Posted on: 07 Jul 2025

Lidl Ireland has announced the selection of 27 new suppliers from across the island of Ireland that will join its 2025 Kickstart Supplier Development Programme. This year’s line-up features a wide range of exciting and locally sourced products, like Mary Ellen’s Meadow Soft Drinks, to nutritionally conscious options such as Juspy Collagen + Protein, Sarah’s Living Bliss Balls, Super Nature Natural Treats and Second Street Bakeshop’s Gourmet Toffee Popcorn along with wellness and beauty products like Sleep Sound’s Pillow Spray. These products will be available in 229 Lidl stores across the island of Ireland from 11^th September for a two-week period.

Now in its ninth year, the Kickstart programme offers small producers a unique opportunity to get their products on Lidl store shelves and benefit from the market-leading retailer’s dedicated support.

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’s latest Supplier and Business Partner Impact Report shows that the retailer procured more than €1.67 billion worth of goods and services from its growing supplier network in 2024.

Of the €1.2 billion procured from Irish agri-food producers, €885 million worth of goods stayed within Lidl Ireland’s operations to be sold through its local store network. While more than €360 million was exported internationally through Lidl’s expansive network of stores, creating valuable export opportunities for its valued Irish suppliers.

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 jellies.

Alongside the in-store presence, Kickstart suppliers will benefit from a comprehensive six-month development programme. This includes expert guidance from Lidl’s commercial and marketing teams on scaling production, improving efficiency and optimising packaging, ensuring that products are retail ready.

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 (Dublin) brings an utterly delicious Cacao & Collagen superfood powder blend designed to boost energy naturally, nourish the body and aid recovery.
• The Smokin’ Butcher (Meath) brings a taste of home using the best locally sourced meat with its award-winning, traditional Smoked Black Pudding.
• The Wild Wok (Dublin) brings a taste of Asia with handcrafted Asian Dumplings, frozen fresh for convenience and ready in minutes.

All of these products will be available to try in Lidl stores from 11^th September for a limited time.

Welcoming the Kickstart Class of ‘25, Kate O’Driscoll, Supplier Development Manager at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said:

“The Irish food producers’ scene has never been more vibrant. At Lidl, we are proud that our Kickstart Development Programme supports these emerging producers to flourish, growing their product, brand, and business with our guidance. Since its launch, we’ve invested more than €37 million, supporting more than 300 local producers and over 700 products, many of which I’m thrilled to say are now part of Lidl’s regular everyday range, and we are excited to welcome these 30 new suppliers on board.”

Following a successful stint in last year’s programme, Dublin-based Slice of Life Pizza has now secured a contract worth more than €150,000 for a permanent listing with Lidl Ireland. Other standout products from previous years include Fused by Fiona Uyema stir fry sauces, Applewood Farm’s apple cider vinegar, and Naked Bakes cookie dough.

Commenting about previous suppliers’ successes from the programme, Kate O’Driscoll added:

“Slice of Life is a perfect example of what Kickstart is all about. Since securing a place on the programme last year, they’ve now secured a permanent listing with Lidl Ireland worth more than €150,000, supplying their frozen pizzas to Lidl stores nationwide.

Founded by Emi Takakura, Slice of Life Pizza is a frozen pizza brand produced in Ireland. They create indulgent pizzas that are high in protein and ideal for the health-conscious customer, offering 3 of your 5 a day. All packaging is made in Ireland and is 100 per cent recyclable, as the company is aiming for net zero by 2030.”

Eimear Hurley, Global Business Development Team at Bord Bia, commented: “The Kickstart Supplier Development Programme is an example of how expert support can further enable Irish food and drink producers to add great value and innovation to a competitive retail channel.  This partnership between Lidl and the Kickstart suppliers helps to unlock further growth opportunities for Irish food and drink. It is fantastic to see so many Irish food and drink products on sale in Lidl stores around the world.”

Lidl’s Kickstart Programme is just one of the many ways the retailer supports the Irish agri-food industry.

For more information on the Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, www.lidl.ie/kickstart

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Lidl Kickstart 2025 Product List: