Lidl Ireland has launched 45 new Irish-made artisanal products as part of its Kickstart Supplier Development Programme.

Working with 25 local producers, the new products are set to land on Lidl shelves on September 11.

The range includes everything from convenience meals such as Big Pot Co’s beef stew and McAtamney’s Gourmet Kitchen’s BBQ pulled pork to nutrient-rich options, such as Sarah's Living Bliss Balls and Steeper Culture’s sparkling tea and kombucha.

It also has bakes, drinks, and wellness products as part of a Kickstart range described as bursting with variety.

Lidl Kickstart is supported by Bord Bia and aims to support small- and medium-sized producers to grow their brands, build their supplies and reach new customer audiences.

Last year, the retailer invested more than €1.67bn in procuring goods and services from a growing network of almost 1,800 Irish producers and businesses.

The programme, which is now in its ninth year, helps small producers to upscale and experience what it’s like to supply to a major supermarket while availing of export opportunities for the first time.

Kickstart suppliers also benefit from a six-month development programme from industry experts, covering key disciplines such as quality control, supply chain management, branding and distribution.

This year’s producers have already benefitted from expert guidance – courtesy of Lidl’s commercial and marketing teams – on scaling production, improving efficiency and optimising packaging, ensuring that products are ‘retail ready’ ahead of their September launch.

The new products will be available while stocks last.

Kate O’Driscoll, supplier development manager at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: “It is a very exciting time for our Kickstart suppliers, as they see their range of products land on Lidl shelves in every one of our 229 stores across the island of Ireland.

“This is the culmination of six months of hard work, collaborating with our in-house experts and receiving practical guidance, to help them prepare for this day.

“Since its launch, we’ve invested more than €37 million, supporting more than 300 local producers and over 700 products, many of which, we are thrilled to say are now part of Lidl’s everyday range.

“With more than 45 new Irish products, we are so excited to see this year’s suppliers take pride of place on Lidl shelves from Thursday 11 September and ... encourage all customers to visit stores and support your local producers.”

(Pic: Supplied)