Small UK food & drink businesses will compete to become an Aldi supplier in a Channel 4 TV series to air from next Thursday, 20 October.
The show has been given an updated name since its was first announced earlier this year, and is now called Aldi’s Next Big Thing, as opposed to Grow with Aldi.
Anita Rani and Chris Bavin have been confirmed as hosts, appearing alongside Aldi UK buying MD Julie Ashfield, who will choose which products gain a listing as an Aldi Specialbuy.
Aldi invited British suppliers to apply to take part in the competition in February. Thirty-six will now be seen showcasing their products at the discounter’s UK headquarters in Atherstone, Warwickshire, in the six-part series.
Each episode will see factors such as price, packaging, customer demand and ability to scale up considered as the products are whittled down to two.
Two finalists will then be given four weeks to make improvements based on Ashfield’s feedback, before returning to Aldi’s HQ with their updated products, to learn who has won an Aldi contract.
The winning products will go on sale in Aldi’s 970-plus stores across the country to coincide with the episode airing.
“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,” said Ashfield.
“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 said: “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.”
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