Lidl launches new skincare collection in €1m. deal with Mayo company

Lidl Ireland has launched its first ever Irish made own brand skincare range, Ár Ocean, in an exclusive new local supplier partnership with Mayo-based ULTRAPURE Laboratories, representing a new supply deal worth €1 million for the Ballina business.

This new deal will see four new permanently listed Ár Ocean skincare products across Lidl’s 220 stores in the island of Ireland.

A family-run business with a team of 20 employees, ULTRAPURE Laboratories is an award-winning producer of Guaranteed Irish and natural muscle recovery, skincare and wellness products.

Lidl and ULTRAPURE Laboratories have been working to develop Ár Ocean for almost two years, harnessing the nourishing properties of sea minerals and Irish moss cultivated from the Atlantic to provide a nutrient-rich, moisturising and luxurious skincare collection at an attainable price to ensure everyone can benefit from the natural goodness of properties derived from west coast waters.

The collection surged ahead in the satisfaction stakes within a recent consumer research study, with 94% of respondents saying they would recommend Ár Ocean products to a friend and 96% saying they were satisfied with the products. A further 90% of panellists said they would continue using the products after the initial trial period. More than three quarters (82%) of consumers said they would consider purchasing the products as a gift.

Suitable for all skin types, the new travel-friendly Ár Ocean range includes a purifying cleanser, nourishing moisturiser, hyaluronic face serum and hydrating eye-cream and face serum, with prices starting at just €3.49.

John Dempsey, owner of ULTRAPURE Laboratories, said: “As one of the leading cosmetics manufacturers in Ireland, we’re thrilled to partner exclusively with Lidl Ireland on a brand-new skincare range which perfectly captures the transformative properties of Irish sea moss and minerals for a luxurious, premium feel. We worked closely with Lidl to really capture the essence of the brand which shines through with Ár Ocean - naturally sourced, expertly formulated and 100% Irish.

“We’re thrilled to secure a new €1 million supply deal to bring Ár Ocean to shoppers across the island and to partner with Ireland’s leading discount supermarket retailer.”

Emma Nolan, buyer at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: “Our Cien beauty and wellness range continues to be loved by shoppers and we’re delighted to now expand our cosmetics offering with the launch of our first ever own brand and Irish made premium skincare range, Ár Ocean. Our ambition for this collection is to provide customers with a quality, premium product at a low cost.

“We’re delighted to work with ULTRAPURE Laboratories on this collection, an award-winning Irish producer using 100% locally sourced ingredients. For us, the partnership further demonstrates our commitment to supporting Irish producers, with €1.6 billion procured last year from Irish suppliers and business partners.”

The Ár Ocean collection is available now at all 220 Lidl stores across the island of Ireland, while stocks last.