Lidl Malta has renewed its commitment to supporting local medical research, donating €2,000 to the Research Innovation & Development Trust (RIDT) following a festive fundraising campaign held in December.

The initiative marks the second consecutive year of collaboration between Lidl Malta and the RIDT, building on a partnership aimed at supporting scientific research at the University of Malta. As part of the campaign, Lidl Malta pledged to donate €1 for every Deluxe Panettone Classic sold during the Christmas period.

Customer response exceeded expectations, with 1,880 panettones sold over the course of the campaign. Lidl Malta subsequently rounded up the contribution, bringing the total donation to €2,000.

The initiative was designed to integrate charitable giving into everyday shopping, allowing customers to support medical research through a simple seasonal purchase. According to Lidl Malta, the campaign reflects a broader effort to embed social responsibility into its operations while encouraging community participation.

Owen Micallef, Director at Lidl Malta, said the company was proud to continue supporting medical research through its partnership with the RIDT, noting that sustained investment in research plays a key role in improving long-term healthcare outcomes in Malta. He added that the positive response from customers for a second year running demonstrated strong public support for initiatives that combine retail activity with social impact.

RIDT Chief Executive Officer Wilfred Kenely welcomed the donation, highlighting the importance of private-sector collaboration in strengthening research at the University of Malta. He noted that initiatives such as this not only provide financial support but also help raise awareness of the research work being carried out locally.

Established in 2011, the Research Innovation & Development Trust supports research across a wide range of academic disciplines at the University of Malta. Funds raised through partnerships and community initiatives are channelled into research projects that contribute to scientific, medical and social advancement.

Lidl Malta said it remains committed to identifying further opportunities to support local causes, positioning community engagement and shared value as central pillars of its corporate responsibility strategy.