'We have huge ambition': Lidl Northern Ireland spends record £624m with local suppliers as turnover hits £604m
Retailer increased its spending with more than 300 Northern Ireland businesses by 12%, with £456m of local produce exported to Great Britain and Europe
Lidl Northern Ireland has announced that it has spent a record £624 million in procuring goods and services from local suppliers across the region for last year (FY25/26, ending February), representing a 12% year-on-year increase, underscoring the retailer's growing investment in local supply chains and economic development across the region.
The spend was distributed across more than 300 local agri-food suppliers and business partners, with the lion's share (£536 million) procuring homegrown, quality food and drink from 92 local agri-food suppliers including Dale Farm, Moy Park, Crust & Crumb Bakery, Foyle Food Group and Strathroy Dairy, to name a few.
Of the total spend, more than £456 million accounted for export value - up 10% on the previous year - taking Northern Ireland produce beyond the regional market and onto Lidl's shelves across Great Britain and Europe.
Beyond food production, Lidl Northern Ireland invested more than £87 million with 213 business service partners in the region last year across essential commercial services, logistics, maintenance and professional business services that support Lidl in maintaining its position as the region's fastest growing supermarket retailer.
Gordon Cruikshanks, Lidl Northern Ireland regional managing director said: "Each year, our Supplier and Business Partner Impact Report measures the tangible economic value we generate across Northern Ireland. We have huge ambition in the region and our increased spend with local providers in 2025 demonstrates the exceptional strength and quality of the local network.
“Partnering with over 300 local businesses across the agrifood and service industry, we continue to leverage our market presence to build a robust scalable network. This performance not only strengthens the local economy but elevates Northern Ireland's position on the global stage by exporting high-quality regional produce to international markets daily."
Lidl Northern Ireland continues to be the fastest growing retailer in the region, welcoming more than half a million weekly shoppers across its network of 44 stores in the region.
The Supplier and Business Impact Report announcement coincides with the publication of Lidl Northern Ireland's financial results for the FY 25/26 period which recorded turnover of £604 million, an increase of 16% year-on-year. Much of this has been reinvested locally to support Lidl's ambitious expansion plans including new state-of-the-art stores opened recently in Ballysillan and Craigavon as well as soon to be opened stores in Bangor and Enniskillen.
Earlier this year, Lidl Northern Ireland welcomed the news that a proposed new Lidl store at Crescent Link in Londonderry received Ministerial approval following a six year planning process. The new store will be Lidl's second location in the city, with its existing Buncrana Road/Springtown Road store recording the highest footfall of its entire store network across the region. The highly anticipated new store, which has been warmly welcomed by local residents -with 93% of residents surveyed in a recent poll agreeing that a city the size of Derry~Londonderry should have more than one Lidl store - will deliver significant economic and employment benefits for the city and reflects Lidl's long-term confidence in the north west.
Robert Ryan, Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland chief executive officer explained: "Since entering the Northern Ireland market in 1999, Lidl has delivered consistent, long-term growth, earning our title as the region's fastest growing supermarket. Our results reflect the momentum we've built and the trust shoppers place in us. We have maintained our relentless focus on operational efficiency while strategically investing where it matters most - strengthening our local supplier networks, supporting community initiatives and empowering our people.
“The findings in this year's Supplier and Business Impact Report reflect that; demonstrating a 12% increase year-on-year spend with local agri food businesses and local business service providers. From world-class producers to essential operational partners, our relationships across the region are fundamental to our success. We remain deeply committed to investing in the local economy and championing homegrown suppliers for the benefit of the region as a whole."
Lidl Northern Ireland operates an expanding network of 44 stores across the region, with a Regional Distribution Centre in Nutts Corner, Antrim. Employing a workforce of over 1,500 colleagues locally, the retailer recently reinforced its commitment to its people with a £2.3 million investment in pay increases for its existing workforce. Spanning over two decades of operation, Lidl Northern Ireland's high-quality produce at market leading value model has solidified its position as a key economic anchor driven by a sustained commitment to sourcing fresh, quality, local produce.