Lidl Ireland give a ‘Kickstart’ to 32 small Irish Producers

Lidl Ireland is introducing more than 30 locally sourced Irish products to shelves across its 216 stores on the island, starting Monday, 15th September. The distinct and delicious range of food celebrate the very best of what Irish producers have to offer from 32 small local suppliers participating in the retailer’s sixth annual Kickstart Supplier Development Programme. Featuring an inherently unique selection of Irish producers, the range reflects Lidl Ireland’s current portfolio of Irish products sourced from its existing and ever-growing network of more than 400 indigenous suppliers. This year’s promotion will feature energy boosting All Real Nutrition protein bars, Limerick’s Ballyhoura’s zesty and zingy apple glazing Syrup and We Are Riley’s sustainable period products hailing from Co. Cork, which will see Lidl Ireland as the first retailer to stock the breakthrough brand, We Are Riley, nationwide.

Lidl Ireland is committed to the continued support of local businesses, and this is evident through the retailers continued work and investment in its Kickstart Supplier Development Programme since it first started in 2017. Supported by Bord Bia, the programme was designed to give small and medium-sized Irish food and drink businesses the opportunity to advance their product, brand, and business with dedicated support from field experts along the way. Now in its sixth year, Kickstart has empowered hundreds of unique Irish artisan suppliers to showcase their produce on Lidl’s national platform exposing them to the retailer’s devoted customer base of more than 1.5 million shoppers per week. There are countless supplier success stories to tell, including many suppliers going on to secure permanent contracts with the retailer.

Bord Bia, Project Manager, Gillian Willis has said in support of Lidl’s Kickstart Supplier Development Programme: “Bord Bia is delighted to play our role in Lidl Kickstart. The programme offers a great opportunity for Irish suppliers to establish a presence in Lidl stores and gives Irish consumers the chance to enjoy a greater range of sustainably produced, quality, Irish food.”

Kate O’Driscoll, Food Promotions Department Manager at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland said: “Since our Kickstart programme launched in 2017, more than 500 Irish products have been added to Lidl’s shelves, with dozens of local producers growing successfully with our support. What makes Lidl’s Kickstart programme unique is that it not only gives suppliers access to a wide scope of customers across Ireland but also, the opportunities with Lidl as a global retailer are limitless. This year, we’re excited to introduce brand new products, such as certified 100% organic cotton pads and tampons period product company and many more.

Our recent contract with Kickstart alumni Hellbent is a perfect example of how the programme really propels local agri-food suppliers to success, with the company now exporting to new markets and enjoying significant growth. We’re proud to be able to showcase our best performing suppliers on the global stage through our Lidl network.”

We Are Riley Regular Applicator Tampons, €4.99 and Regular Pads, €7.99

Period products are a necessity for the female population across the world and We Are Riley have found the perfect solution in a way that fits the lifestyles of many, while also doing their best to save the planet.

We Are Riley, an eco-friendly period product company, was founded last year by three Irish friends, Aine Kilkenny, Fiona Parfey and Lauren Duggan. The company, founded in West Cork, was built on the belief that people deserved a positive, sustainable solution to their period that also fits their lifestyle. Their products contain no bleach, pesticides, toxins or other harmful chemicals. They are made using 100% organic cotton meaning they will break down within 12 months in the right conditions, even after use.

We Are Riley’s mission is to ensure their period products do as little damage to our environment by creating products that are better for your body and better for the planet, a sentiment that Lidl Ireland shares. Lidl Ireland will be the first retailer to stock the brand nationwide as part of the Kickstart programme launching this September.

All Real Nutrition Protein Bars, €1.99

All Real Nutrition Protein Bars provide a boost to one’s energy levels as well as a boost to our environment. Coming from humble beginnings, Niall Harty and Ross McDowell of All Real Nutrition began making their bars in their kitchens, setting up shop in local farmers markets to sell their product. Eventually they made the move to a factory setting and began selling their product nationwide.

Ballyhoura Mulled Apple Glaze, €3.49

Hailing from the picturesque county of Cork, Ballyhoura Apple Farm was founded in 2009 by Gerry Murphy and Maurice Gilbert, producing fresh homemade apple juice from their very own orchard to sell their product in local Irish farmers markets. Much like its fruitful orchard, the company has grown since then, becoming award-winning producers of juices, syrups and vinegars with a particular interest in natural health and wellness products, and vinegar-based products which can be utilised for culinary, medicinal and hygienic purposes for both humans and animals.

Ballyhoura prides itself on providing premium, distinct products that serve a purpose beyond that of just juice. Their products have unique holistic value and are a great addition to the shelves of Lidl stores across the country.

Lidl Ireland is proud to support Irish businesses and to bring the best of Irish produce to homes from all corners of the Island. This limited-edition Kickstart promotion launches in all 216 Lidl stores across Ireland and Northern Ireland from Thursday 15th September and is available while stocks last, so be sure to check out the range in your local Lidl and show your support for these impressive small Irish businesses.

For more information on the Lidl Kickstart programme visit www.lidl.ie/kickstart now.