After receiving applications from nearly 200 suppliers across food, drinks and non-food products, Aldi has selected an impressive group of entrepreneurs as this year’s Grow with Aldi finalists.
A total of 24 home-grown suppliers, from across the island of Ireland, will see their products go on sale in 150 Aldi stores nationwide for a two-week period starting on May 19th, enabling customers to sample the finest of Irish artisan produce and show their support for Irish businesses. Undertaken in partnership with Bord Bia, Grow with Aldi is now in it's fifth year and puts adventure into Irish ventures through mentorship and retail support to nurture small to medium-sized Irish businesses and set them up for success. First launched in 2018, the scheme has seen Aldi invest more than €5.5 million in supporting over 200 producers and gives Irish producers unrivalled access to Irish consumers, ensuring they can grow and thrive in the Irish market. This years’ Grow with Aldi finalists span 16 counties, from Cork to Down, Dublin to Galway, and products include a variety of mouth-watering products. From Fairtrade Kombucha and non-alcoholic cocktails to Sweet Potato Pizza and Hot Sauce, the range of finalists has something for everyone! Successful applicants were reviewed and selected based on their passion for their craft, the quality of their produce, and their entrepreneurial spirit. Adventurous, brave and unafraid to take risks, they represent the best of Irish and epitomise what it means to truly inject adventure into your venture. The Grow with Aldi 2022 finalists are:
Speaking about the programme, John Curtin, Aldi Ireland Group Buying Director, said: “Aldi is delighted to announce this year’s Grow with Aldi finalists. We were impressed by the quality of applications we received this year and compiling a shortlist was a near-impossible task. Championing small businesses is of the utmost importance to Aldi and Grow with Aldi illustrates our continued commitment to investing in the best of Irish products. We take pride in the mentorship programme and look forward to launching these new Irish products in stores.’’ Commenting on the programme Gillian Willis, Bord Bia said: “The Grow with Aldi programme plays an important role in showcasing the distinctive, innovative and delicious products Irish suppliers are working hard to create. The programme also supports participants as they develop essential business skills and capabilities through workshops and tailored mentoring which is key to building a thriving indigenous food, drink and horticulture sector for the years ahead. Congratulations to the suppliers that have made it this far.” Speaking about being selected as a finalist in this year’s Grow with Aldi programme, Ellen Quinn, founder of Hurst Botanicals, Co Clare, said: “We are so excited to have been selected as one of this year's Grow with Aldi finalists! Hurst Botanicals is a true labour of love. As a Fairtrade producer, all of our ingredients are ethically sourced, and we endeavour to create a product that’s better both for the customer and the planet. We are delighted to know that our ethos and product offering resonated with the judges and to receive this vote of confidence from Aldi so early on in our journey. We are very grateful for the mentorship we have received from Aldi to date. We cannot wait to see Hurst Botanicals stocked on shelves at 150 Aldi stores nationwide from 19th May!” Grow with Aldi doesn’t stop here. Following this initial promotion, from 19th May for two weeks, up to six winners will be chosen and offered further opportunities with Aldi. This will include mentoring and development through a number of workshops such as Buying Process, Supply Chain Management and Social Media Marketing, followed by a number of individual mentoring sessions with the Aldi Buying team, the Aldi Marketing team and Bord Bia technical experts. For more information on the Grow with Aldi programme, visit https://www.aldi.ie/grow. Keep your eyes peeled for products from this year’s finalists in stores from May 19th!
Slán go fóill,
Danny