Lidl Northern Ireland is gearing up to give a ‘Kickstart’ to local food and drink producers as it launches its 2026 Lidl Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, designed to support small and medium sized suppliers into the industry.
With applications now open for the 2026 intake, Lidl Northern Ireland is keen to hear from up-and-coming suppliers looking to grow their business, enhance their brand and supply one of the region’s largest retailers.
Now in its ninth year, the Lidl Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, backed by Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) offers artisan producers a crucial opportunity to enter the highly competitive supermarket retail sector. Successful applicants undergo a bespoke six-month development programme, receiving dedicated business support from Lidl Northern Ireland’s inhouse experts, and culminating in a promotional listing of Lidl Kickstart supplier products across the retailer’s 44 stores throughout the region.
The six-month supplier development programme provides successful applicants with dedicated business support from Lidl Northern Ireland’s in-house experts, focusing on practical aspects such as production efficiency, product development, packaging, social media guidance, administration support and strategies for successful scaling.
Last year’s intake saw a record 46 artisan products from 17 producers across five counties bringing a taste of home to Lidl stores across the island of Ireland . Through the programme, many Lidl Kickstart suppliers have also benefited from having their products exported across Lidl’s international network of stores.
Kevin Duffy, Chief Commercial Officer at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland, said:
“Lidl Northern Ireland’s Kickstart Supplier Development programme champions Northern Irish producers. It’s not just about getting products on our shelves; it enables these businesses to grow significantly, offering our customers a fantastic, vibrant selection of innovative new products directly from Northern Ireland.
“We are incredibly proud of the programme’s long-term success. Over the past nine years, we’ve seen phenomenal achievements from participants like Holmes Bakery in Portadown securing a full permanent listing and becoming an everyday fixture in our stores.
What’s more, we’ve leveraged our massive international store network to help products go global, opening up exciting new markets across the UK, Europe, and the USA, including products from Hellbent, a South African inspired food brand co-founded by Ulster rugby players Louis Ludik and Schalk van der Merwe. Since securing a place on the programme four years ago, they’ve not only earned a permanent listing but have also tripled their Lidl contract value to over £1 million. We’re incredibly proud of their success and want to encourage a new crop of agri-food suppliers to apply this year and get the kickstart they need in 2026 with Lidl Northern Ireland.”
Commenting on the partnership, Michael Bell OBE, Executive Director at NIFDA said:
“Lidl’s Kickstart Supplier Development Programme is an invaluable opportunity for new food and drink businesses right across Northern Ireland. After nearly a decade, the programme has a strong history of helping local suppliers gain the skills they need to grow their businesses successfully. It’s a fantastic chance for smaller companies to get their products in front of a major retailer, with the potential to significantly increase their output and secure a listing in all 44 of their stores here in Northern Ireland. Plus, participants get priceless advice and mentorship directly from the expert teams at Lidl. It really is a premier supplier development programme and I’d encourage all food and drink producers to get their applications in before the end of January.”
Applications for the 2026 Lidl Kickstart Supplier Development Programme are now open until January 31st, 2026. Interested producers can visit lidl-ni.co.uk/kickstart