ALDI Ireland has announced that applicants from food and non-food categories are invited to submit their product for consideration for this year's 'Grow with ALDI' programme.
According to the discounter, the window for entries is open until 30 January, 2023.
All products will be assessed by a judging panel with successful applicants having their products launched in all 155 ALDI stores nationwide in May as part of the popular Grow with ALDI Specialbuy promotion.
Speaking about the programme launch, Laura Harper, buying director, ALDI, said, “At ALDI, we are steadfast in our support of dynamic Irish food and drink producers.
"We are passionate about offering Irish consumers great value, great tasting food and drink from local suppliers."
Over the last six years, we have supported over 230 producers and invested more than €8 million into working with these suppliers and forging meaningful long-term partnerships."
About The Programme
Now in its sixth year, the supplier development programme is designed to 'help small to medium sized business' to build their brand and take the next step on their entrepreneurial journey'.
Undertaken in conjunction with Bord Bia, this mentor scheme sees ALDI champion emerging Irish artisan producers and offer their products with a valuable national platform.
As well as that, it allows ALDI customers to sample the finest of Irish artisan food and drink.
Aldi Ireland explained that the winners will receive valuable mentoring and participate in a number of workshops in topics like buying process, supply chain management and social media marketing as well as a number of one-on-one sessions with the ALDI Buying team, the ALDI marketing team and experts from Bord Bia.
Commenting on the value of the programme for Irish food and drink producers, Fiona Twomey, retail specialist, Bord Bia, said, “Since its inception, the programme has supported a large and diverse group of high calibre Irish food and drink companies.
"Through their involvement in the programme, suppliers have the opportunity to develop their business while also learning a range of critical business skills.
"Collaboration between Irish suppliers and retailers such as ALDI is important, especially in the current challenging economic environment, to ensure businesses are supported, and indeed, ensure consumers continue to get the choice of new, innovative and high-quality Irish products."
2023 Winners
Last year, 43 products from 24 suppliers went on sale as part of the Grow with ALDI Specialbuys events.
Five producers were selected to have their products stocked in ALDI stores nationwide and secured a core or seasonal contract such as Cully’s Bakery from Co Cavan; The Sibly Food Co. from Co Cork; Hanley’s Puddings from Co Cork; Vale & Acre from Co Tipperary; Builín Blasta Co Galway.
The Sibly Food Co. Story
One of last years winners was Matthew Collins of The Sibly Food Co. in Co Cork started making energy balls for his friends and classmates in college.
After selling them at a Christmas market, he started receiving hundreds of orders per week and developed a loyal customer base around Cork and Kerry.
Collins was selected to take part in Grow with ALDI last year and saw his products stocked on shelves nationwide before ultimately being selected as one of five winners for Grow with ALDI 2022 and awarded a core contract.
For more information on the Grow with ALDI programme, click here.
© 2023 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. For more retail news, click here. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
