Aldi has announced its “Grow With Aldi” competition for suppliers across the UK in a bid to support small and medium food and drink businesses.

The nationwide competition is open to all suppliers until 5 April across six categories of dairy, free form, confectionery, bakery, frozen and alcohol.

After 36 applicants have been shortlisted, a panel of Aldi judges will deliberate on the final six winners, one for each category – whose products will be launched nationwide as “Specialbuys”.

READ MORE: Aldi seeks shoppers to become wine buyers for the day

The commitment to support UK suppliers comes part of Aldi’s commitment to supporting locally sourced products.

Since the start of the pandemic, the retailer has invested £1.6 billion in British suppliers with £125 million spent on meat, poultry, and dairy farmers in the UK.

The supermarket has also pledged to spend an additional £.3.5 billion a year with British business by the end of 2025.

“From entrepreneurial farmers with flair in the kitchen to tabletop businesses that are going from strength to strength, we can’t wait to see the best of British food and drink producers,” Aldi UK managing director of buying Julie Ashfield said.

“More than three quarters of our sales come from British suppliers, and we are constantly exploring ways in which we can further support small local businesses.”

Ashfield, who is also a judge on the panel added: That’s why we are delighted to be extending Grow With Aldi. To be able to offer a platform to showcase new food and drink products to the nation is incredibly exciting.”

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