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. Promising shoppers a real taste of home, the Kickstart class of 2026, which includes 50 new products from more than 22 local producers hits the shelves of Lidl stores nationwide from Thursday 10 September.
Among those selected are father and daughter duo, Kevin and Rachel Byrne, creators of Zingibeer, an independent Irish drinks brand, based in Smithfield, producing an award-winning premium alcoholic ginger beer. Brewing up a storm in Cork, Niks Tea will see their herbal blends hit Lidl shelves in September, while Galway’s Gran Gran Foods, which produces a range of delicious burger sauces to add a splash of flavour to any meal. This year’s Kickstart range is bursting with variety and has something for everyone, so Lidl customers can look forward to an exciting selection of local Irish products to enjoy at home.
Now in its tenth year, Lidl Ireland’s Kickstart Supplier Development programme, supported by Bord 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.
Beyond in-store exposure, the Kickstart suppliers have benefited from a six-month development programme delivered by industry experts which covers key disciplines such as quality control, supply chain management, branding and distribution, ensuring their products are retail ready in time to hit the shelves.
The Kickstart Class of 2026 reflects the diversity and innovation driving Ireland's thriving food and drink sector and includes:
- RYSE Chocolate Energy (Kildare), bringing an innovative caffeine-infused chocolate bar designed to provide a convenient energy boost.
- BiaSol (Offaly), bringing sustainable, oat-based innovation to Lidl’s shelves with its nutritious snack range, transforming upcycled ingredients into delicious products with purpose.
- JARU (Dublin), bringing bold Korean-inspired flavours with its authentic Kimchi and Korean BBQ Sauce, delivering exciting global tastes for Irish consumers.
- Nua Naturals (Cork), bringing premium wellness innovation with its high-quality Matcha and Cacao Powder, supporting growing demand for natural nutrition and healthy living.
- Crust Gluten Free (Meath), bringing inclusive baking innovation with its Gluten Free Baking Mixes, making great-tasting home baking more accessible for all consumers.
Speaking ahead of the range landing in Lidl stores 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.
Reaching ten years of Kickstart is a proud milestone for Lidl Ireland and a testament to the ambition, resilience and quality of Irish producers. Over the past decade, we have seen small and emerging businesses grow into recognised retail brands, creating jobs and expanding into new markets at home and abroad as they become firm favourites of our customers.
With more than 50 new Irish products in this year’s range we are looking forward to seeing them take pride of place on Lidl shelves from Thursday 10th September and would encourage all customers to visit stores and support your local producers.”
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 that give ambitious Irish food and drink producers the opportunity to build their brand, strengthen their retail capability and realise their potential both at home and in international markets."
Earlier this year Lidl Ireland also announced a milestone investment of more than €2 billion in Irish goods and services in 2025, reinforcing the retailer’s commitment to giving Irish producers unrivalled access to local and international markets, supporting the growth and success of Irish produce worldwide.
The Lidl Kickstart Class of 2026 will be available in all 236 Lidl stores across the island of Ireland from Thursday 10 September, for a two-week promotional period, while stocks last.
For more information on the Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, visit www.lidl.ie/kickstart
