Retailer Aldi has launched a programme to give Scottish small-scale food producers the chance to secure their big break.
The Scottish Small Supplier Development Programme will offer small producers subsidised costs and support from a dedicated member of the Quality Assurance team who will offer advice, insight and coaching from day one until the product reaches Aldi shelves.
The retailer, which has 78 stores across Scotland, will work with Scotland Food & Drink to highlight the programme.
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.”
Locally sourced products
Research suggests that 70% of Scots believe the availability of locally sourced products is important.
James Withers, Chief Executive, Scotland Food & Drink said he hopes this initiative will help to meet consumers appetite for Scottish products and encourage smaller Scottish producers to get involved.
He said: "We are delighted to be supporting Aldi's exciting new Scottish Small Supplier Development Programme. It is a fantastic opportunity which will enable more Scottish producers to secure their first retail listing and provide them with insight into the way ALDI works.
The Scottish government's Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “While our food and drink industry is a key contributor to Scotland’s economy, it can sometimes be challenging for small food and drink businesses to get their products onto retailers’ shelves.
“That is why I am delighted to support ALDI’s new Scottish Small Supplier Development Programme that aims to make it easier for small businesses to do just that and increase the availability of quality Scottish produce for consumers.”
