LIDL IQ
LIDL International Quality standard for food suppliers
LIDL IQ (International Quality) is LIDL's supplier qualification scheme, similar in scope to ALDI Standard. LIDL operates as a hard discounter across Europe, the UK, and the US, sourcing significant volumes from Egyptian growers and processors.
LIDL IQ requires:
- IFS Food (Higher Level often expected) OR BRCGS certification.
- Compliance with LIDL Code of Conduct (social standards), verified via SMETA, BSCI, or Sedex.
- LIDL-specific product specifications and quality parameters.
- Sustainability commitments (carbon, packaging, traceability).
LIDL has set ambitious sustainability targets including science-based emissions targets and full supply chain transparency by 2030. For Egyptian suppliers, this translates into increasing demands for product carbon footprint data (GHG Protocol, ISO 14067), water use disclosure, and biodiversity impact assessment.
Egyptian export categories commonly supplied to LIDL: fresh oranges, fresh strawberries, frozen vegetables, frozen herbs, tomato paste, dried fruits.
FoodGate Audit performs LIDL IQ readiness audits combining IFS gap analysis and social compliance checks.