An international supermarket has launched a new programme to try to give up-and-coming food and drink companies in Scotland the chance to secure their big break.
Aldi’s Scottish Small Supplier Development Programme was announced at the official opening of its new multimillion-pound headquarters in Bath- gate in West Lothian yesterday.
The retailer, which has 78 stores across Scotland, will work with Scotland Food and Drink to ensure as many Scottish companies as possible are aware of the programme and able to access support.
The supermarket already has existing suppliers in the north-east including Prime Seafoods which recently landed a £1million contract to supply all Aldi stores in Scotland with fresh Scottish cod and haddock.
The Fraserburgh-based team sources the fresh fish from the local markets in Peterhead and Fraserburgh before processing into fillets and delivering to stores throughout the country.
The new programme aims to allow more local businesses to have their products placed on supermarket shelves.
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 on to 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.”
