EIGHT suppliers from across Scotland have secured a Specialbuy listing in Aldi as part of the supermarket’s search for its Next Top Product in Scotland, including five brand new suppliers to Aldi.

A range of products from Aberdeenshire-based House of Elrick and McKenzie Biscuits, Edinburgh-based Bon Accord, Angus-based Gin Bothy and Fife-based Growers Garden will launch as in-store Specialbuys next year.

Existing suppliers Aldomak, Nudie Snacks and Golden Casket have also been awarded additional product listings as part of the search.

Working in partnership with Scotland Food & Drink, the award is part of Aldi’s ongoing commitment to increase its range of Scottish products to over 500 over the next two years.

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The new products include a Sloe Bramble Gin Liqueur from Gin Bothy, four flavours of Bon Accord’s iconic sodas, Iron Brew flavoured jelly babies from Golden Casket and a range of new crisps, biscuits and sweets.

Scotland Food & Drink chief executive James Withers commented: “It has been an incredibly challenging year for Scotland’s food and drink industry, with many businesses feeling the negative impact of Covid on their sales and supply chains.

"However, Aldi’s Next Top Product couldn’t have come along at a better time and I’m so pleased for the businesses that have won. To gain Scotland-wide exposure and sales during one of the most challenging periods in history will go a long way in ensuring Scottish food and drink businesses survive and continue to thrive in the future.”

Last year, the supermarket was crowned Scottish Sourcing Business of the Year at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards. To aid Aldi’s expanding footprint in Scotland, the supermarket has invested in a new £22 million freezer and chill facility in Bathgate, which opened in spring this year.