Two Donegal food suppliers to hit supermarket chain's shelves
Earlier this year, Lidl Ireland also announced an investment of more than €62 million worth of Donegal’s goods and services
Two food suppliers from Donegal will be coming to the massive supermarket chain’s shelves next month.
Little Mamas Gelato and Corveenglean Meats, with their nitrate-free cured bacon, will be available to purchase in all Lidl stores across Ireland from Thursday, September 10, as the retailer celebrates ten years of Kickstart in Ireland.
Earlier this year, Lidl Ireland also announced a milestone investment of more than €62 million worth of goods and services from more than 15 suppliers and business partners across Donegal, reinforcing the retailer’s commitment to giving Irish producers unrivalled access to local and international markets, supporting the growth and success of Irish produce worldwide.
The very best of Irish-made artisanal produce has been handpicked by Lidl Ireland to feature in the retailer’s Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, as the initiative celebrates 10 years of supporting Irish food and drink producers.
Across the rest of the country, from Nua Naturals’ Matcha in Cork to Thomond Gate’s coffee liqueur in Limerick, this year’s lineup reflects the ever-evolving creativity at the heart of Ireland’s food industry. The range features a diverse array of products, including Zingibeer’s ginger beer from Louth, BiaSol’s sustainable oat snacks in Offaly, and RYSE’s energy chocolate bars from Meath.
The 2026 class is bursting with variety and has something for everyone, so Lidl customers can look forward to an exciting selection of local Irish products to enjoy at home this September.
The full range of 50 products from 22 Irish suppliers will be available in Lidl’s 236 stores across the island of Ireland from Thursday 10th September, as part of a two-week promotional campaign.
Now in its tenth year, Lidl Ireland’s Kickstart Supplier Development programme, supported by Board Bia, has invested more than €42 million in the initiative, supporting over 300 local suppliers and bringing hundreds of innovative Irish products to Lidl customers. Many former participants have gone on to secure permanent listings in Lidl stores nationwide, including Fused by Fiona Uyema stir fry sauces, Applewood Farm's apple cider vinegar and Naked Bakes cookie dough.
Kickstart also continues to open doors internationally, with many alumni going on to export their products through Lidl's extensive global network across Europe, the UK and the USA.
Beyond in-store exposure, the Kickstart suppliers have benefited from a six-month development programme delivered by industry experts which covers key disciplines such as quality control, supply chain management, branding and distribution, ensuring their products are retail-ready in time to hit the shelves.
Speaking ahead of the range landing in Lidl stores, Kevin Duffy, Chief Commercial Officer at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland, said:
"From the application, presentation and selection process to six months of hard work collaborating with our in-house experts, this is the most exciting time in the Kickstart calendar for our suppliers - seeing their products proudly placed on the shelves in all 236 Lidl stores across the island of Ireland.
“Reaching ten years of Kickstart is a proud milestone for Lidl Ireland and a testament to the ambition, resilience and quality of Irish producers. Over the past decade, we have seen small and emerging businesses grow into recognised retail brands, creating jobs and expanding into new markets at home and abroad as they become firm favourites of our customers.
With more than 50 new Irish products in this year’s range, we are looking forward to seeing them take pride of place on Lidl shelves from Thursday 10th September and would encourage all customers to visit stores and support your local producers.”
Adam Baker, Global Retail Specialist at Bord Bia, commented: "Seeing the Kickstart Class of 2026 arrive on Lidl shelves is an important milestone for these Irish businesses. Securing a nationwide retail listing not only introduces their products to millions of weekly Lidl shoppers across Ireland but also provides invaluable commercial experience that can help accelerate future growth.
Bord Bia is proud to support initiatives like Kickstart that allow ambitious Irish food and drink producers to build their brand, strengthen their retail capability and realise their potential both at home and in international markets."
Previous successful Donegal participants include Football Special Ltd. The Lidl Kickstart Class of 2026 will be available in all 236 Lidl stores across the island of Ireland from Thursday 10 September, for a two-week promotional period, while stocks last.
For more information on the Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, visit lidl.ie