Lidl Ireland Makes €600m Expansion Commitment, Boosts Irish Supplier Network
Lidl Ireland is set to make a substantial investment of €600 million over the next five years. This ambitious expansion plan includes opening 35 new stores and constructing a new Regional Distribution Centre. The investment underscores Lidl’s commitment to continued growth and development in Ireland.
Opening New Stores Across Ireland
Robert Ryan, CEO of Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, shared the details of the upcoming store openings on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland. In the coming year, Lidl plans to open 12 new stores throughout the country. These openings will include locations in Carndonagh, Donegal; Moycullen in Galway; a second store in Wexford town; and Ballybough in Dublin’s north inner city.
To celebrate the expansion, Lidl also opened a new store in Enfield, County Meath, on the day of Robert Ryan’s announcement.
Improving Logistics for Southern Expansion
A significant portion of the €600m investment, €200m, will be allocated to building a new Regional Distribution Centre in Cork. This project aims to enhance Lidl’s logistical infrastructure in the south and southeast regions, paving the way for further expansion.
Supporting Irish Suppliers
Lidl’s commitment to local economies extends beyond physical presence. According to the 2024 Lidl Supplier and Business Partner Impact Report, Lidl invested €1.67 billion in Irish goods and services last year. A noteworthy aspect was the €1.2 billion spent on goods from the Irish agri-food sector, marking a 7% year-on-year increase.
In addition, Lidl supported over 280 Irish agri-food suppliers with an €89m increase compared to the previous year. Furthermore, €360 million worth of Irish goods were exported to Lidl stores worldwide, reflecting a 5% year-on-year rise.
Kickstart Supplier Development Programme
Lidl’s initiative to support local businesses through the Kickstart Supplier Development Programme is a standout feature. Established in 2017, this program has provided almost €37 million in investment to over 300 Irish businesses. In 2024 alone, Kickstart supported 45 local Irish producers, showcasing their products in over 200 stores.
A remarkable success story from the Kickstart program is Naked Bakes, which secured a permanent listing in 223 Lidl stores following a promotional agreement. The company’s founder, Aisling Tuck, commended Lidl for providing valuable support and fostering growth opportunities for Irish producers.
Bord Bia’s Recognition
CEO of Bord Bia, Jim O’Toole, praised Lidl’s commitment to supporting Irish suppliers. “Lidl has helped grow many Irish suppliers internationally through export opportunities across the Lidl global store network,” said O’Toole. He emphasized how Lidl’s significant investments in the Irish agri-food sector set a benchmark for the retail industry.
Conclusion
Lidl Ireland’s substantial €600m investment signals a vibrant future for the company in Ireland. With new stores, a new Regional Distribution Centre, and robust support for local suppliers, Lidl continues to drive economic growth and provide value to both consumers and Irish businesses.
As the CEO of Lidl Ireland, Robert Ryan highlighted the company’s long-standing commitment to high-quality, locally sourced products and the importance of strong local partnerships in driving economic growth.
This ongoing investment promises to bring tangible benefits to communities across Ireland, increasing employment opportunities and supporting local economies.
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