One of Laois’ most innovative Irish food and drink producers has won a new contract to supply Aldi’s 137 stores through its Grow with Aldi supplier development programme.
Their exciting products will now go on sale nationwide as part of an Aldi Specialbuys event, kicking off 6th June.
PaddyO’s Cereals of Cullahill successfully won a place on the Grow with Aldi supplier development programme. The deal will see PaddyO’s’ range of granola seeds will be available on Aldi’s shelves.
PaddyO’s Cereals started its humble beginnings as a passion project in the apartment above the pub owned by Paddy’s parents.
After plenty of testing, and some honest feedback from friends and family, PaddyO’s Cereals and its range of delicious and healthy options was born.
Commenting, Paddy O’Connell, owner of PaddyO’s Cereals said, “To have our products recognised by a global retailer like Aldi is fantastic.
“Grow with Aldi provides huge exposure for our brand and lets us reach more shoppers than ever before. The support and mentoring offered by the programme has already benefitted our business immensely.”
Developed in partnership with Bord Bia, Grow with Aldi has been designed to help small to medium Irish food and drink businesses secure a retail listing with a national retailer.
Participants receive tailored mentoring and access to bespoke workshops with Aldi buyers and Bord Bia technical experts, teaching them the skills to help grow and develop their products, brand and business.
Aldi is investing €500,000 in the programme in 2019.
Five of the successful products will now be given the chance to become core line Aldi listed products, winning a contract to be sold in Aldi’s Irish stores year-round.
In 2018, Ballyhoura Apple Farm (Pure Raw Apple Cider Vinegar), Gran Grans (Lemon Marmalade), Rebel Chilli (Red Rebel Chilli sauce), Velo Coffee (Whole Bean & Ground Coffee) and Lullaby Milk (Lullaby Milk) all won a core listing in all 137 Aldi stores nationwide.
Applicants attended a special Aldi Immersion Day with Bord Bia to pitch their products and meet existing Aldi suppliers.
Extensive product sampling followed, and after careful consideration judges selected the 68 exceptional products to take part in the Aldi Specialbuys event.
Commenting, John Curtin, Aldi Ireland Group Buying Director, said “Now in its second year, Grow with Aldi delivers for everyone involved.
“Small and medium sized producers get the chance to have their product sold nationally, shoppers get to enjoy the best Irish-made products being created and Aldi gets to work with even more Irish food and drink producers.
“We are committed to sourcing locally to make sure our customers can shop for the most exciting and highest quality new Irish products at our stores.”
“68 fantastic products that represent the very best of Ireland’s vibrant food industry will take part in our Specialbuys event. I would encourage shoppers to drop into their local Aldi store to try something new and distinctly Irish.”
Aldi is investing €500,000 in year two of Grow with Aldi, its supplier development programme, providing Irish food and drink companies with the opportunity to gain a listing at Aldi’s 137 stores.
Aldi recently increased its support for small Irish suppliers by reducing its payment terms to 14 days for suppliers that transact up to €300k annually with Aldi.
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