From local to European – Lidl opens new opportunities for Macedonian agriculture

27.06.2025 | Skopje

Milena Dragijska, Lidl Executive Representative

"Consumers today have greater demands, and we at Lidl always strive to meet their criteria for safer, healthier and higher quality food. Through cooperation with Lidl, Macedonian companies also gain opportunities to certify their products with Global GAP and GRASP certificates, and thus to better market their products on European markets", said Milena Dragijska, Lidl Executive Representative at today's event organized for the development, export and certification of local fruit and vegetable production, which was held in Skopje. 

Although Lidl has not yet opened its stores in North Macedonia, the impact on the local economy is already measurable. In 2024 alone, more than 5,500 pallets of certified Macedonian fruit and vegetables were exported through Lidl’s European network. This outstanding result proves that Macedonian producers have the capacity to meet strict international standards such as Global GAP and GRASP. 

Lidl North Macedonia, in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce of North Macedonia, the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), the Swiss Market Employment Enhancement Program (IME) and "Makfresh", organized a conference on raising agricultural standards through Global GAP and GRASP certification. The standards were presented by experts in the field Vasil Trpevski and Zorica Smilevska, and were attended by representatives of relevant institutions such as Dr. Suzana Jordanovska, Director of the State Phytosanitary Laboratory (DFL), more than 100 companies and representatives from the agricultural sector, creating a significant platform for the promotion of food safety, export readiness and sustainable agricultural practices. 

Jan-Axel Foss, Deputy Ambassador of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Skopje, stated that "for decades, the German government has been supporting the Macedonian agri-food sector in compliance with the EU Common Agricultural Policy, product safety and quality requirements, as well as establishing market connections. We believe that this sector plays an important role in the country's economic development, and with the opening of LIDL, which will be the largest German investment in the sector, Macedonian producers receive a direct and concrete business opportunity to expand to the European market".

Michal Harari, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland in North Macedonia, noted that "Through the Swiss IME program, we have established successful models and examples of local companies that have improved their products, obtained certifications required by various export markets and managed to integrate into global supply chains. The partnership with Lidl takes us a step further, providing opportunities for more companies to access Lidl’s chain and markets, thereby achieving greater scale and growth".  

The cooperation of Lidl, IME and GIZ is through the project "Fit for Supply", with which Lidl will provide support for agricultural products, IME will co-finance up to 50% of the certification costs, and GIZ will provide consulting expertise. With strategic investments, international cooperation and a clear commitment to concrete results, Lidl proves that Macedonian products belong not only on local shelves - but also on European tables.

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