The retail giant Aldi has announced that it aims to invest €500,000 in a new programme called "Grow with Aldi" to help develop Irish food producers.

Research undertaken by the company shows that 78% of Irish shoppers will always choose an Irish product over a similar imported one.

The programme aims to give up and coming Irish food and drinks companies the opportunity to gain a long-term contract to supply the supermarket.

Grow with Aldi will help meet consumers' appetite for Irish products

“For a lot of small food and drink businesses, trying to secure a listing with a major retailer puts huge pressure on their team,” Aldi Ireland group managing director Giles Hurley said.

Aldi is seeking applications from small to medium Irish suppliers to enter their products for the chance to win a place on a mentoring programme and supply Aldi.

I encourage our smaller Irish producers to get involved

The supermarket will pick 50 artisan products and their producers will be guaranteed that a volume of product will be placed for sale in stores.

At the end of the process, five products will be given the opportunity to become core line Aldi listed products, and win a contract to be sold in Aldi’s Irish stores year-round.

“Grow with Aldi will help meet consumers appetite for Irish products and I encourage our smaller Irish producers to get involved,” Tara McCarthy, Bord Bia CEO said.

“It is a comprehensive programme that provides the platform for companies to develop and expand their businesses exponentially.”

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