Backing local food and drink

Richard Holloway ALDI Scotland MD, Fergus Ewing MSP, James Withers Scotland Food & Drink
Fergus Ewing MSP cuts the ribbon at Aldi’s Bathgate HQ.

GERMAN discounter Aldi has launched a new programme to support up-and-coming food and drink companies in Scotland.

Aldi’s Scottish Small Supplier Development Programme will see the retailer offer small food and drink companies access to subsidised costs and support from a member of the discounter’s quality assurance team, with the goal of seeing products end up on Aldi shelves.

Aldi, which has 78 stores in Scotland, is also working with Scotland Food & Drink to raise awareness of the scheme among firms.

Graham Nicolson, group buying director at Aldi in Scotland, said: “We have always led the way with Scottish sourcing and in May this year we announced plans to boost our investment in Scotland by increasing our range of Scottish products from 350 to 400 in the next two years.

“Our Scottish Small Supplier Development Programme is part of that commitment, and will help more small Scottish food and drink businesses secure a retail listing.

“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.”