Under the slogan “Growing together is worthwhile”, the company is holding the third edition of its flagship supplier event, aimed at fostering transparency and dialogue with both existing and prospective suppliers.

This event is designed to share its strategic vision with suppliers and to create new opportunities for joint growth in Spain and across Europe. Held today at Terminal D of the Port of Barcelona under the same slogan, “Growing together is worthwhile”, the company has brought together more than 600 attendees, including supplier companies, potential partners and its procurement team, in a clear demonstration of the strength of a collaborative model that has made the supermarket chain one of the country’s economic driving forces. The event has also benefited from the participation of ICEX Spain Trade and Investment.

In this context, the event will feature the participation of Vanesa Álvarez, Director of Foreign Investment Projects at ICEX‑Invest in Spain, who will take part in the round table on internationalisation and exports entitled «EXPORTING WITH LIDL: an opportunity for growth beyond Spain», during which she will present the following key messages:

• The Spanish agri-food industrial sector is diverse and robust; however, it benefits significantly from attracting foreign-owned companies. Their presence opens the door to new strategic partners capable of unlocking markets that were previously inaccessible. At ICEX‑Invest in Spain, we operate precisely at this intersection between foreign investment and the local productive fabric.

• Our role at ICEX‑Invest in Spain does not end when a company such as Lidl decides to establish or expand its operations in Spain; rather, this is where our collaboration truly begins. We work to ensure that such presence translates into meaningful links with Spanish suppliers, knowledge transfer, and improvements in standards. The Source from Spain programme is one of the practical instruments through which we structure this work, facilitating foreign investors to procure, source and grow alongside the local business ecosystem.

• At ICEX, we also manage Foods & Wines from Spain, the umbrella brand under which we promote Spanish agri-food and gastronomic products internationally. Through this platform, we take part in international trade fairs, organise trade missions and build brand presence in key markets. The objective is to ensure that Spanish companies do not enter new markets alone, but rather benefit from the support of a recognised country brand.

• In order to compete internationally, the ability to adapt is essential. This requires three key elements: a strong understanding of the target market, a sufficiently diversified business model to absorb change, and the support of strategic partners who share in your success. The achievements of Europastry and Noel (companies participating alongside ICEX in the round table) on Lidl’s shelves are not merely their own success; they represent the success of a collaborative model and, ultimately, the success of the Spanish economy projecting itself globally. Our aim is to facilitate and promote such collaborations through our services.