**Ireland**: Lidl Ireland’s 2024 Supplier and Business Partner Impact Report reveals a €1.67 billion investment in local businesses, with a focus on agrifood. The report highlights increased exports and partnerships, supporting the local economy and showcasing Lidl’s commitment to Irish producers.
Lidl Ireland has released its Supplier and Business Partner Impact Report for 2024, revealing that the retailer has procured over €1.67 billion worth of goods and services from Irish businesses, marking an increase of €41 million (2.5%) from the previous year. This substantial investment underscores Lidl’s commitment to supporting the local economy and demonstrates its role as a significant player in the Irish retail landscape.
In a breakdown of the figures, Lidl Ireland reported that €1.2 billion of the procurement was from the Irish agrifood sector, which represents an increase of €89 million (7%) compared to 2023. Additionally, the retailer procured €426 million in services from business partners in Ireland during the same period. Lidl emphasised its efforts in providing Irish producers with access to both local and international markets, thereby supporting the growth and success of Irish produce on a global scale.
Of the goods secured from Irish agrifood producers, approximately €885 million was retained for sale within Lidl’s local store network, while over €360 million was exported through Lidl’s extensive network of stores, highlighting a nearly 5% increase in export volumes from the previous year.
The report also highlighted a noteworthy achievement in Lidl’s two-decade partnership with Liffey Meats, culminating in a €100 million supply deal. This agreement has facilitated the introduction of 54 Bord Bia Quality Assured beef products to Lidl shelves in Ireland, as well as exports to the retailer’s stores across 13 European countries. Furthermore, Lidl expanded its collaboration with Dublin-based Golden Bake, awarding its highest contract value yet, amounting to €6 million, which has allowed for local production of three flavours of cookies.
In another significant development, Lidl’s long-standing relationship with Kerry Dairy Ireland resulted in the introduction of the retailer’s first own-brand infant formula range, with a supply deal valued at €2 million. Additionally, a new partnership with Mayo-based ULTRAPURE Laboratories has led to the launch of the first Irish-made own-brand skincare range, Ár Ocean, with an exclusive deal worth €1 million.
Lidl also continues to advocate for small and medium-sized businesses through its Kickstart Supplier Development Programme. In 2024, the programme supported 45 local Irish producers and showcased their products across over 200 stores. One notable success story from the Kickstart initiative is that of Naked Bakes, which secured a permanent listing worth €700,000 in 223 Lidl stores.
Since its inception in 2017, Lidl’s Kickstart programme has invested over €37 million in nearly 300 Irish businesses, illustrating the retailer’s commitment to fostering local entrepreneurship and innovation.
Robert Ryan, CEO of Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, stated, “Our market-leading growth in Ireland over the past 25 years is testament to our long-established business model focused on investing in our local supplier network.” He noted that the strength of Lidl’s supplier relationships has mitigated inflationary pressures and allowed the retailer to maintain competitive pricing for consumers.
Jim O’Toole, CEO of Bord Bia, commented on the report’s findings, highlighting Lidl’s enduring support for Irish food and drink businesses, many of which have been partners for over two decades. Aisling Tuck, founder of Naked Bakes, also expressed gratitude for Lidl’s support, attributing her business’s growth and success to the opportunities provided through the retailer’s initiatives.
Overall, Lidl Ireland’s Supplier and Business Partner Impact Report for 2024 outlines the retailer’s significant contributions to the local economy, as well as its ongoing commitment to building strong partnerships with Irish producers and enhancing the availability of locally sourced goods for consumers.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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