Lidl Ireland launches 45 new Irish-made artisan products as retailer’s Kickstart range returns to stores

The very best of Irish-made artisanal produce has been handpicked by Lidl Ireland to feature in the retailer’s Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, promising shoppers a real taste of home as 45 new products from more than 25 local producers hit the shelves of Lidl stores nationwide from Thursday 11 September.

From tasty convenience meals like Big Pot Co’s Beef Stew and McAtamney's Gourmet Kitchen BBQ Pulled Pork, to nutritionally conscious options such as Sarah Living’s Bliss Balls and Steeper Culture’s Sparkling Tea and Kombucha, baked goods including New Found Joys Mini Bites and Bakers Wee Buns’ Traditional Jam Bakes, sweet treats like Dukes Ultra-Premium Ice Cream, and refreshing drinks such as Mary-Ellen's Meadow Wild Soft Drink, and wellness favourites like Sleepsound’s Pillow Spray and Serenity Balm this year’s Kickstart range is bursting with variety and has something for everyone. Lidl customers can look forward to an exciting selection of local Irish products to enjoy at home.

Now in its ninth year, Lidl Ireland’s Kickstart programme is supported by Bord Bia and aims to support small and medium-sized local producers to grow their brand, build their supply and reach new customer audiences. Working with Ireland’s leading discount retailer, who last year in a record investment procured more than €1.67 billion worth of goods and services from a growing network of almost 1,800 Irish producers and businesses, the programme supports small producers to upscale and experience what it’s like to supply a major supermarket whilst also availing of new export opportunities for the first time.

Kickstart suppliers also benefit from a free six-month development programme delivered by industry experts which covers key disciplines such as quality control, supply chain management, branding and distribution. 

Ahead of the new range of Kickstart products reaching Lidl’s 229 stores across the island of Ireland this September, all suppliers on the programme have benefited from expert guidance by Lidl’s commercial and marketing teams on scaling production, improving efficiency and optimising packaging, ensuring that products are retail ready.

This year’s Kickstart programme received hundreds of submissions from every county across the island of Ireland. Among those selected are farmers turned producers Billy and Bernard Cotter, from Castletownroche in North Cork, who were inspired by the health benefits of oats as a wholesome grain and diversified into Cotter Farm’s Gluten Free Porridge.

Also flying the flag for Ireland’s food heartland are two products from County Meath, The Smokin’ Butcher’s Smoked Black Pudding, a traditional black pudding made in natural casing and A Bit on the Side, a range of Jalapeno jellies perfect for your cheese board.

The Kickstart Class of ’25 reflects the growing diversity and ever-evolving innovation that is at the heart of Ireland’s thriving food production industry, and includes:

·         Juspy a delicious Cacao & Collagen superfood powder blend designed to boost energy naturally, nourish the body and aid recovery.

·         The Wild Wok with a taste of Asia with handcrafted Asian dumplings, frozen fresh for convenience and ready in minutes.

·         Fleur de Lan Caramel Flavour Croissant Crisps, buttery mini croissants with a melt-in-the-mouth texture, perfect for sharing or savouring solo.

All 45 new products will be available to try in Lidl stores from 11^th September, while stocks last.

Speaking as the products hit Lidl’s shelves, Kate O’Driscoll, Lidl’s Supplier Development Manager at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland said:

“It is a very exciting time for our Kickstart suppliers as they see their range of products land on Lidl shelves in every one of our 229 stores across the island of Ireland. This is the culmination of six months of hard work, collaborating with our in-house experts and receiving practical guidance to help them prepare for this day. Since its launch, we’ve invested more than €37 million, supporting more than 300 local producers and over 700 products, many of which we are thrilled to say are now part of Lidl’s regular everyday range.

With more than 45 new Irish products we are so excited to see this year’s suppliers take pride of place on Lidl shelves from Thursday 11^th September and would encourage all customers to visit stores and support your local producers.”

Since 2017, Lidl has invested more than €37 million in the programme, supporting more than 300 small and medium-sized food and drink producers grow their businesses. More than 700 products from Kickstart alumni have been stocked by Lidl.

Lidl continues to give Irish producers unrivalled access to local and international markets, supporting the growth and success of Irish produce worldwide.

Lidl Kickstart Product and Producer Range

Lidl Ireland’s Kickstart range will be available across all Lidl stores nationwide from Thursday 11^th September, (while stocks last). For more information, and to view the latest instore offers, please visit www.lidl.ie.

ENDS

For more information, please contact: pr@lidl.ie