Great Scot! Aldi pledges to get more home suppliers on their shop shelves

Supermarket chain launches development and advice programme to increase range of local products

Supermarket chain Aldi have announced the launch of a new development programme to give up-and-coming Scottish food and drink companies the chance to secure their big break.

The Scottish Small Supplier Development Programme was introduced at the official opening of Aldi’s new multi-million-pound headquarters in Bathgate – with Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing MSP and chief executive of Scotland Food & Drink James Withers in attendance.

The retailer, which has 78 stores across Scotland, said that it will work with Scotland Food & Drink to ensure as many Scottish companies as possible are aware of the programme and able to access support.

Graham Nicolson, group buying director at Aldi in Scotland, said: “For a lot of small food and drink businesses, trying to secure a listing with a major retailer puts huge pressure on their team.

“We’ve launched this development programme to make it easier for companies to get their products on our shelves and to give our customers access to the most exciting and best quality new products from Scotland.”

Scottish food and drink firms with ambitions to take their product from concept to shelf can apply for the Scottish Small Supplier Development programme by contacting scottishsuppliers@aldi.co.uk.

Aldi will offer companies that meet the qualifying criteria subsidised costs and support from a dedicated member of the Quality Assurance team who will offer advice, insight and coaching from day one.

James Withers added: “We know from extensive research that 70 per cent of Scots believe the availability of locally sourced products is important. This initiative will help to meet consumers’ appetite for Scottish products and I encourage our smaller Scottish producers to get involved.”

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewingsaid:“whileourfoodanddrink industry is a key contributor to Scotland’s economy, it can sometimes be challenging for small food and drink businesses to get their products onto retailers’ shelves.

“That is why I am delighted to support Aldi’s new Scottish Small Supplier Development Programme that aims to make it easier for small businesses to do just that and increase the availability of quality Scottish produce for consumers.”

0 Fergus Ewing opens the new HQ