57 Irish food, drink and non-food suppliers have won a new contract to supply Aldi’s 145 stores through its Grow with Aldi Supplier Development Programme.
According to Aldi, there are 44 new suppliers this year along with 13 suppliers who have re-entered the competition returning with brand new products.
108 Irish-made products from the 57 suppliers will now go on sale nationwide as part of an Aldi Specialbuys event, kicking off on Sunday, 6 June for two weeks only.
“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," commented John Curtin, Aldi group buying director.
A diverse range of products has been selected for 2021, including books, cheese, a makeup brush cleaner, chocolate, tea and dog treats, the discounter said.
The new additions will complement Aldi’s existing portfolio of Irish products, it added.
"During COVID-19, we were also in a position to help even more small Irish suppliers listing on our shelves as part of the Grow with Aldi programme, and we know that the quality of food and drink produced in Ireland is outstanding," he said.
Grow with Aldi
The retailer highlighted that this year, the Grow with Aldi message also focused on sustainability, and entrants were encouraged to demonstrate how their product/company is focusing on sustainability within their business.
"This year, we asked suppliers to include products that highlight their work on sustainability, and they’ve certainly answered our call – we’re very much looking forward to seeing them all on the shelf,” Curtin added.
In the last four years, almost 800 Irish suppliers have entered the Grow with Aldi programme with the programme receiving the highest number of entrants ever in 2021.
Bord Bia
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, the company said.
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.
Commenting on the programme, Tara McCarthy, Bord Bia CEO said, “As we enter another challenging period for the food industry, it’s hugely important we continue to support our local Irish food and drink producers."
"The Grow with Aldi programme plays an important role in showcasing the distinctive, innovative and delicious products small and medium Irish suppliers are working hard to create," she added.
© 2021 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. For more retail news click here. Click sign up to subscribe to Checkout.
