ALDI'S NEXT BIG THING: HOSTS ANNOUNCED FOR CHANNEL 4 COMPETITION

Channel 4 has teamed up with Aldi to launch a brand-new factual series Aldi's Next Big Thing that will see the supermarket uncover and ultimately stock exciting new products from the UK’s best undiscovered food and drink businesses - propelling them into the big time

The show is a 6x60 minute series will be presented by Anita Rani and award-winning grocer Chris Bavin, each innovative item must persuade Julie Ashfield, managing director of buying, who has invaluable insight into what makes a supermarket top seller.

From bakers, condiment makers and chocolatiers, to dairy and alcohol producers and everything in between, a group of suppliers will visit the supermarket’s headquarters in each episode to pitch their products to an expert judging panel.

After a detailed process of deliberation the suppliers will be whittled down to finalists who will have to face a crucial home visit to prove their goods can be mass produced. The winner of each episode will be awarded a contract to supply Aldi’s 950 UK stores.

Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, and one of the judging panel, added: “From entrepreneurial farmers with flair in the kitchen to tabletop businesses that are going from strength to strength, we can’t wait to see the best of British food and drink producers. To be able to offer a platform to showcase new food and drink products to the nation is incredibly exciting.”

Anna Miralis, Senior commissioning editor for Channel 4 factual, said: “This is an incredible opportunity for Britain’s food suppliers and manufacturers to think big, be creative and pitch in their ideas...

"I’ll be extremely excited to see them explain why their product should be awarded this potentially lucrative contract that may well have game changing opportunities for them.”

Aldi's Next Big Thing begins later this month on Channel 4 and All4.