Aldi today announced the return of its ‘Grow with Aldi’ supplier development programme for 2021, which will see it supporting Irish suppliers, offering them the chance to become a core range listing in all Aldi Ireland stores.
To date, over 500 Irish suppliers have entered the Grow with Aldi programme over the last three years, with Aldi’s investment hitting €3 million, the discounter said.
Developed in partnership with Bord Bia, the programme is designed to help small and medium producers gain experience and exposure for their products.
Participants will receive tailored mentoring and bespoke workshops with the Aldi Buying team, the Aldi Marketing team and Bord Bia technical experts, it said.
Last year, over 75 products went on sale in May 2020 as part of the Grow with Aldi Specialbuys event.
Six products were then chosen in July to form part of the core range nationwide.
John Curtin, Aldi Ireland group buying director, said: “The first three years of the programme were very successful for everyone involved, and Aldi forged new links with fantastic Irish suppliers from around the country."
Sustainability
This year, the Grow with Aldi message is sustainability, entrants are encouraged to demonstrate how their product/company is focusing on sustainability as a top priority.
This year will also see non-food related Irish products have the chance to appear on Aldi’s shelves.
"This year, we are asking suppliers to include products that highlight their work on sustainable food and products, we are looking forward to sampling what is on offer, as well as trying out non-food related products as part of the programme for the first time,” he added.
Aldi said that it will pick up to 60 products entered as part of the ‘Grow with Aldi’ Specialbuys event on the 6 June 2021.
A final six products will then be chosen to become a core range listing in all of Aldi’s 145 stores nationwide, it said.
© 2021 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click sign-up to subscribe to Checkout.
