Lidl Ireland has launched its 2018 kickstart development programme for Irish food companies and suppliers. The programme, which is run in conjunction with Bord Bia, will see Lidl invest €200,000 to help small- to medium-sized food businesses build their supply chain logistics and grow their brand.

Irish food companies can submit products for the programme until 1 April. Lidl will select up to 80 products from all submissions to supply the retailers 157 stores with a guaranteed volume of their product for a limited edition Best of Ireland food promotion in September 2018. Additionally, three products will be selected to be sold in Lidl stores across Europe.

Last year, the German retailer selected over 70 Irish food products for the programme, which generated more than €1m in sales for Lidl.

Lidl Ireland managing director JP Scally said the retailer buys up to €500m worth of Irish food every year. Irish food exports to Lidl stores across Europe reached €230m in 2017. Lidl is targeting €300m in exports by 2020.