Butter, good bread, a sharp knife and a handful of Irish tomatoes can tell you a lot about a chef. That grounded, ingredient-first approach is exactly why food Ireland readers will be interested in Lidl Ireland’s new partnership with Michelin-starred chef Eric Matthews.
Lidl has named Matthews as its new chief brand ambassador, with a focus on making everyday meals feel a little more thoughtful without becoming fussy. It is a smart fit for the current Ireland food scene, where shoppers want reliable value but still care about quality, seasonality and local produce.
What Eric Matthews brings to food Ireland
Matthews has built a strong reputation through kitchens at The Square in London, The Fat Duck in Bray, Bennelong at the Sydney Opera House and, closer to home, Chapter One. More recently, Dublin diners will know him from Kicky’s on South Great George’s Street and BANG on Merrion Row.
His role with Lidl centres on showing people how to cook well with the supermarket’s Deluxe range alongside Irish ingredients. For anyone following food news Ireland, that makes this more than a celebrity signing. It points to a bigger appetite for practical, better-at-home cooking.
- Simple upgrades for midweek dinners
- More attention on Irish suppliers and seasonal produce
- Accessible ideas shaped by restaurant-level experience
Why this matters for Irish shoppers
Lidl also says it is deepening support for local businesses, with more than €2 billion in annual procurement with Irish suppliers in 2026. That gives the announcement extra weight in food Ireland, especially for shoppers trying to buy local where they can.
If Matthews can translate his kitchen know-how into recipes that feel doable at home, this could be genuinely useful for families, keen home cooks and anyone looking for fresh inspiration beyond the usual rotation.
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In short, this is one to watch in food Ireland: a Michelin-starred chef, everyday ingredients, and a clear nod to Irish produce. As food partnerships go, it feels less about gloss and more about what ends up on the plate — warm, generous and worth making again.
Image Courtesy: EVOKE
