Lidl urges Co Antrim food and drink producers to apply for 2026 ‘Kickstart’ supplier programme
- Love Ballymena
- 3 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Last year’s 2025 Lidl Kickstart participants.
Lidl Northern Ireland has called on food and drink producers across Co Antrim to apply for its 2026 Lidl Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, following the success of several local businesses that have already benefited from the initiative.
Applications are now open for the ninth year of the programme, which is designed to help small and medium-sized agri-food suppliers break into the highly competitive supermarket retail sector.
Lidl says it is particularly keen to hear from up-and-coming Co Antrim producers looking to scale their operations, strengthen their brand and secure a listing with one of Northern Ireland’s largest retailers.
Last year’s intake saw 46 artisan products from 17 producers across five counties featured through the programme, including Co Antrim-based businesses Al Gelato, McAtamney’s Gourmet Kitchen, Slim’s Healthy Kitchen and Tasty Foods.
Backed by the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA), the Lidl Kickstart Supplier Development Programme offers successful applicants a bespoke six-month development journey.
Participants receive tailored support from Lidl Northern Ireland’s in-house experts, focusing on areas such as production efficiency, product development, packaging, administration, social media guidance and strategies for sustainable scaling.
The programme culminates in a promotional listing for Kickstart products across Lidl’s 44 stores in Northern Ireland, giving local producers direct access to a wide customer base.
In addition to regional exposure, Lidl says many Kickstart suppliers have gone on to benefit from international opportunities through the retailer’s wider global store network.
Kevin Duffy, Chief Commercial Officer at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland, said the programme was about far more than shelf space.
“Lidl Northern Ireland’s Kickstart Supplier Development programme champions Northern Irish producers. 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.”
He added that the retailer was proud of the programme’s long-term impact.
“We are incredibly proud of the programme’s long-term success. Over the past nine years, we’ve seen phenomenal achievements from participants like Holmes Bakery in Portadown securing a full permanent listing and becoming an everyday fixture in our stores.”
Mr Duffy also highlighted how the programme has helped suppliers reach international markets.
“What’s more, we’ve leveraged our massive international store network to help products go global, opening up exciting new markets across the UK, Europe, and the USA, including products from Hellbent, a South African inspired food brand co-founded by Ulster rugby players Louis Ludik and Schalk van der Merwe.
“Since securing a place on the programme four years ago, they’ve not only earned a permanent listing but have also tripled their Lidl contract value to over £1 million.
“We’re incredibly proud of their 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.”
NIFDA has also encouraged producers from across the region, including Antrim, to take advantage of the opportunity.
Michael Bell OBE, Executive Director at NIFDA, described the programme as a proven route to growth for emerging businesses.
“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.”
He added:
“It’s a fantastic chance for smaller companies to get their products in front of a major retailer, with the potential to significantly increase their output and secure a listing in all 44 of their stores here in Northern Ireland. Plus, participants get priceless advice and mentorship directly from the expert teams at Lidl. It really is a premier supplier development programme and I’d encourage all food and drink producers to get their applications in before the end of January.”
Applications for the 2026 Lidl Kickstart Supplier Development Programme are open until 31 January 2026. Further information and application details are available at: