Lidl Ireland has opened its 2025 Kickstart Supplier Development Programme for applications.

The supermarket retailer has to date invested more than €37m to support the more than 250 small and medium-sized Irish food and drink producers that have come through the scheme and support the export of their products to the UK, Europe and the US.

More than 700 products from companies that have gone through the programme have been stocked by Lidl to date, and the company permanently stocks 14 products from Kickstart programme alumni.

They include Fused by Fiona Uyema's stir fry sauces and spice bag seasoning, Applewood Far, apple cider vinegar, Crowe's Farm bacon and sausages, Hellbent burgers and Chakalaka Boerewors, and The Galway Road coffee

Now in its ninth year, applications for Kickstart are open until 31 January, and full terms and conditions are available here.

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to supply more than 220 Lidl stores on the island of Ireland and the potential to gain a permanent assortment listing.

The programme is designed to give producers the opportunity to advance their product, brand, and business with dedicated support from Lidl experts along the way.

Lidl procured a record €1.6bn worth of goods and services from 1,800 Irish suppliers and business partners in 2023, including €1.1bn worth of food and drink and €300m that was exported to Lidl stores internationally.

(Pic: John Keeble/Getty Images)