Retail updates: Lidl Ireland launches education program and global expansions

Lidl Ireland has launched ‘Lidl Foodies’, a free educational program aimed at children aged 4 to 7. The initiative is designed to help children develop positive relationships with fruits and vegetables through engaging, curriculum-linked learning experiences.

In other retail developments, Spinneys 1961 Holding has agreed to acquire an additional 20% stake in its Saudi Arabian subsidiary, Al-Ma'kulat al-Fakhirah for Food Products, for SAR 18 million. This increases its total stake in the subsidiary to 70%.

Additionally, Central Retail Corporation Plc is acquiring the business behind 30 MaxValu supermarkets in Thailand. Through its subsidiary Central Food Retail Co Ltd, the company has signed an agreement to acquire all ordinary shares in Aeon (Thailand) Co Ltd, with plans to convert the outlets to the Tops brand.

Tesco has also announced leadership changes, appointing Andrew Yaxley as the new CEO of Tesco Ireland and Northern Ireland, succeeding Geoff Byrne.