Lidl Ireland’s latest Supplier and Business Partner Impact Report shows that the retailer produced more than €1.67 billion worth of goods and services from Irish businesses in 2024.
This was an increase of €41 million – or 2.5% – on last year, demonstrating Lidl’s continued strong investment in Ireland.
Of this €1.67 billion, Lidl Ireland procured €1.2 billion – €89 million, or 7%, on 2023 – and procured a further €426 million worth of services from business partners in Ireland in 2024.
The retailer also continues to give Irish suppliers access to international markets, and 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 store network.
More than €360 million worth of goods were exported international through Lidl’s network of stores, an increase of almost 5% on 2023.
Last year, Lidl expanded its partnership with Dublin-based bakery Golden Bake, as well as offering its partner of 20 years Liffey Meats a “game-changing’ €100 million deal.
It also continued its Kickstart Programme, which in 2024 saw 45 local Irish producers showcase original products across 200 stores, even offering one of the businesses Naked Bakes a permanent listing deal worth €700,000 following the programme.
Since 2017, Lidl Ireland has invested more than €37 million in supporting almost 300 businesses across Ireland through the Kickstart Programme alone.
‘Growing Our Supplier Network’
Launching the new report findings, CEO of Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland Robert Ryan said, “Our market-leading growth in Ireland over the past 25 years is a testament to our long-established business model focused on investing in our local supplier network and bringing high-quality, locally-sourced fresh produce at great value to over two million shoppers each week in Ireland, and to our global network of Lidl stores across 31 countries.
“Growing our local supplier network has always been a priority for us and we are proud to have nurtured long-standing relationships that offer our suppliers stability and afford them the opportunity to plan for their future business growth with us.
“The strength of our supplier relationship has allowed us to combat inflationary pressures and maintain our promise to customers to provide quality locally sourced produce at an affordable price.
“We are annually investing over €1.6 billion in our Irish suppliers with an increase of 2.5% in 2024.
“This record level of investments is a huge driver of local economic growth, and this report demonstrates our commitment to supporting our entire network of local businesses to grow, develop and enjoy success.
“Our sustained business performance enables us to continue investing in expanding our supplier network as well as our store network, which is currently at 180 stores, and will see significant growth in the next 12 months.”
‘Strong Support’
Welcoming these results, the CEO of Bord Bia Jim O’Toole said, “Lidl’s latest report demonstrates its strong and enduring support for Irish food and drink businesses, many of whom Lidl have worked with for more than 20 years.
“These local Irish partnerships have helped to foster a commitment to quality and innovation throughout Lidl’s food and drink offerings.
“Partnering with Lidl has also enabled many Irish food and drink suppliers to grow their reach internationally through export opportunities across the Lidl global store network.”
Commenting on the retailer’s support of local Irish suppliers, the founder and owner of Naked Bakes Aisling Tuck said, “Lidl really do value their suppliers and provide support and opportunities for Irish producers of all sizes to flourish.
“I had a very positive experience with Lidl’s Kickstart Supplier programme last year, which saw our Naked Bakes cookies go on shelves in over 200 Lidl stores in Ireland.
“Getting on shelf was fantastic exposure for our product but it was all the support provided by the Lidl team along the way that has really impacted our business.
“We have now transitioned from a promotional opportunity to a permanent listing agreement, and it is exciting to see where the relationship can take our business.”
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