Aldi is bringing backs its Channel 4 TB show - and you could appear in the next series. Channel 4 has confirmed a second series of hit TV show, ‘Aldi’s Next Big Thing’. The programme, presented by Anita Rani and Chris Bavin, ran for six weeks in October and gave 36 small British suppliers an audience of millions and the opportunity to stock their products in Aldi stores across the UK.
From edible bugs and camel milk to Yorkshire pudding beer and rum cake, the series took viewers on a behind-the-scenes journey of deliberating which new British food and drink products to bring to Aldi’s shelves. And shoppers voted with their feet, with winning products selling out in just days after appearing on the show.
The second series will see Anita and Chris return as Aldi calls on suppliers of all shapes and sizes to get involved. Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, said: “The response to the first series of Aldi’s Next Big Thing was overwhelming. We’ve had such positive feedback on showing shoppers behind the scenes, from tasting and developing products, to seeing them land on shelves.
“We are 100% committed to supporting British businesses and thanks to Aldi’s Next Big Thing, the British public can be a part of that too. I can’t wait to see what lands on our plates this series.”
Winner of the Healthy & Wholesome episode and Co-founder of Freddie’s Farm, Laurie Fermor said: “Winning Aldi’s Next Big Thing has been absolutely life changing for us as a company and as a family. It’s like winning the lottery for a small business and to have the seal of approval from a company like Aldi is incredible.
“It has opened so many doors for us and hopefully we are on our way to being a household name that families can trust. We will never be able to thank Aldi, and Julie, enough for believing in us.”
Howard Kinder, of Malton Brewery and Creator of the Yorkshire Pudding Beer, which won the Treats episode said: “Appearing on the show was absolutely life changing. Not only did we land our biggest ever contract, supplying one of the nation’s favourite supermarkets, but orders also went through the roof.
“It catapulted us into a whole new chapter.”
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Executive Producer James Hedge said “After the success of last year’s series we’re excited to welcome a new batch of fantastic UK food and drink suppliers, with more delicious and innovative products. The chance to pitch directly to Aldi’s Managing Director of Buying, Julie Ashfield and gain her unique insight is a real privilege, and we can’t wait to hear more of her supermarket secrets.”
Simon Cheuk Pong Lee, Commissioning Executive at Channel 4, said: “Aldi’s Next Big Thing really captured the imagination of viewers. We’re excited to see it return with more fascinating stories of small, often homegrown food and drink producers given the chance of a lifetime to have a presence on shelves up and down the country.”
To find out more or to apply to the new series of Aldi’s Next Big Thing visit https://www.aldi.co.uk/next-big-thing
