ALDI'S NEXT BIG THING RENEWED FOR SECOND SERIES ON CHANNEL 4

Channel 4 has again teamed up with Aldi for a second series of 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 6x60 minute series will be presented by Anita Rani and award-winning grocer Chris Bavin. 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, says: “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.

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, says: “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.”

Howard Kinder, of Malton Brewery and Creator of the Yorkshire Pudding Beer, which won the Treats episode says: “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.

Aldi's Next Big Thing will air on Channel 4.