Irish-based fresh fruit and vegetables supplier Begleys Fresh Produce Group has agreed a new deal, worth €1.5m, with Lidl Ireland.
The new deal has seen Begleys grow its workforce by a further eight full-time workers as the supplier expands its sprouts and pumpkins supply to Lidl stores nationwide this autumn.
The family-run business, with over five decades of experience in the Irish agricultural industry, has its main headquarters in Rush in Co Dublin and operates in several sites across the country.
It manages close to 1,000 acres of Irish produce, including a wide range of vegetables such as carrots, courgettes, pumpkins, squash, sprouts, cabbage, cucumbers, little gem lettuce, cos lettuce, fresh beetroot, pak choi and cauliflower.
Lidl Ireland has been in partnership with Begleys Fresh Produce Group since 2001.
James O'Regan, Commercial Director at Begleys Fresh Produce Group, said that after partnering with Lidl for over 20 years, the company was delighted with the continued commitment, support, and enthusiasm that Lidl Ireland show towards having as much Irish produce on the shelves for their customers.
"We look forward to harvesting our wide range of Irish products again this year including our sprouts and pumpkins. We are excited to see our partnership with Lidl continue to achieve great success in the years to come," he added.
John McDonagh, Buying Director at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said the retailer's 20-year relationship with Begleys has been characterised by a shared vision for the future of Irish agriculture.
"We are thrilled to continue to provide our customers with high-quality sprouts and pumpkins in a range of sizes this autumn. We look forward to continuing this partnership that strengthens our commitment to locally sourced produce," he added.
Lidl last year procured more than €1 billion worth of goods from the Irish agri-food industry and of that, €318m was exported internationally through its store network across the globe.
