Aldi is set to find its newest supplier as its Channel 4 TV series, ‘Aldi’s Next Big Thing’ will see small food and drink businesses across the UK competing for the position.
Airing on 20 October, the show will see 36 British suppliers trying to get their products listed as an Aldi Specialbuy, chosen by the discount grocers managing director of buying, Julie Ashfield as well as confirmed hosts Anita Rani and Chris Bavin.
The six-episode series based at Aldi’s headquarters in Athestone, Warwickshire, will see products from meals to baked goods chosen on determining factors including consumer demand, price, packaging and its ability to scale up.
As the show progresses, viewers will see the finalists making improvements to their products over the course of a month using Ashfield’s advice and the winning supplier will then be awarded with a contract for its products to go on sale across Aldi’s stores.
“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 said.
“To be able to offer a platform to showcase new food and drink products to the nation is incredibly exciting. We look forward to working with new suppliers and continuing our commitment to offer shoppers high quality, fresh products at the best possible prices.”
Rani added: “This has been an incredible journey from start to end, from getting to know the suppliers, visiting their places of production, and even being part of the team at Aldi headquarters.
“I’m excited to hear viewers’ reactions to the stories, and to find out if they love the winning products as much as we do.”
