Lidl Northern Ireland maintains a £7 million supply partnership with Belfast-based Hovis that began in 1999 when Lidl opened its first store in the region.

Hovis produces two varieties of hot cross buns at its Apollo Road bakery in south Belfast. These supply all 44 Lidl stores across Northern Ireland for Easter. Customers can select premium Deluxe buns with butter and 30% fruit or traditional Connell Bakery buns.

Kevin Duffy, Chief Commercial Officer at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, stated the company values the partnership for providing quality local produce to meet demand for the seasonal item.

Trevor McCrum, General Manager at Hovis Ireland, noted the deal supports the bakery's operations while delivering products from its 150-year-old Belfast site.

Lidl Northern Ireland procured £557 million in goods and services from local suppliers in its last financial year. It exported £413 million worth of Northern Ireland products to Lidl stores worldwide.

The retailer's Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, now in its ninth year, has invested more than £4 million to aid local businesses.