Partnership with Lidl: Catalyst for Standardization and Growth of Macedonian Producers

From factories in Radovis to Lidl shelves in several European countries – a new era of competitiveness is opening for Macedonian producers. During the recent visit of the German Ambassador, H.E. Petra Drexler, to the production facilities of “Dairy Gjorgievi” and “Bestfood TI” in Radovish, the benefits of the partnership with Lidl as a bridge to European markets were discussed.

“Bestfood TI” has been cooperating with Lidl since 2023 and is already producing beetroot, pepper and hot pepper products for Lidl’s own brand, Freshona. Their products have so far been placed within the promotional weeks of Macedonian products in Bulgaria, Slovenia, Serbia and Croatia. “Dairy Gjorgievi” will soon start producing dairy products for the Pilos brand. Own brands are the basis of Lidl’s business model and a tool for guaranteeing high quality and affordable prices. Their production involves high quality and safety standards, appropriate certificates and regular independent checks. Control covers the entire process, from raw materials and production conditions to the final inspection of the final item. 

Partnership with Lidl as a Bridge to European Markets 

Stefan Georgiev, Commercial Director at Lidl North Macedonia, explained what this cooperation model actually means. 

“When a domestic company starts producing for Lidl’s own brand, it enters a system with high requirements for quality, safety and traceability. Meeting these criteria requires investment and improvement, but makes companies more competitive and better prepared for European markets. That is why we see cooperation with local producers as an opportunity for long-term development and new export opportunities. With an efficient supply chain and cooperation with domestic companies, we can offer high-quality products at affordable prices, while at the same time encouraging local production and export”, said Georgeiv. 

The German Ambassador to the country, H.E. Petra Drexler, during a visit to the production facilities in Radovish, emphasized that meeting high European standards is a key driver for the development of domestic companies. 

"For Macedonian producers, cooperation with large retail chains is a direct bridge to the European market. The application of these standards is not only a condition for partnership, but a mechanism that opens the doors for domestic businesses to long-term competitiveness on the European economic map", said Ambassador Drexler.

Investments in Quality and Modernization of Domestic Production

Krste Gjorgiev, manager of "Bestfood TI", emphasized that the work before and after the start of cooperation with Lidl is significantly different. The company’s requirements, especially regarding the IFS safety certificate, have prompted an upgrade of business models and serious investments.

“The cooperation with Lidl was a strong motivation to further improve our production. In order to meet the strict standards, we invested in new equipment, technology and quality control systems. This alignment has not only raised our criteria, but also made us a more competitive and stable partner, ready for any European market”, said Gjorgiev. 

Adriana Paneva, director of “Dairy Gjorgievi” said that the dairy continues to invest in new equipment for production automation.

“We have incorporated Lidl standards into every part of the process – from the purchase of raw sheep and goat milk from local farms, through production, to final control. The start of production for the Pilos brand is a significant step for our dairy and our subcontractors”, said Paneva. 

Both companies emphasize that the cooperation with Lidl is growing and progressing, and the increased volume of production and exports through the Lidl supermarket chain are confirmation of the quality of domestic production. They consider the ambassador's visit as recognition of the efforts made so far and the trust that international partners have in the capacities of both companies. "Bestfood TI" and "Dairy Gjorgievi" continue to invest in the modernization and automation of production, in order to respond to the growing demand - both in the domestic and export markets.

Lidl has so far invested more than 200 million euros in the development of modern infrastructure in the country. In 2025, the export of Macedonian products through the Lidl network reached 15.5 million euros, confirming the potential of domestic producers.

As part of the Schwarz Group, one of the leading European food retailers, the company operates around 12,900 supermarkets in 31 countries. Lidl is expected to open its doors across Macedonia soon, allowing domestic consumers access to its quality offering at affordable prices.