Are you a small or medium-sized food and drink producer in North Belfast or across Northern Ireland with a fantastic product ready for a wider audience? Lidl Northern Ireland is calling on local artisans to apply for its 2026 Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, an incredible opportunity designed to propel local businesses into the competitive retail sector.
Now in its ninth year, the Kickstart programme has a proven track record of nurturing home-grown talent. Since its inception in 2018, Lidl Northern Ireland has invested over £4 million, supporting 45 local agri-food producers and introducing more than 52 innovative local products to its half a million weekly customers. The programme is proudly backed by the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA).
Successful applicants will embark on a bespoke six-month development journey. This includes dedicated business support from Lidl Northern Ireland's in-house experts, who provide guidance on crucial aspects such as production efficiency, product development, packaging, social media strategies, administration support, and effective scaling. The programme culminates with a promotional listing of the successful products in all 44 Lidl stores throughout the region, offering unparalleled visibility.
The impact of Kickstart extends beyond local shelves; many participating suppliers have also seen their products exported across Lidl's international network of stores in the UK, Europe, and even the USA. Notable success stories include Portadown's Holmes Bakery, which secured a permanent listing, and Hellbent, a South African-inspired food brand co-founded by former Ulster rugby players Louis Ludik and Schalk van der Merwe. Hellbent has not only earned a permanent listing but has also tripled its Lidl contract value to over £1 million since joining the programme four years ago.
Kevin Duffy, Chief Commercial Officer at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland, highlights the programme's dual benefit: "It's not just about getting products on our shelves; it enables these businesses to grow significantly, offering our customers a fantastic, vibrant selection of innovative new products directly from Northern Ireland. We're incredibly proud of the programme’s long-term success and want to encourage a new crop of agri-food suppliers to apply this year and get the kickstart they need in 2026 with Lidl Northern Ireland.”
Michael Bell OBE, Executive Director at NIFDA, also commented on the partnership, stating, “Lidl’s Kickstart Supplier Development Programme is an invaluable opportunity for new food and drink businesses right across Northern Ireland. After nearly a decade, the programme has a strong history of helping local suppliers gain the skills they need to grow their businesses successfully.”
If you're a local producer ready to take your business to the next level, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Applications for the 2026 intake are open now!