Mayo food producer back on shelves at Aldi

MAYO food producer Furnace Green is returning to the shelves at Aldi.

The Newport-based business is one of 57 food, drink and non-food suppliers to win a new contract to supply Aldi’s 145 stores through its Grow with Aldi supplier development programme.

Kicking off on Sunday, June 6, for two weeks only, you'll be able to pick up some of Furnace Green's meat-free black pudding and meat-free white pudding at your local store.

In the last four years, almost 800 Irish suppliers have entered the Grow with Aldi programme.

A diverse range of products have been selected for 2021, including books, cheese, a makeup brush cleaner, chocolate, tea and dog food. Aldi already works with over 330 Irish suppliers and will sell over €1 billion worth of Irish goods this year.

Developed in partnership with Bord Bia, Grow with Aldi supports small and medium Irish suppliers in listing with a national retailer. Suppliers receive tailored mentoring, workshops from the Aldi buying team and Bord Bia technical experts, teaching them the skills to help grow and develop their product, brand and business.

Five of the Grow with Aldi suppliers will then be given a further opportunity, winning a contract for their product to be sold in Aldi’s Irish stores year-round.

Commenting, John Curtin, Aldi Group Buying Director, said: “The first three years of the programme were very successful for everyone involved, and Aldi forged new links with fantastic Irish suppliers from around the country. During Covid-19, we were also in a position to help even more small Irish suppliers listing on our shelves as part of the Grow with Aldi programme, and we know that the quality of food and drink produced in Ireland is outstanding.

“This year, we asked suppliers to include products that highlight their work on sustainability, and they’ve certainly answered our call - we’re very much looking forward to seeing them all on shelf!”