Following an extensive nationwide search, ALDI has selected a talented, dynamic group of Irish entrepreneurs as this year’s Grow with ALDI finalists.
A total of 24 homegrown suppliers from across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland will see their products go on sale in 157 ALDI stores nationwide for a two-week period from May 25th, giving customers the chance to sample the finest Irish artisan fare and support small Irish businesses.
Undertaken in partnership with Bord Bia and in association with Invest NI, Grow with ALDI is now in it's sixth year and invites suppliers from across the island of Ireland to back their passion and take their business to the next level. An industry-led programme, it offers practical mentorship and invaluable retail support to help nurture small to medium-sized Irish businesses, setting them up for long-term success. First launched in 2018, the scheme has seen ALDI invest more than €8 million into championing over 230 producers and give Irish produced unrivalled access to Irish consumers, ensuring they can grow and thrive in the Irish market.
This year’s Grow with ALDI finalists span 15 counties across all four provinces, from Antrim to Kerry and Dublin to Galway, and include a variety of daring, innovative products. From artisan ketchup and plant-based chicken to scented candles and female-focused nutritional supplements, there is much to discover among this year’s finalists. Successful applicants were assessed and selected based on their passion, the quality of their produce and their entrepreneurial spirit. Bold, brave and unafraid to take risks, they are testament to the boundless creativity and innovation that exists in Ireland today.
ALDI is proud to bring the products to market at scale for Irish customers to discover at their local ALDI for a two-week period.
Speaking about the programme, John Curtin, Group Buying Director for ALDI Ireland, said: “We are thrilled to announce the Grow with ALDI finalists for 2023. We were blown away by the high calibre of applicants this year, each of whom epitomised quality, passion and innovation. At ALDI, we are proud to champion small Irish businesses and support local. Grow with ALDI gives us the opportunity to do exactly that and illustrates our commitment to not only investing in exciting Irish products, but offering our customers great value food, drink and more from Irish suppliers. We can’t wait to launch and showcase these new Irish products in stores nationwide.”
Commenting on the programme, Gillian Willis, Project Manager at Bord Bia, said: “Bord Bia is pleased to support the Grow with Aldi programme, which is once again giving innovative Irish suppliers the opportunity to promote their food and drink products nationwide to Aldi customers.”
Jen Guiney, Business Development Manager ROI at Invest NI, also commented: “Invest NI is delighted to collaborate with ALDI and support the Grow with ALDI programme. This programme offers Northern Ireland food and drink suppliers an important opportunity to raise their profile and promote the pure natural quality of their product offering to customers in this important marketplace.”
The Grow with ALDI 2023 finalists are:
This is only the beginning for some of the Grow with ALDI 2023 finalists! Following the initial promotion, the chosen winners will be given further opportunities with ALDI, enabling them to further scale their business and allowing ALDI to expand their ever-growing range of local Irish producers.
Keep your eyes peeled for products from this year’s finalists in stores from May 25th!
For more information on the Grow with ALDI programme, visit https://www.aldi.ie/grow
Slán go fóill.