In a statement, the company says that the opening of the new stores aims to also contribute to the local Madeiran economy, with purchases from Madeiran suppliers – commercial and services – in the order of €20 million.

The company stresses that in this expansion of their operation to Madeira, “sustainability remains one of the main focuses”, so the new stores “will be equipped with photovoltaic panels, as well as multi-standard and fast charging electric charging stations that allow for an 80 percent recharge of the car battery in 30 minutes, allowing refuelling during a regular shopping trip”.

Cited in the statement, the president of the Regional Government of Madeira, Miguel Albuquerque, said that “the expansion of the Lidl operation to Madeira is, without a doubt, good news”.

“This is an international company, with great credibility, and for Madeira, this investment of €100 million and 150 jobs in 2023 will be very important, with the dynamization of the economy and the perfect articulation between its activity and our local producers and entrepreneurs, always benefiting, of course, the consumer”.

He added: "Lidl also brings the advantage of the possibility of introducing Madeiran products into its international network."

The director of Public Affairs and Corporate Communication at Lidl Portugal, Elena Aldana, points out the objective of “providing the best shopping experience for the island's inhabitants while working closely with partners and the local community, which is fundamental”.

“We believe that the conditions are now in place to take this step, which consolidates, once again, our investment in Portugal”, she said.

Operating in Portugal for 26 years, Lidl currently employs more than 8,200 people in the country, spread over 265 stores and four regional departments and warehouses, in addition to the headquarters: Santo Tirso (North), Torres Novas (West), Sintra (Centre) and Palmela (South).

Citing an impact study carried out by the consultancy KPMG, Lidl Portugal claims to have contributed, in 2018, €2,120 million to the generation of wealth, representing 1 percent of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Lidl belongs to the German food retailer Schwarz, and operates supermarkets across a total of 32 countries, with around 11,550 stores and more than 200 distribution centres, having registered a turnover of €125,300 million in 2020.