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North-Macedonia: Lidl deepens strategic partnerships with North Macedonian suppliers

Discount Retail Chain Lidl North-Macedonia collaborates with various partners to support local producers and create opportunities for consumers and businesses, thereby connecting them to European markets. "Lidl is exploring opportunities in agriculture and local production because our objective is clear: to establish long-term partnerships and incorporate Macedonian producers into Lidl's international supply chain," stated our Commercial Director, Stefan Georgiev, during the session on connecting future markets and exploring investment opportunities and cooperation across Eastern and Southeastern Europe.


Lidl is particularly proud of the following achievements: 

  • Supporting exports even before opening stores in North Macedonia. Currently, the central warehouse and six Lidl stores are completed but not yet opened, with plans to open with a big bang with 15 stores at the beginning of 2027;

  • Since starting cooperation in 2023, the export of Macedonian products through the Lidl network has increased from 570,000 euros to 5 million euros in 2024, and we anticipate surpassing the forecast of 10 million euros for 2025;

  • The primary export categories include fresh and canned fruits and vegetables, lamb, dairy products, and wine;

  • Enhancing local production standards:

    - 28 Macedonian companies have achieved IFS certification, one of the highest international quality standards;

    - 21 Macedonian suppliers have obtained GlobalGAP and GRASP certification, ensuring compliance with environmental, health, and social regulations in fruit and vegetable production.


In collaboration with the German and Swiss embassies, Lidl worked on the 'Fit for Supply' project to support an additional 15 suppliers in obtaining certification in the upcoming period. 


Looking ahead, we believe customs policies remain crucial for realizing new economic potentials. We continue to advocate for aligning Macedonian customs rates with the EU to enable fair competition, more affordable prices for consumers, a greater variety of products, and sustained high quality.


The Global Forum on Food and Agriculture (#GFFA) is organized by the German Federal Ministry for Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity and serves as an international platform for addressing key issues related to the future of global agriculture and food policy.





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