Award-winning practices set new benchmarks in Cypriot retail

Lidl Cyprus has concluded its fifteenth anniversary year, underscoring a track record of durable expansion, local investment and consumer-centred innovation in the Cypriot retail sector.

The company this year completed 15 years of operations in Cyprus, during which time it has been guided by a business philosophy that places consumers, suppliers and community at the core of its development strategy.

Martin Brandenburger, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Lidl Cyprus, stated “at Lidl Cyprus, for 15 years we have been evolving together with the place and the people, thanks to our unique business philosophy, as well as the passion, dedication and professionalism of our approximately 700 employees” he said.

Collaboration with Greek partner Evrofarma was also showcased in a recent press trip, an experience that offered not just a closer look at a key supplier, but a chance to witness firsthand the depth and integrity behind Lidl’s supply chain strategy.

As a participating member of the press, I had the opportunity to travel to Alexandroupoli, a vibrant coastal city in northeastern Greece that combines commercial significance with natural beauty.

Nestled near the border with Turkey, Alexandroupoli is more than just a logistical node; it’s a community where tradition, innovation, and resilience intersect.

And at the heart of this community stands Evrofarma — a regional dairy powerhouse and long-standing Lidl partner, which produces, among other products, dairy items for Lidl’s private label GALPO brand.

It’s important to note that GALPO, as Lidl’s exclusive private label brand, is developed through partnerships with a number of different suppliers, such as Evrofarma in Greece and local producers in Cyprus.

From the moment we entered Evrofarma’s facilities, it was clear that this wasn’t just another industrial visit.

The factory, impressively modern and immaculately maintained, reflected a business that takes pride in both its process and its people.

The tour offered a transparent, ground-level view of production, from the arrival of raw milk to the meticulous packaging of dairy products that form part of the GALPO brand range found on Lidl’s shelves in Cyprus and beyond.

Yet what stood out even more than the technology was the human element. We spoke with members of both the ownership group, as well as Lidl executives, who described with pride how the facility contributes to local development, job stability, and the possibility of a future rooted in their home region.

In a part of Greece where economic opportunities can be scarce, Evrofarma provides not only work but purpose.

The visit extended beyond the factory floor. We explored the nearby Evros Delta by boat — a quiet, humbling journey through one of Europe’s most important wetlands.

As birds skimmed the water’s surface and the landscape shifted between reeds and riverbanks, it became evident how Lidl’s commitment to sustainable sourcing isn’t a slogan, but a necessity.

It should also be noted that Evrofarma operates under strict environmental and quality controls, ensuring that the company’s growth — and the success of the GALPO brand — does not come at the cost of the ecosystems it calls home.

The experience was, for me, both informative and affirming. It offered a rare behind-the-scenes view into how Lidl selects and nurtures its supplier relationships — not simply to ensure product consistency, but to foster long-term impact in the communities it touches.

In an era where supply chain buzzwords often mask opaque practices, it was refreshing to see a transparent, values-led approach in action.

This journey underscored what Lidl’s 15th anniversary celebrations are really about: the connections it has cultivated across borders, the people behind the products, and the sustainable, resilient networks it is helping to build across Europe.

Aside from the recent press trip to Greece, the retailer has also implemented a 360-degree campaign under the anniversary slogan “Lidl at its best”.

The campaign showcased initiatives spanning consumer offers, support for Cypriot suppliers, community engagement and employment creation.