ALDI’s Next Big Thing returns to Channel 4

Channel 4’s popular entertainment series ALDI’s Next Big Thing is back for a second series, starting Tuesday 2 April at 8pm.

Thirty six artisan food and drink producers are given the rare opportunity to pitch their products to Britain’s fourth largest supermarket. The prize is a life-changing contract to supply over 1000 Aldi stores nationwide. Presented by Anita Rani and award-winning grocer Chris Bavin, each episode is themed around a grocery category, with the winning product headed for Aldi’s shelves. But securing this monumental contract and a spot in store will not be easy. From ugly burgers to banana ketchup and from cocoa-free chocolate to black pudding jam, each item must meet the very high standards of Aldi’s Managing Director of Buying, Julie Ashfield.

The first episode of the new run is in the Dinnertime category. Hoping to dine out on their impressive pitch are six hopeful suppliers. Stormzy’s personal chef pitches her ready meal version of his favourite dinner. An event caterer has a multicoloured spin on the humble burger. And two sibling butchers want to bring their ‘unholy trinity’ of meats to the masses.

Out of six, two are chosen to develop their products, before one is given the biggest order they’ve ever received, totally transforming their business overnight.