2 new Cork suppliers hit Lidl’s shelves
Two Cork suppliers are included in this year’s Lidl Kickstart Class of 2026. Nua Naturals and iStil 38’s products will be available in all Lidl stores nationwide from today, Thursday 10 September.
The very best of Irish-made artisanal produce has been handpicked by Lidl Ireland to feature in the retailer’s Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, as the initiative celebrates 10 years of supporting Irish food and drink producers.
Nua Naturals bring premium wellness innovation with its high-quality matcha and cacao powder, supporting the growing demand for natural nutrition and healthy living. Also selected is West Cork-based drinks company iStil 38, featuring its award-winning pink berry and vanilla-flavoured Irish vodkas, both handcrafted in small batches in Skibbereen.
Across the rest of the country, from Mammas Gelato in Donegal to Thomond Gate’s coffee liqueur in Tipperary, this year’s lineup reflects the ever-evolving creativity at the heart of Ireland’s food industry.
The full range of 50 products from 22 Irish suppliers will be available in Lidl’s 236 stores across the island of Ireland as part of a two-week promotional campaign. Now in its tenth year, Lidl Ireland’s Kickstart Supplier Development programme, supported by Board Bia, has invested more than €42 million in the initiative, supporting over 300 local suppliers and bringing hundreds of innovative Irish products to Lidl customers. Many former participants have gone on to secure permanent listings in Lidl stores nationwide, including Fused by Fiona Uyema stir fry sauces, Applewood Farm's apple cider vinegar and Naked Bakes cookie dough.
Kickstart also 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.
Kevin Duffy, Chief Commercial Officer at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland, said: “From the application, presentation and selection process to six-months of hard work collaborating with our in-house experts, this is the most exciting time in the Kickstart calendar for our suppliers - seeing their products proudly placed on the shelves in all 236 Lidl stores across the island of Ireland.”
Adam Baker, Global Retail Specialist at Bord Bia, commented: “Seeing the Kickstart Class of 2026 arrive on Lidl shelves is an important milestone for these Irish businesses. Securing a nationwide retail listing not only introduces their products to millions of weekly Lidl shoppers across Ireland but also provides invaluable commercial experience that can help accelerate future growth. Bord Bia is proud to support initiatives like Kickstart.”
The Lidl Kickstart Class of 2026 will be available in all 236 Lidl stores from Thursday 10 September, for a two-week period.