Following a nationwide search for Ireland’s best amateur bread bakers, ALDI is delighted to announce that three finalists have been selected to take part in the live final of Rise with ALDI at Airfield Estate, Co. Dublin on September 3rd.
Earlier this summer, ALDI challenged home bakers across Ireland to bake a loaf of bread of their choice and submit it for consideration. After receiving hundreds of entries, three-star bakers were chosen for the all-important live final where one lucky winner will be crowned Rise with ALDI’s Top Bread Baker.
The winner will have their bread stocked in 161 ALDI stores nationwide from January 2025 and will receive a top prize of €15,000.
The Rise with ALDI finalists are:
Fionn Corcoran from Killarney, Co. Kerry - A coffee shop assistant with a lifelong passion for cooking and baking, Fionn impressed judges with his delicious fruit soda bread!
Julia Sommer from Templemore, Co. Tipperary - Originally from Berlin, Julia inherited her love of baking from her grandfather and mother. Having perfected her bread baking skills earlier this year, she was persuaded by her 11-year-old daughter to submit her seeded sourdough to Rise with ALDI!
Brian Reilly from Newtown Road, Co. Wexford - An avid home baker, Brian first started baking apple tarts as a child to earn extra pocket money. Having switched his focus to bread many years ago, he wowed judges with his signature homemade brown bread!
All three will now participate in a live bake off where they will hope to win over the Rise with ALDI judging panel and claim the overall title.
The Rise with ALDI final will be hosted by renowned TV and radio broadcaster Síle Seoige.
Rugby star turned baker Jonny Murphy, better known as The Hungry Hooker on Instagram, will be on hand to offer his expert opinion as a celebrity judge alongside Laurence Kelly, Buying Director at ALDI.
Speaking about this year’s Rise with ALDI competition, Laurence Kelly, Buying Director at ALDI, commented: “We are delighted with the success of the first Rise with ALDI competition. Our judges had the very difficult job of whittling down hundreds of entries to just three, and they were blown away by the quality, variety and creativity on display.
“Rise with ALDI is yet another example of ALDI’s steadfast commitment to showcasing the finest Irish produce and supporting homegrown producers all year round. On behalf of everyone at ALDI, I would like to congratulate Fionn, Julia and Brian on making it this far and wish them the very best of luck in the live final.”
For more information on Rise with ALDI, please visit aldi.ie/risewithaldi.
Slán go fóill.