On 27 June, Lidl North Macedonia, in cooperation with the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), the Swiss Increasing Market Employability (IME) Program, and Makfresh, organized a conference at the Chamber’s premises to present the GLOBALG.A.P. and GRASP certification standards for local fruit and vegetable production.

In her opening address, Milena Dragijska-Dencheva, Executive Representative of Lidl, emphasized that Lidl is continuously working to improve standards for safer, healthier, and higher-quality food in order to meet the ever-growing demands and expectations of consumers. She added that through cooperation with Lidl, Macedonian companies are gaining access to certification for their products according to GLOBALG.A.P. and GRASP standards, enabling them to successfully sell their products on European markets.

It was highlighted at the event that, although Lidl has not yet opened its stores in the country, its impact on the local economy is already measurable. In 2024 alone, more than 5,500 pallets of certified Macedonian fruits and vegetables were exported through Lidl’s European network. This impressive result demonstrates that Macedonian producers are capable of meeting strict international standards such as GLOBALG.A.P. and GRASP.

Jan-Axel Voss, Deputy Ambassador at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, stated that the German government supports the Macedonian agri-food sector in aligning with the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy, meeting product safety and quality requirements, and establishing market linkages. He noted that the opening of Lidl — which will be the largest German investment in this sector — offers Macedonian producers a direct and tangible business opportunity to expand into the European market.

Michal Harari, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland in North Macedonia, noted that through the Swiss IME Program, successful models and examples have already been established of local companies that improved their products, obtained the required certifications, and integrated into global supply chains.

The standards were presented by field experts, and the event was attended by representatives of relevant institutions as well as over 100 companies and agricultural sector stakeholders, creating a valuable platform to promote food safety, export readiness, and sustainable agricultural practices.

* As part of the “Fit for Supply” project, Lidl will support agricultural producers, IME will co-finance up to 50% of certification costs, and GIZ will provide consulting expertise. Through strategic investments, international cooperation, and a strong commitment to concrete results, Lidl is proving that Macedonian products belong not only on local shelves – but also on European tables.