A MALTON-based brewery is taking part in a new television show to compete to sell their produce in a leading supermarket.
Howard and Harry Kinder, from Malton Brewery, took part in ‘Aldi’s Next Big Thing’, a Channel 4 TV series that sees the supermarket uncover and stock new products from the UK’s best small food and drink businesses.
Anita Rani and Chris Bavin host the six-part series, featuring 36 suppliers which launches at 8pm tomorrow (October 20).
Each one-hour show will be a closed episode and will follow the story of six food businesses as they compete for a spot on Aldi’s shelves.
The two finalists then have four weeks to work on feedback from Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, before returning to Aldi, to learn who has won the biggest contract of their lives.
Each of the winning products will appear as a special buy in more than 970 Aldi stores nationwide, coinciding with the episode airing.
Anita Rani, presenter, said: “This has been an incredible journey from start to end. From getting to know the suppliers, visiting their places of production, and even being part of the team at Aldi headquarters. I’m excited to hear viewers’ reactions to the stories, and to find out if they love the winning products as much as we do.”
Chris Bavin, presenter, added: “As a former greengrocer, I jumped at the chance to be part of this programme which takes small businesses and offers them life changing opportunities. The trials and tribulations of running your own company, especially in the current climate, are all made worthwhile when a large retailer like Aldi recognises the accomplishments.”
Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, added: “More than three quarters of our sales come from British suppliers, and we are constantly exploring ways in which we can further support small local businesses. To be able to offer a platform to showcase new food and drink products to the nation is incredibly exciting.”
Howard said they had been delighted to take part by pitching their Yorkshire Pudding Beer.
“The programme is like Dragons’ Den meets MasterChef meets The Apprentice.
“It was a great experience. Aldi’s Head Office was very impressive and their ethos and the wellbeing of the employees was evident to see.
“You automatically got the sense that this was a big budget programme. We’ve done a bit of filming before but this was different.
“It was myself and my son, Harry that took part. We did smile at each other as the make-up artist got to work. Apparently, I needed more work than Harry.
“It was the same team that makes the Bake Off programme for Channel 4, so you might see some similarities.
“We are featuring in the last episode on November 24 in the ‘Treats’ category. We had a lot of fun as we tried to enjoy the experience. You can’t help but smile about a product like Yorkshire Pudding Beer.
“It’s all been filmed and we know our fate. Did we win? All will be revealed on the 24th November at around 8.50pm.”
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