Achill Island Sea Salt secure spot as Grow with ALDI finalists

Achill Island Sea Salt have secured their spot as a Grow with ALDI finalist.

The 2024 Grow with ALDI finalists were announced following a nationwide search for Ireland’s most talented and innovative suppliers in the food and drink industry. 

27 ambitious suppliers from across both the country have earned their spot to showcase their products in 161 ALDI stores nationwide.

Among this year’s 27 finalists is well-known local business, Achill Island Sea Salt, who will see their products go on sale in ALDI stores nationwide for a two-week period starting May 23.

Nestled in the rugged charm of Mayo, Achill Island Sea Salt blends long-forgotten tradition with culinary innovation, offering their delicious Salted Caramel Fudge for €4.99.

Born from the O'Malley family's revival of ancient salt harvesting on Achill Island, this confectionery marries the pristine, mineral-rich sea salt with lush, creamy caramel which ALDI customers nationwide are sure to adore.

Speaking about being selected as a finalist for this year’s Grow with ALDI competition, Maebh O’Malley of Achill Sea Salt, said being selected ‘ fills me with immense pride and joy’. 

She added: “The Grow with ALDI programme has been amazing so far and assisted us with upscaling so many elements of our business. Our journey from a small family kitchen project to being stocked in ALDI stores nationwide is phenomenal, and I can’t wait to see our product on shelves.”

_{Maebh O’Malley of Achill Sea Salt}

Delivered in partnership with Bord Bia, Grow with ALDI is now in its seventh year and is a leading developmental platform for Irish suppliers. 

The programme provides invaluable industry mentorship and retail guidance, aimed at fostering the growth and sustainability of small to medium-sized Irish businesses. 

Since its inception in 2018, ALDI’s initiative has invested over €10 million, propelling Irish-made products to new heights.

This year's Grow with ALDI finalists hail from 18 diverse counties and showcase a bold array of innovative products. The line-up includes everything from succulent BBQ meats and plant-based mayo to quality sweet and salty snacks and sophisticated 0.0% alcohol options, offering a treasure trove of discoveries. 

Chosen for their dedication, the quality of their offerings, and their entrepreneurial spirit, these pioneers exemplify the vibrant creativity and fearless innovation flourishing across Ireland today, embodying the finest of Irish ingenuity.

The journey is just beginning for the Grow with ALDI 2024 finalists, following the initial promotion, a handful of winners will be chosen to avail of further opportunities with ALDI. Such opportunities include earning them coveted Specialbuy contracts with the retailer and enabling them to further scale their business and allowing ALDI to expand their ever-growing range of local Irish producers.  

Speaking about the finalists of Grow with ALDI 2024 programme, Rachael O’Connor, ALDI Buying Director, said: "The passion and creativity of this year's applicants is a testament to the calibre of talent working and innovating in the Irish food and drink space today. ALDI takes great pride in supporting and promoting small Irish businesses and on 23 May 27 new Irish produced products will hit shelves as part of the initiative. 

“Customer enthusiasm is crucial for the success of these products in the Grow with ALDI program, so don’t miss your chance to explore and purchase your favourites in stores nationwide!” she concluded.

Be sure to look out for Achill Island Sea Salt’s Salted Caramel Fudge in stores starting May 23.