple opportunities to upscale your business and potentially sell your product in over 234 stores across the island of Ireland. This programme can help Irish brands prepare for international growth and export potential, aligning with Bord Bia’s mission to champion Irish food, drink, and horticulture on the global stage.”
Applications for the 2026 Lidl Kickstart Supplier Development Programme are now open until 31 January. Interested producers can visit lidl.ie/kickstart.