IRE | Lidl Ireland announced they procured over €1.6 billion worth of goods and services from Irish suppliers and business partners in 2023. Of this total, €1.1 billion worth of goods came from the Irish agri-food industry, while local Irish businesses provided an additional €500 million worth of services to Lidl.
The report highlights that out of the €1.1 billion worth of goods from local food and drink suppliers, €800 million remained within Lidl Ireland's operations for sale through its local store network. The remaining €300 million worth of goods was exported internationally through Lidl's extensive network of stores, showcasing Irish produce on a global scale. Lidl continues to provide Irish producers unparalleled access to local and international markets, thereby supporting the growth and success of Irish produce worldwide.
For the first time, Lidl's Supplier and Business Partner Impact report includes €500 million worth of services procured in Ireland. Lidl's longstanding partnership with Castlebar's Structural Design Solutions (SDS) Limited, spanning almost 20 years, has supported the retailer's expansion plans, enabling SDS to open new offices in the UK and Spain to service Lidl's operations in those regions. Additionally, Lidl has engaged local sustainability experts, such as Waterford's Enerpower, to install and manage rooftop solar panels across its facilities, making Lidl the largest owner of rooftop solar arrays in the Republic of Ireland.
Lidl has entered into contracts with suppliers across Ireland, ranging from a €22 million deal with Longford baker Panelto Foods to a €1.5 million contract with Abbey Farm Foods in Laois. These agreements have facilitated significant exports for Irish producers, such as O'Brien Fine Foods in Kildare securing a €60 million contract with Lidl, enabling exports to Lidl stores across Europe. Similarly, Keohane's fresh and frozen Irish seafood from Bantry reaches markets in Great Britain, Germany, Cyprus, Italy, and the USA.
In addition to its established supplier network, Lidl Ireland supports small and medium-sized Irish businesses through its Kickstart Supplier Development Programme in partnership with Bord Bia. Now in its eighth year, this programme has invested €8.5 million in over 150 Irish businesses, with applications for the programme open until February 29, 2024.
Minister of State for Business, Employment, and Retail Neale Richmond commended Lidl Ireland's commitment to supporting Irish businesses, emphasising the importance of strong local partnerships for economic growth. CEO of Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, J.P. Scally, highlighted the retailer's dedication to growing its local supplier network and facilitating global exports, reinforcing Lidl's role in driving economic growth and supporting local businesses to thrive internationally.
