Three Midlands Producers have been selected among the 27 finalists for the Grow with ALDI Competition, 2024. Among this year’s finalists is Tullamore-based business BiaSol, Le Skinny Chef from Laois and Westmeath’s Sugar Plum Sweetery.
Celebrating the launch of Grow with ALDI 2024. Photo: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland
The 27 ambitious suppliers have earned their spots to showcase their products in all 161 Aldi stores nationwide. From 23rd May, Irish shoppers will get to discover artisanal home-grown products as they are rolled out across the country. This year’s finalists represent 18 counties from across the island. Following this trial sales period, Aldi will award contracts to a select few finalists. These selected finalists will be stocked as Specialbuys throughout the year.
Midlands Suppliers
BiaSol
Tullamore-based business BiaSol founded by brother and sister Niamh and Ruairi Dooley will see their Oat Bites Multipack €3.99 product in ALDI stores nationwide for a two-week period starting May 23rd. BiaSol upcycles local brewers spent grain (a by-product of craft beer), into functional grains and baking mixes. These products are high in protein and fibre, full of calcium and B-Vitamins, iron, and zinc, and are made locally in Offaly.
Le Skinny Chef
There is a vibrant smell of Wild Garlic at Le Skinny Chef Production Kitchen in Portlaoise where they are preparing their new season Wild Garlic and Chili Sauce €4.99 for ALDI stores. The sauce is created to add a gentle spicy and natural earthy Garlic flavour to any dishes, salads, soups, roast, breads, fish, eggs, and for vegetarians and vegans. Le Skinny Chef, is Aymar Gourdet, a French multi-award winning chef and restauranteur. Aymar specialises in French Irish Fusion Cuisine with a range of products he created sourced from local organic ingredients, many of which are dairy and gluten free.
Sugar Plum Sweetery
Sugar Plum Sweetery have secured their spot with their Rocky Road for €4.99. Founded by Denise Buckley and David Quirke who run the Wholesome Kitchen next door in Mullingar, they offer their customers the full package for whatever they are looking for; naughty & nice delights with their most creative of creations. For the Rocky Road Bar, they bring together fine ingredients such as creamy Swiss chocolate and premium nuts, and each Rocky Road bar is a testament to the commitment to quality and creativity ALDI customers are sure to adore.
Support
Aldi is calling on shoppers to vote with their wallets and buy their favourite new products from 23 May, while stocks last, until early June. Delivered in partnership with Bord Bia, Grow with Aldi is a leading development plan for Irish suppliers.
Speaking about the finalists, Aldi buying director Rachael O Connor said, “The passion and creativity of this year’s applicants is a testament to the calibre of talent working and innovating in the Irish food-and-drink space today. “Aldi takes great pride in supporting and promoting small Irish businesses, and on 23 May, 27 new Irish-produced products will hit shelves as part of the initiative. These producers are on the pulse of consumers’ demands and leaning into growing trends, such as alcohol-free alternatives and sustainable and circular food production. We look forward to welcoming them into stores nationwide!”
See aldi.ie/grow, and look out for this year’s finalist products later this month.
