An Orkney bakery has won a contract worth more than £175,000 to supply Aldi with shortbread after winning the low-cost grocer’s “next top product” competition.
Argo’s Bakery’s Orkney Caramel Shortbread was declared tastiest out of more than 100 entries to secure a year-long deal to stock Aldi’s 62 Scottish stores.
The shortbread will be on the shelves from February next year and will retail at £1.69 per pack of five.
The contract is a coup for Argo’s, a family-run business that claims to fly the flag for Orkney’s food and drink industry.
Since the bakery was founded by George Argo in Stromness in the 1940s, members from four generations of the family have worked for the company.
Grace McDill, George Argo’s granddaughter, is the current managing director, having taken over from her brother in 2001.
Argo’s business development manager, Jenna McDill, said: “It’s a huge honour for us and we’re really excited about the prospect of Aldi customers throughout Scotland having the chance to enjoy what is a real Orkney favourite, made using the very best of local ingredients.
“Working with Aldi has been a fantastic experience and we look forward to seeing our Orkney Caramel Shortbread in their stores very soon.”
The competition was part of Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink, a Scottish Government initiative supported by various tourism and trade bodies.
The winning entry was chosen by Jonathan Neale, Aldi’s joint managing director for corporate buying, and James Withers, chief executive of Scotland Food & Drink.
Mr Neale said: “Our business model in Scotland has always been about working with the best local producers to bring top quality products to our customers at everyday low prices.
“The Next Top Product competition has been a fantastic way to bring this to life and we’ve uncovered some really exciting producers and a wealth of delicious food and drink during this process.”
Mr Withers added: “Aldi’s Next Top Product competition is a great addition to this joint, collaborative work, demonstrating Aldi’s desire to offer a strong range of Scottish products for their customers.”
“This competition is a great opportunity for the winner to drive their sales with the retailer in Scotland.”