This week we had the privilege of meeting the Irish entrepreneurial minds behind the innovative new products that are hitting shelves in 162 Aldi stores nationwide as part of the Grow with Aldi programme.
These three Irish food producers have been named the overall winners of the programme, securing Specialbuy contracts that will strengthen their presence in the Irish retail market and give them a spot on shelves in Aldi stores across the country. We wanted to get to know the people behind the products and understand their journey to get to where they are now.
The springboard for success
Now in its seventh year, the Grow with Aldi programme, in partnership with Bord Bia, has become a leading development platform for Irish suppliers. The programme provides essential industry mentorship and retail guidance, supporting the growth and sustainability of small to medium-sized Irish businesses. Since its launch in 2018, the Aldi initiative has invested over €10 million, helping to elevate Irish-made products to new heights.
Meeting the makers
Macey’s Factory is a local business that produces delicious popcorn and candyfloss, run by father-and-son duo Shay and Marc Donley from Coleraine, Co Derry. The business is affectionately named after Macey, the families beloved Dachshund dog. Shay and Marc produce salty popcorn, sweet popcorn and flavoured candyfloss in their family fun factory and the treats make the perfect accompaniment for family movie nights.
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When speaking with Shay Donley about his win, he explained: “I almost missed the deadline for applying! I had been brainstorming and seeking out new ways to grow the business when I came across Grow with Aldi. The programme provides such a great springboard for business I knew it was the kind of kick-start we needed but there was only one hour left to apply! Safe to say I am so glad we did, and we are over the moon to be among this year’s Grow with Aldi winners. We produce quality snacks locally that put a smile on people’s faces. We are so grateful to be given this opportunity with Aldi to take our business to the next level.”
Next we chatted to Kieron and Claire Moran of Moran’s Mega Jam. Based in Co Cavan and run by the husband-and-wife team, this business is renowned at food markets nationwide for its mouth-watering jams, chutneys, and relishes, all crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. However, when it came to lockdown, the business began to innovate and landed on a delicious garlic mayonnaise recipe which is bursting with rich flavour. Kieron shared that it was their garlic mayo they submitted to the Grow with Aldi program, and now, after being crowned a winner, they know it was a decision well made.
Commenting on his win, Kieron Moran added: “As a small business, it’s not every day you get the opportunity to showcase your products in front of a national audience. That’s why we’re so excited to see our garlic mayonnaise stocked on Aldi shelves nationwide. We would like to thank Aldi and Bord Bia for their invaluable support and guidance to date, and hope Aldi customers love our garlic mayo as much as we do!”
Pure Bea, a business based in Co Wicklow, is run by local farmer Keith Symes, who grows the seeds and bottles the product right in the Garden County. Pure Bea is a new range of naturally blended, low-calorie oil sprays that are tasty, flavoursome and rich in nutrients like Vitamin E and Omega 3. The business employs a team of five staff members at present. Keith explains that the low-calorie oil sprays were a real hit with Aldi customers during the shortlist phase last May when they hit shelves for two weeks as they make the perfect addition to family cooking. Now customers will have another chance to purchase them from September 12th while stocks last.
Sharing first-hand his excitement about winning this new contract with Aldi Keith Symes continued: “I am thrilled to have been chosen as one of this year’s winners of Grow with Aldi. This show of support is such a boost for a small business, and I am tremendously grateful to Aldi and Bord Bia for taking a chance on Pure Bea. The entire process has been an incredible experience, and we’re excited to bring our products to a much larger audience for them to try.”
What a passionate bunch! The winners were chosen following a nationwide call-out by Aldi that saw emerging food and drinks producers from all over Ireland apply to take part and these three really are the cream of the crop having stood out in a shortlist of 27 finalists these high performers and fan favourites.
From September 12th all three winners will have their fantastic products available in 162 Aldi stores nationwide, giving customers the chance to discover the best of Irish artisan food at unbeatable prices