Lidl KickStart 2026
Food NI members’ success as Lidl Northern Ireland reveals Kickstart Class of 2026
More than £4 million invested in Northern Irish producers as supplier development programme continues to support local agri-food growth
Lidl Northern Ireland has unveiled its line-up of local food and drink producers selected to take part in its Kickstart Supplier Development Programme. Sixteen small and medium sized suppliers from Northern Ireland have secured a place on the six-month programme, giving them the opportunity to supply their products to Lidl stores across the island of Ireland.
This year’s line-up includes Food NI members Derry-Londonderry- based Whoosh, which grew from Thai and Vietnamese catering into a range of gluten free rice noodle pots; Jawbox Gin, a Co Down spirits brand inspired by Belfast’s industrial character and distilled on a 300-acre estate; and Kennedy Bacon from Co Tyrone, bringing Smashed Bacon Grills Burgers to shoppers. Others include Mac Ivor’s Medium and Plum and Ginger Ciders and Moocha Kombucha.
The full range of products will land in Lidl Northern Ireland’s 44 stores from Thursday 10th September, as part of a two-week promotional campaign, available while stocks last.
Now in its ninth year, Lidl has invested more than £4 million in Northern Irish producers through Kickstart, which offers suppliers a six-month dedicated business support programme from Lidl’s in-house experts, covering production efficiency, product development, packaging, marketing, administration support and scaling plans.
Welcoming the 2026 cohort, Kevin Duffy, Chief Commercial Officer at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said:
“Kickstart gives Northern Irish producers a route into retail. It opens the door to our stores, our customers and our teams, but it also gives suppliers the practical support they need to grow with confidence.
“What stands out this year is the depth of the supplier stories. We have family businesses with generations of heritage, founders who have built brands from small beginnings, and fast-growing producers bringing new formats and flavours to market.
“Over the past nine years, we have seen Kickstart suppliers secure permanent listings, grow production and reach new markets. We are proud to back this next group of local businesses as they take that next step.”
The Kickstart programme remains a key part of Lidl Northern Ireland’s commitment to local sourcing, quality Northern Irish products and the long-term success of the agri-food industry.
