Local food & drink suppliers set to grow with Aldi stores!

Their exciting products will now go on sale nationwide as part of an Aldi Specialbuys event, kicking off on Sunday, May 31 for two weeks only.

Aldi is investing €500,000 in the Grow with Aldi programme this year, and to date, has invested over €2.5million with small and medium Irish suppliers since it began in 2018.

Belfast’s Tom and Ollie NI Ltd. has successfully won a place on the development programme with their Mezze Magic Smoked Black Olive Tapenade and Smoked Sundried Tomato Pesto.

Fergal Green of Tom and Ollie explained: “This Aldi opportunity is a great platform to grow our artisan retail business and grow our brand throughout the country. It has been great to work with Aldi during the preparation for grow programme and build relationships with the company in the process. It has been great the support that Aldi have shown to Irish artisan producers during these uncertain times. I hope Aldi customers enjoy our products and we can continue to supply Aldi in the future.”

The Popcorn Factory from Coleraine has also won a place with their Blue Raspberry Candy Floss, Green Apple Candy Floss and Pink Vanilla Candy Floss.

Joel Dunlop of The Popcorn Factory said: “Covid 19 has had quite an impact on our business already. We usually supply our products to quite a lot of event management companies and with all events now cancelled until 2021, the Grow contract is worth more to us now as a business than ever before. We are very excited and thankful to have such an amazing opportunity with the Grow with Aldi programme especially in these uncertain times.”

While Burren Balsamics, Richhill scooped a place with Burren Balsamics, Black Garlic Infused Balsamic Vinegar, Blackberry and Thyme Infused Balsamic Vinegar, White Balsamic Vinegar and and Meadow Farm Foods, Armagh with their Orchard Smokehouse Smoked Chicken Wings.

Susie Hamilton Stubber of Burren Balsamics commented: “Getting a place in the Grow with Aldi programme this year in particular, has been a shot in the arm for my business, and I am extremely grateful for it. In these uncertain times, getting an order to supply Aldi shops in the Republic of Ireland has meant cashflow is guaranteed for the next few months. For a very small business based in a small community, it’s a lifeline that will resonate throughout the community.”

Finally Quinn’s Gelato, Cookstown will also have their Hazelnut Gelato and Vanilla Gelato in stores.

In total 45 suppliers, supplying a diverse range of over 75 products have been selected for this year’s Grow with Aldi. Products include Cordials, Artisan Chocolate, Baking Mixes, Piedmontese Beef Sausages, Irish Farmhouse Cheeses and Frozen Pizzas. The new artisan additions will compliment Aldi’s existing portfolio of Irish products. Aldi already works with over 200 Irish suppliers and will sell over €750 million worth of Irish goods this year.

Developed in partnership with Bord Bia, Grow with Aldi supports small and medium Irish suppliers in listing with a national retailer. Suppliers receive tailored mentoring, workshops from the Aldi Buying Team and Bord Bia technical experts, teaching them the skills to help grow and develop their product, brand and business.

Five of the Grow with Aldi suppliers will then be given a further opportunity, winning a contract for their product to be sold in Aldi’s Irish stores year-round. John Curtin, Aldi Group Buying Director, added: “Now in its third year, Grow with Aldi has consistently delivered for everyone involved. Small and medium sized Irish suppliers get the opportunity to have their product sold nationally, shoppers get to enjoy the best Irish-made products being created and Aldi gets to work with even more Irish suppliers. With everything that has happened worldwide over the past few months, we couldn’t think of a better time to be supporting Irish suppliers more. These fantastic products that represent the very best of Ireland’s food industry.”

Tara McCarthy, Bord Bia CEO, concluded: “As a nation, we love to purchase locally sourced products; recent research from Bord Bia showed that 76% of people use Irish produce where possible and over two thirds of those surveyed agreed that food of Irish origin was worth paying a little more for. Now more than ever this is hugely important, and Grow with Aldi not only helps meet consumer demand for Irish products, but also supports small and medium Irish suppliers as they develop the skills and capabilities their businesses need in the current climate.”

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