Lidl Ireland announce €2.5 million investment in Westmeath agri-food industry in 2022
Latest Supplier Impact Report demonstrates record support of €1 billion for local producers and championing of Ireland’s agri-food produce globally
Lidl Ireland have announced they invested €2.5 million in the Westmeath agri-food industry in 2022.
It makes up part of a total of €1 billion invested in the Irish agri-food industry last year.
Released this week, the Lidl’s latest Supplier Impact Report states that of that €1 billion, €682 million stayed within Lidl Ireland’s operations to be sold to Irish customers and €318 million was exported through Lidl’s network of stores.
With more than 400 local suppliers in the Republic of Ireland, Lidl Ireland continue to give Irish producers unrivalled access to local and international markets supporting the growth and success of Irish produce worldwide.
Lidl’s Westmeath suppliers include Farm Fresh Produce based in Walderstown who supply closed cup, button, sliced and flat mushrooms to the 176 Lidl in the republic.
The Lidl Kickstart Supplier Development Programme supported by Bord Bia, is designed to give small and medium-sized Irish food and drink businesses the opportunity to advance their product, brand, and business with dedicated support from Lidl experts along the way.
Lidl have invested more than €7 million in the Kickstart programme.
JP Scally, CEO, Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland (a Tyrrellspass man) said: “Our suppliers represent the best of Ireland’s food and drink industry and we’re proud to showcase the high calibre of their products on our shelves in Ireland and on the global stage through our Lidl network.
“In 2022, Lidl Ireland procured more than €1 billion worth of goods from Irish suppliers. This report demonstrates just how important supplier relationships are to the ongoing success of our business, and to the 400+ local producers that we work with and their employees across the country.
“Since 2018, we have been working hard to increase our customer offering, expanding our product range by more than 40% and tripling our buying team to focus on sourcing as many Irish products as possible, helping customers to do their full shop with Lidl while also buying top quality Irish products.
"As we look ahead to this upcoming year, we look forward to nurturing new and fruitful supplier partnerships and supporting even more local businesses to success.”