The Sibly Food Co. has signed a 12-month deal worth €1 million that will see it supply its healthy energy balls to all 161 Aldi stores across Ireland.
The products will include the popular Cacao & Nut Butter Energy Balls, €3.99 (four-pack), and Classic Nut Butter Energy Balls, €3.99 (four-pack).
Grow With Aldi
Matthew Collins, founder of the Sibly Food Co., first started his relationship with the retailer when he applied for the Grow With Aldi programme in 2022.
He was one of five winners selected for the supplier development programme and received hands-on mentorship to expand his business and supply his product to Aldi stores.
Speaking on the relationship with Aldi, Collins said, “They have offered me such valuable support and mentorship since I entered Grow with Aldi in 2022 and have been instrumental in helping the Sibly Food Co. grow and expand in a sustainable way.”
The Sibly Food Co. has been available in Aldi stores since 2022, and it won a silver medal at the Blas na hÉireann Awards in 2023.
‘Back Yourself’
Collins first set up the Sibly Food Co. in 2018, when classmates encouraged him to sell his home-made energy balls, which he would bring to college lectures.
He took the leap and set up a small stall at the Christmas Market in Kanturk, Co. Cork, at just 21 years of age.
Now 26, Collins has expressed his gratitude for the initiative, advising other business owners to follow in his footsteps.
“The closing date for Grow with Aldi 2024 is fast approaching,” he said, “and my best advice to other small businesses is to back yourself and enter this year’s competition.”
Supporting Local Producers
On the deal, the buying director at Aldi Ireland, Rachael O Connor, said, “Backing Irish businesses and helping them scale through our network of stores is a huge part of what we do here in Ireland.”
O’Connor continued, “This deal illustrates Aldi’s commitment to supporting local producers at every stage and offering our customers access to Irish artisan food at amazing-value prices.”
The Sibly Food Co. currently employs seven people, but, with this contract, that will expand to a team of ten.
The contract will also enable the company to invest in upgraded machinery, increased storage, and a new packing-and-distribution facility.
Read More: Grow with ALDI Applications Are Now Open
