Kildare-based producers asked to enter this year’s Grow with ALDI programme 2024

Kildare-based producers have been asked to enter into this year’s Grow with ALDI programme.

ALDI is calling on producers from across County Kildare to take part in this year’s programme, which, according to a statement from the supermarket giant, 'helps producers propel their business forward and gain unprecedented access to Irish shoppers.'

The supermarket continued: "Grow with ALDI is a supplier development programme like no other, helping the most exciting and innovative small to medium sized businesses build their brand and take the next step on their entrepreneurial journey.

"Undertaken in partnership with Bord Bia, Grow with ALDI champions Irish and gives ALDI customers the opportunity to support native small businesses at great value price points."

According to ALDI, all products will be assessed by a judging panel with successful applicants having their products launched in all 161 ALDI stores nationwide in May.

For this year's programme, TV personality Cassie Stokes has been brought on board by ALDI as brand ambassador for Grow with ALDI 2024. 

Commenting on her role, Cassie Stokes said: “I am delighted to be teaming up with ALDI for this year’s Grow with ALDI programme. 

"Anyone who knows me knows how much I love Ireland and how passionate I am about Irish food, supporting local and discovering new products and Grow with ALDI embodies that ethos."

She continued: "We are calling on foodie entrepreneurs and small business owners to enter before the deadline in order to be in with the chance to grow their business and get their product on shelves at ALDI stores nationwide this year.

"We cannot wait to see the entrants!"

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CONCERNS

Speaking about his experiences with Grow with ALDI, Matthew Collins, of The Sibly Food Company, said: "In 2022, I took a chance and applied for Grow with ALDI.

"It was one of the best decisions I made for my business, and I haven’t looked back."

He added: "The confidence and exposure it gave me as a young entrepreneur was invaluable."

"If any small business out there is thinking of applying for this year’s Grow with ALDI, I say go for it... you won’t regret it!"

Fiona Twomey, Global Retail Specialist at Bord Bia, also said: "Bord Bia proudly partners with ALDI to deliver the Grow with ALDI programme.

"The programme has been integral to the success of numerous Irish food and drink companies over the past seven years allowing producers to scale their business in a sustainable way, and we look forward to seeing what great products make to stores this May!"

Lastly, Rachael O'Connor, Buying Director at ALDI Ireland, also chimed in with her views on the Grow with ALDI programme — she said: "At ALDI, we are passionate about platforming Irish produce and offering meaningful support to producers as they take pride of place on our shelves.

"It’s fair to say that over the last seven years, Grow with ALDI has become one of our most popular initiatives giving our customers access to quality Irish produce at great value price points and allowing shoppers to choose Irish."

"We proudly partner with Bord Bia to offer mentorship and guidance to producers every step of the way," she concluded.

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FURTHER INFORMATION

Applicants and finalists will receive mentorship along the way from ALDI and Bord Bia, covering the buying process, supply chain management and even social media marketing.

Among the programme’s success stories is The Sibly Food Company.

Founded by Matthew Collins from County Cork, The Sibly Food Co started when Matthew began making energy balls from scratch for his friends and classmates in college.

After selling them at a Christmas market, he started receiving hundreds of orders per week and soon developed a loyal customer base around Cork and Kerry.

Matthew was chosen to take part in Grow with ALDI 2022 and had his products stocked in ALDI stores nationwide.

He was subsequently selected as one of the winners and was awarded a core contract.

Now in its seventh year, applicants from food and non-food categories are invited to submit their product for consideration in Grow with ALDI 2024 from now until to January 26.

For more information on the Grow with ALDI programme, visit www.ALDI.ie/grow.

UPDATE: the deadline for Grow With ALDI 2024 applications has been extended until January 30.

Pictured L-R: Cassie Stokes joins Rachel O'Connor, Buying Director at ALDI Ireland, alumni of the Grow with ALDI programme Matthew Collins, Deborah Crowley and Kieran Wall, with Fiona Twomey of Bord Bia, to celebrate the launch of Grow with ALDI 2024. Photograph: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland.