Tag: Aldi

Aldi is looking for parents in Edinburgh and the Lothians to join new panel

UP TO £400 IN SHOPPING VOUCHERS AND FREE PRODUCTS UP FOR GRABS

Aldi has announced it is on the lookout for parents in Edinburgh and the Lothians to join its new Aldi Parent Panel – offering families the chance to bag up to £400 in shopping vouchers and free products, in return for their valuable input into future family focused products and initiatives. 

Aldi, who was recently named as Supermarket of the Year at the 2026 Loved By Parents Awards, is inviting parents of children ranging from babies through to teenagers to apply, with successful applicants reflecting the diversity of family life across the UK. 

Those selected will be asked to take part in short surveys and product reviews at key points throughout the year, helping to inform Aldi’s family-focused initiatives and wider customer experience. In return, parents will receive £100 in Aldi vouchers every time they complete a survey, alongside free Mamia products and selected Specialbuys. 

In total, 10 parents from across the UK will be selected to take part in the panel. 

Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: “Families rely on Aldi every day, and it’s important that we continue to listen to what really matters to them. The Aldi Parent Panel gives parents from across the UK the opportunity to play a role in shaping how we support families – from the products we offer to the experience we provide in-store and beyond. 

“We want the panel to reflect families of all shapes, sizes and experiences, so we can continue delivering the quality and value Aldi is known for.” 

Parents who would like to apply to join the Aldi Parent Panel are invited to submit either a short written application (up to 200 words) or a short video explaining why they would like to take part.

Applications should be sent to aldiparentpanel@aldi.co.uk by Wednesday 15th April 2026. 

For more information, please visit: https://www.aldipresscentre.co.uk/terms-and-conditions-for-aldi-parent-panel-the-panel/  

The launch of the Aldi Parent Panel follows the return of the Mamia New Parent Fund for 2026, which will see Aldi will give away £100 vouchers every week for 12 months – totalling £5,200 – to help parents cover the cost of essentials including nappies, wipes, baby food pouches and toiletries. 

Aldi giving away vouchers every week to new parents in Edinburgh

RETURN OF MAMIA NEW PARENT FUND

Aldi commits to supporting families with the return of its Mamia New Parent Fund for 2026, following the success of the programme last year, which saw thousands of parents apply.

Now in its second year, the Mamia New Parent Fund will continue supporting new parents with the cost of everyday essentials after welcoming a new baby, with nearly a fifth (17%) of new parents saying recurring nappy purchases are among the biggest, unexpected costs.

The supermarket is giving away £100 Aldi vouchers every week in Edinburgh throughout 2026, totalling £5,200 to be used on everything from nappies and wipes to baby food and toiletries.

The news comes as Aldi unveils new data showing the significant savings available to parents who choose Mamia nappies. Parents using Mamia nappies could save up to £380 over the first year compared with leading branded equivalents*.

The return of the fund reinforces the UK’s fourth largest supermarket’s ongoing commitment to helping families make their money go further through the Mamia range, which offers award-winning quality at unbeatable prices.

Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: “We know that welcoming a baby brings immense joy, but it can also bring unexpected financial challenges at a time when every penny counts.

“The response to last year’s Fund showed us just how much parents value this support, with thousands applying. That’s why we’re bringing the Mamia New Parent Fund back for 2026 to continue giving families a helping hand with those everyday essentials.”

Aldi’s Mamia range includes nappies, wipes, baby food and toiletries, all rigorously tested to meet the same high standards as branded equivalents but at a fraction of the cost.

Aldi was named Supermarket of the Year by Mother&Baby, confirming that families can trust Aldi to deliver unbeatable value across their entire shop.

New parents who want to apply for Aldi’s Mamia New Parent Fund should email mamiaparentfund@aldi.co.ukwith a receipt showing their latest Mamia purchase. One family will be chosen each week throughout 2026 to receive a £100 voucher to spend in any UK Aldi store.

For full terms and conditions, visit: 

https://www.aldipresscentre.co.uk/terms-and-conditions-for-aldis-mamia-new-parent-fund-the-prize-draw/

Aldi Scotland Sports Fund awards £2,500 to support homegrown talent

Gogar Park Young Curlers says funding boost will make a ‘huge difference’

Aldi Scotland has awarded £2,500 to Gogar Park Young Curlers through its Scottish Sport Fund as part of a special one-off Champion’s Award launched to celebrate Scotland’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Gogar Park Young Curlers will use the funding from Aldi Scotland to invest in essential equipment, including sliding shoes, brushes, coaching aids and team uniforms. This support will help the club provide more inclusive and accessible entry-level opportunities, ensuring that every child has the chance to take part in the sport, regardless of their access to equipment.

Mihoko Pooley, member of Gogar Park Young Curlers, said: “This funding from Aldi Scotland will make a huge difference to our club and the young people who take part in our sessions.

“Curling can be difficult to access without the right equipment, so being able to provide shoes, brushes and uniforms will help us welcome more children and give them the best possible start”

Founded in 1979, Gogar Park Young Curlers is a junior curling club based in Edinburgh with around 70 members under the age of 21, mainly from Edinburgh and the Lothians. The club operates weekly Sunday morning sessions at Curl Edinburgh between September and March, supported by volunteer coaches and parent helpers.

Young curlers from the club compete in a wide range of internal and national competitions, from Under 12s to Under 21s leagues, travelling across Scotland from Stranraer to Inverness.

The club has a strong track record of developing elite talent, with former members Jennifer Dodds and Bruce Mouat going on to win Olympic gold and silver medals at Beijing 2022 and set to represent Team GB again at Milano Cortina 2026.

Pooley continued: “With the Winter Olympics coming up in 2026, there is a real buzz around curling just now. This support will help us build on that excitement, grow participation and continue our proud history of developing young curlers.”

The Scottish Sport Fund Champion’s Award was introduced as a celebratory extension of Aldi Scotland’s long-running sports funding initiative, recognising a single club that demonstrates a strong commitment to developing young sporting talent. The award aims to harness the national pride sparked by Scotland’s return to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and invest it back into grassroots sport.

Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Scotland’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup was a huge moment for the nation, and we wanted to celebrate that success by giving something back through our Scottish Sport Fund.

“The Scottish Sport Fund Champion’s Award recognises clubs that go above and beyond to support young people, and Gogar Park Young Curlers is a fantastic example of that commitment. We are proud to support the next generation of sporting champions across Scotland.”

Aldi Scotland introduced its Scottish Sport Fund in 2016 to support individuals of all ages and abilities to get involved in physical activity in their local communities. Over the past decade, the retailer has supported more than 650 clubs across Scotland, donating over £500,000 to improve access to sport at a grassroots level.

Aldi store colleagues across Edinburgh to get another pay rise

Supermarket extends market-leading pay rates

  • Starting pay for Store Assistants in Edinburgh will increase to £13.35 per hour, with higher rates of £14.30 available based on length of service 
  • Updated pay rates for Store Assistants take effect from Sunday 1st March 2026 
  • Aldi is also enhancing maternity pay, extending full pay to 26 weeks  

Aldi store colleagues across Edinburgh are set to receive market-leading rates of pay as part of a £36 million investment in pay and benefits by the UK’s fourth-largest supermarket. 

From Sunday 1st March 2026, starting pay for Store Assistants in Edinburgh will rise to £13.35 per hour, rising to £14.30 per hour based on length of service. 

Aldi is also increasing pay rates for Store Apprentices in Edinburgh to £12.02 per hour. These rates are significantly higher than the minimum wage for a first-year apprentice. 

Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer of Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “Our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do. Their hard work and dedication is what allows us to offer customers the quality, value and service they expect from Aldi.

“That’s why we’re making such a significant investment in our promise to never be beaten on pay for our colleagues.” 

All Aldi colleagues will see their pay rise over the coming months, as well as receiving enhanced family-friendly benefits, with maternity pay extended to 26 weeks at full pay.  

Aldi also remains the only supermarket to offer paid breaks to all its store colleagues – a benefit worth up to £1,470 a year to store colleagues. 

Those interested in a career with Aldi can visit www.aldirecruitment.co.uk  for more information.  


The £800 Postcode Penalty: Aldi reveals Scottish towns that are paying hundreds more for groceries

Families in towns across Scotland are paying up to £2,437 more per year on their grocery shopping simply because they lack access to a discount supermarket, new analysis from Aldi reveals.

The findings form part of Aldi’s national review of towns facing the steepest postcode penalty, with shoppers in places such as Cathcart in Glasgow missing out on the savings enjoyed by those with access to Aldi.

The analysis shows that households without access to Aldi – which has been named the UK’s Cheapest Supermarket by consumer champion Which? for the past five years – pay £826 more on average, rising to £2,437 in areas dominated by the highest-priced supermarkets.

These figures are based on the average monthly cost difference between Aldi and either the average major UK supermarkets, or the most expensive UK supermarket, using the prices of a typical 68-item shopping basket tracked by Which?*.

Across the UK, Aldi has mapped 220 locations where shoppers are disproportionately affected by this postcode penalty.

In Scotland, this includes towns such as Cathcart, Bonnyrigg, Clarkston, Barnton (? – Ed.) and Largs where residents are paying more for identical groceries because no discount supermarket is available locally.

Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate at Aldi UK, said: “No one should pay more for their weekly shop simply because of where they live. We believe every household should have access to high-quality, affordable food.

“With household budgets under intense pressure, local access to a discounter isn’t just convenient – it can save families hundreds of pounds a year. These findings show that expanding access to Aldi is one of the simplest ways to reduce the cost of living for many.”

Aldi has invested £650 million across Britain through its store opening and refurbishment programme in 2025, with each new site creating around 40 jobs.

The discounter also recently announced it would be doubling down on its investment in Britain with a £1.6 billion commitment over the next two years, opening 40 stores each year as it moves towards its ambition to have 1,500 UK stores.

Aldi provides over 13,000 meals to Edinburgh charities over festive period

Aldi helped deliver 13,823 meals to people in Edinburgh over the Christmas and New Year period by donating surplus food from its stores.

The UK’s fourth largest supermarket teamed up with local good causes across Edinburgh – including Porty Community Fridge, Food Rescue Group and Tummies Not Trash – to donate a range of fresh and chilled foods from its stores after closing early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Neighbourly, the community giving platform that partners with Aldi, found that charitable organisations faced increasing pressure over the winter period, with four in five charities saying demand for their services had risen over the past six months and demand for foodbanks and other food provision expected to increase by nearly 30% over the colder months.

Aldi has worked with Neighbourly since 2019 and provides surplus food from all of its UK stores to thousands of charities across the country.

Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “This Christmas we were proud to support so many incredible charities across the UK who provide essential support to those in need.

“The services provided by food banks are more important than ever in the current climate, especially over the festive period and we’re committed to ensuring those that rely on them have access to a wide range of high-quality foods.”

Steve Butterworth, CEO at Neighbourly, added: “We’re so grateful to have had Aldi’s support for another year.

“Christmas is one of the busiest periods for our charities and the donations from Aldi mean we can help even more people across the country who need that bit of extra support over the festive period.”

Shoppers can donate food to local charities, food banks and community groups via the community donation points in Aldi stores nationwide.

Aldi also works with Company Shop Group, the UK’s leading redistributor of surplus food and household products, to redistribute surplus food from its Regional Distribution Centres. This year, it provided more than 2,500 free Christmas lunches to Company Shop’s award-winning social enterprise, Community Shop.

The UK’s fourth largest supermarket also made it easier for shoppers to give back through a warm clothing and post-Christmas clear-out appeal with The Salvation Army and InPost Lockers, allowing customers to donate coats, hats, scarves and gloves – as well as unwanted Christmas gifts in good condition – at InPost Locker donation points in Aldi stores across the UK.

Primary schools in Edinburgh given chance to win specifically curated Burns Supper from Aldi

Aldi’s first-ever Great Scottish Supper brings pipers, poetry and haggis to Scottish primary schools

Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils in Edinburgh the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper. 

The UK’s Cheapest Supermarket 2024 is set to host its first-ever Great Scottish Supper, with one primary school class winning an unforgettable Robert Burns celebration.

As one of the country’s biggest supporters of Scottish food and drink, Aldi Scotland is encouraging the next generation to sample some of the nation’s most-loved dishes while taking part in celebrations that honour Scotland’s national poet.

Schools across the country are invited to take part, with one primary school class set to receive everything they need to host a memorable Burns Day feast, including the traditional haggis, neeps and tatties, as well as more contemporary dishes such as haggis bon bons and vegetarian haggis. A bagpiper will also perform the ceremonial piping-in of the haggis.

To participate, primary school classes of any age are invited to submit original Scots poems, giving pupils the opportunity to engage creatively with Scottish heritage and literature in true Burns style.

Poems should capture the spirit and traditions of Robert Burns by telling his story in a modern and imaginative way.

The initiative is open to any primary school class in Scotland. To enter, schools should send their original poems to  to  scottishcompetition@aldi.co.uk by Friday 23rd January 2026. Schools can submit more than one poem per class.

Alan Leslie, Buying Director, at Aldi Scotland said: “As one of the most loyal supporters of Scottish food and drink, we believe we have a responsibility to ensure Scots of all ages can experience our most iconic culinary traditions. Burns Day is the perfect occasion for our youngest generation to enjoy some of the outstanding produce Scotland is famous for.

“Centuries after his lifetime, Robert Burns remains Scotland’s most celebrated poet, and what better way to honour his legacy than by encouraging young people to explore their own creativity?

“We’re really looking forward to reading the poems from primary classes across the country and are excited to bring our first-ever Great Scottish Supper to a deserving school.”

As Which?’s Cheapest Supermarket of 2024, Aldi continues to offer some of the best value deals on locally sourced Scottish food and drink.

For Burns Day, shoppers can pick up a selection of traditional and contemporary dishes, including:

  • Specially Selected Wagyu Chieftain Haggis, £5.99, 908g
  • Frasers Vegetarian Haggis, £2.09, 454g
  • Upper Dysart Ladder Haggis ‘N’ Mash, £1.99, 400g
  • Cosmos Haggis Pizza, £3.25, 420g
  • Simon Howie Chocolate Haggis, £4.99, 454g
  • Simon Howie Haggis Truffles, £3.49, 500g
  • Simon Howie Sweet Chilli Haggis Bon Bons, £2.45, 240g
  • Simon Howie Curried Haggis Bon Bons, £2.45, 240g
  • Punjab Pakora Square Sausage Bites with spicy chili dip, £1.89, 200g
  • Punjab Pakora Iron Brew infused chicken pakora, £1.99, 200g
  • Bells Burns Supper Pie, £2.49, pack of two

Aldi’s diverse range of locally produced products are available at all of Aldi’s 112 Scottish stores. Available while stocks last.

Entries for the Great Scottish Supper open on 6 January, and will be accepted until Friday 23 January. The winning class will be contacted by January 30. 

The winner will receive a £100 Aldi voucher to cater for their celebrations, with the supermarket also arranging a bagpiper for the event.

 scottishcompetition@aldi.co.uk. 

Research reveals only one in four Edinburgh residents celebrate Saint Andrew’s Day

A national survey has revealed that just 25% of people in Edinburgh celebrate St Andrew’s Day, and at a national level almost four in ten (39%) Scots are unable to identify the date of St Andrew’s Day, highlighting a surprising gap in awareness surrounding the country’s patron saint.

The research by ScotPulse which was commissioned by Aldi Scotland, found that while most Scots recognise St Andrew’s Day as the country’s national day, many are unsure of the date, and even fewer mark the occasion.

Just one in four (26%) Scots say they celebrate St Andrew’s Day, held annually on 30 November, with confusion rife across the nation about what date it actually falls on. Some mistakenly believe it happens on 25 November (11%), 29 November (8%), with an additional 8% also believing it falls on 31 November – a date that doesn’t exist. Others mix it up with Burns Night in January.

The survey also found:

  • Women are more likely than men to know the correct date (64% vs 57%).
  • Younger Scots are the least likely to know what date it falls on, with just 43% of 16–34-year-olds answering correctly.

Aldi is a prominent champion of Scottish food and drink, and Scotland’s leading supermarket for locally sourced products. In October, it was named in the NFU Scotland’s ShelfWatch 2025 Mid-Year Report as the most prominent retailer to support Scottish produce, with 41% of its shelf stock now sourced locally.

In honour of its position as the nation’s most trusted supermarket of Scottish goods, the retailer is helping Scots to celebrate St Andrew’s Day this year with a feast including locally produced food and drink, which has all been approved by modern day Andrews.

After surveying hundreds of Andrews, Andys and Drews across Scotland on their favourite festive flavours, Aldi Scotland has revealed the results of its nationwide search for the “Andrew Approved Feast.”  

Following a social media vote, it was revealed that the most popular meal selection for St Andrew’s Day is:

  • Starter: Haggis Bon Bons with 52% of the votes
  • Main Course: Steak Pie with 66% of the votes
  • Side: Crispy roast tatties with 44% of the votes
  • Dessert: Scottish apple crumble with 42% of the votes
  • Drink: IRN BRU with 53% of the votes

Shoppers can pick up Aldi’s Andrew Approved Feast for less than a tenner, with the total cost coming to just £9.75:

  • Haggis Bon Bons: Specially Selected Haggis Bon Bons, 240g £2.29
  • Steak Pie: Frasers Small Top Crust Steak Pie, 400g £2.99
  • Crispy Roast Tatties: Scottish Baking Potatoes 4 pack, £0.79
  • Dessert: The Dessert Menu Bramley Apple Pie, 550g £2.99  
  • Drink: Vive Iron Brew 2L £0.69 

Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland said: “St Andrews Day is a key moment in Scotland’s cultural calendar and gives Scots the chance to reflect on our history and traditions. We were surprised to see that so many Scots don’t know when St Andrew’s Day is, and that so few actually take the time to celebrate it.

“At Aldi Scotland, we truly believe we have some of the best food and drink in the world, and we are proud to be a champion of local producers.  

“St Andrew’s Day on 30 November is the perfect opportunity for everyone to come together, enjoy fantastic local food, raise a glass, and celebrate everything that makes Scotland such a special place.”

Aldi opens applications for Christmas food donations programme

Aldi is calling on charities, community groups and food banks in Edinburgh to sign up for surplus food donations from its stores this Christmas.

The supermarket’s Edinburgh stores work with the community giving platform Neighbourly to donate surplus food throughout the year. But with all Aldi stores set to close on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, there’s an opportunity for even more groups to benefit from the partnership over the festive season.

Participating charities will be matched with local Aldi stores and can collect fresh and chilled food nearing its expiration date, with Aldi expecting to donate an estimated one million meals to those in need over the festive period.

Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “The services our amazing charity partners provide are more in demand than ever during the festive period.

“That’s why we’re committed to offering as much support as we can to the communities we serve this Christmas.”

Steve Butterworth, Chief Executive Officer at Neighbourly, added: “Christmas can be a tough time for many families, and local charities are often a vital lifeline. We know there are still groups out there who could really use the extra help from businesses like Aldi, so we’d love them to get in touch.”

Any charity or community group not already working with Neighbourly can register their interest at neighbourly.com.

Customers can also donate food or household items year-round through community donation points in every Aldi store.

In addition to its long-term partnership with Neighbourly, Aldi has worked with Company Shop since 2022 to manage surplus stock from its Regional Distribution Centres. It sees surplus items sold at discounted prices to members throughout the year, making essentials more accessible and reducing waste.

Spooktacular surprise for Edinburgh’s Teenage Cancer Trust wards

Aldi has helped Teenage Cancer Trust patients and staff in Edinburgh get into the Halloween spirit by donating a range of seasonal goodies.  

The wards at Western General Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Sick Children received everything from pumpkins and decorations to costumes and treats, helping young people to celebrate Halloween away from home.   

Since first partnering with Teenage Cancer Trust in 2017, Aldi has raised more than £12 million for the charity, with a commitment to raise £20 million by 2031 to ensure no young person faces cancer alone. 

This Halloween, 28 Teenage Cancer Trust units across the country received donations from the supermarket, giving patients, family and staff the chance to enjoy seasonal celebrations together. 

Michelle Aucott, Senior Partnerships Manager at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “We’re so grateful to Aldi for their continued support.

“These small seasonal gestures make a big difference, helping young people to celebrate Halloween away from home.”   

Liz Fox, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, added: “We’re proud to support Teenage Cancer Trust through a wide range of fundraising events and donations. Halloween is meant to be a time of fun and thrills, so we hope that our donation will help to bring some spooky fun and joy to young people and staff this year.” 

Teenage Cancer Trust works in partnership with the NHS to provide highly-trained expert staff and specialist cancer units in NHS hospitals across the UK. The charity is there at every stage from diagnosis, through treatment and after treatment.

It also brings young people with cancer together so they can support each other.