Aldi Listing For Hellbent’s South African Sausages
Hellbent has secured a listing from Aldi Ireland for its unique Boerewors South African sausages. The listing follows Hellbent’s success in winning the Grow with Aldi scheme for smaller companies in Ireland.
Now in its third year, Grow with Aldi has invested over £2 million to help small and medium Irish suppliers win business with the leading supermarket chain. Hellbent, from Newtownards, will be supplying its coiled beef sausages to over 142 Aldi supermarkets in the Republic over the next few months. The Popcorn Factory in Coleraine was also listed.
South Arfican born Louis Ludik, Hellbent BoereworsSausage, who formed the business with fellow rugby player Schalke van der Merwe, says: “We feel so very blessed to have been a part of the Grow with Aldi programme. We would like to thank Aldi for this incredible platform that gives so many local artisans an opportunity to share their craft. This has honestly been the most rewarding experience and the outpouring of support has been nothing short of amazing.
“We are so excited to be sharing the love of food, our heritage and culture in South Africa with the people of Ireland and telling our story through our most loved products,” he adds
The two Northern Ireland winners were part of 45 suppliers that won a place on the programme earlier this year, which was developed in partnership with Bord Bia. The 45 suppliers produced over 75 products between them, which went onto the shelves in Aldi in at the end of May for two weeks.
Aldi has invested over £2 million in the Grow with Aldi programme since it began in 2018.
Developed in partnership with Bord Bia, Grow with Aldi supports small and medium sized Irish suppliers to gain exposure and experience with a major retailer in Ireland. 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.
John Curtin, Aldi Group Buying Director, continues: “Now in its third year, Grow with Aldi has consistently delivered for everyone involved. Small and medium sized Irish suppliers get the opportunity to have their product sold nationally, shoppers get to enjoy the best Irish-made products being created and Aldi gets to work with even more Irish suppliers.
“We would like to congratulate the winners of this year’s programme – they represent the very best of Ireland’s food industry and we are looking forward to seeing this products on shelves in all 142 Aldi stores nationwide. With all that has happened worldwide over the past few months, there couldn’t be a better time to be buying more Irish.”
Tara McCarthy, Bord Bia chief executive, adds: “Now more than ever, buying Irish is hugely important. Grow with Aldi not only helps to meet that consumer demand for Irish products, but it also support small and medium Irish suppliers as they develop the skills and capabilities their businesses need in the current climate. Congratulations to all the winners.”
