Tag: Aldi

Aldi to fund the weekly shop for the grandparents bringing Edinburgh families together around the table

As family meals make a comeback, Scotland’s Cheapest Supermarket invites families to nominate grandparents who never gave up on gathering around the table

As more families choose to cook and eat at home, Aldi is celebrating the generation that has always understood the power of sharing a meal together.

Research from Barclays’ UK Consumer Spending Report for May 2026 found that 42% of consumers are changing their spending habits due to rising costs, and are cutting back on takeaways and meals out.

Over the same four-week period, separate transaction data also recorded a 2.7% fall in spending at restaurants, cafés and bakeries.*

With more meals being enjoyed at home, Aldi believes there’s a renewed opportunity for families to reconnect around the dinner table, and nobody knows the value of that better than Scotland’s grandparents.

Influencer Granny Griggly visits Aldi in Peterhead. Picture Simon Price /Firstpix Photography

Today (22 July), Aldi launches a nationwide campaign celebrating the grandparents and grandparent figures whose home cooking has brought generations of families together.

Long before recipe apps, air fryers and social media food trends, grandparents were passing down family recipes, cooking from scratch and creating the meals that became the backdrop to family life.

From bowls of homemade broth and freshly baked scones to Sunday roasts that still draw everyone home, they’ve spent decades proving that the best memories are often made around the table.

Now Aldi wants to recognise those everyday family heroes.

Families across Scotland are invited to nominate a grandparent or grandparent figure whose cooking, generosity and love of bringing people together have made a lasting impact on their family. Whether it’s the gran whose soup is famous across three generations or the grandad still teaching grandchildren how to bake, Aldi wants to hear the stories behind Scotland’s favourite family cooks.

As a thank you, Aldi will fund a month’s grocery shop for up to three Scottish grandparent figures.

To nominate, families should email scottishcompetition@aldi.co.uk with a short explanation (200 words) of why their grandparent deserves to be recognised.

Tom Brearey, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland said: “Some of life’s best moments happen around the dinner table.

“As more people choose to cook and eat at home, this is a great opportunity to spend quality time with family, share stories and reconnect with the people around us.

“Grandparents have understood that for generations. They’ve always known that a home-cooked meal is about much more than what’s on the plate – it’s about bringing people together.

“This is our way of celebrating the people who’ve quietly kept those traditions alive for years, and thanking them for everything they do for their families.”

Rowanne raises over £400 for CHAS in Aldi Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep has returned to Edinburgh, where one lucky local shopper has raised £437.40 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) while also taking home the same value in Aldi favourites.   

Inspired by the iconic game show, the popular challenge arrived in Dalkeith on 27 June, where competition winner Rowanne Moir was selected to take part in a five-minute trolley dash in support of CHAS.   

In addition to taking home a trolley full of goodies, Aldi Scotland matched the total value of Rowanne’s haul, donating all proceeds to CHAS to help support over 500 babies, children and young people across Scotland with life-shortening conditions and their families. 

In 2026 every penny raised through the initiative will go directly to CHAS, with £10,000 pledged in support.

Aldi Supermarket Sweep winner, Rowanne Moir, said: “The Aldi Supermarket Sweep was not only a great and fun experience, it was also amazing to be involved in raising money for such a wonderful charity. 

“All the staff were amazing and made the experience fun with such fantastic support and encouragement. Thank you to the Aldi team for creating such a memorable experience.”    

Rachel Hamilton, Staff Nurse at CHAS said: “Every week in Scotland, three children die from an incurable condition. CHAS supports families through this devastating reality, providing expert care at home, in our two hospices and through CHAS/NHS teams in children’s hospitals across Scotland. 

“In the Edinburgh and Lothians area, CHAS supports 131 families with a range of care tailored to their needs, including palliative care, respite, family support, and bereavement and spiritual care, helping families make the most of every precious moment together.”  

Tom Brearey, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland said: “Our Supermarket Sweep continues to be a highlight in the Aldi calendar, and we’re proud to partner with CHAS once again to support the incredible work they do. Congratulations to Rowanne for raising an incredible £437 for CHAS while enjoying a well-earned trolley full of Aldi favourites. 

“CHAS is a charity very close to our hearts which does invaluable work for families in Scotland.  Through initiatives like Supermarket Sweep, we are pleased to help raise both funds and awareness so they can continue delivering care and support where it is needed most.” 

This April, CHAS launched its ‘More Than A Hospice’ appeal, seeking to raise £20 million to transform children’s palliative care across Scotland and ensure no family faces their child’s illness or end of life without the right care and support. 

The appeal aims to fund the crucial rebuilding and refreshing of CHAS’s hospices, as well as the expansion of care in homes, communities and hospitals, giving families real choice over where and how they are supported when they need it most.

For more information about CHAS and how to support its work, visit:

 https://www.chas.org.uk/  

To find your nearest Aldi, visit: 

https://stores.aldi.co.uk/store-finder

New parents in Lothian could be missing out on free support to help cost of baby essentials

New parents in Lothian could be missing out on free support to help with the cost of everyday baby essentials. 

Britain’s biggest discounter is continuing to give away a £100 Aldi voucher to one family every week as part of its Mamia New Parent Fund, to be used on everything from nappies and wipes to toiletries. 

It comes as new Aldi analysis reveals parents who choose Mamia nappies, baby wipes and formula could save over £550 during their baby’s first year compared with leading branded equivalents*. 

Since the initiative launched earlier this year, Aldi has already gifted thousands of pounds in vouchers to parents across the UK. 

Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: “The reality is that the costs don’t stop once you’ve bought the pram and decorated the nursery – it’s the everyday essentials that really add up week after week for parents. 

“When you’re suddenly buying supplies like nappies and baby wipes alongside your normal shop, even small savings can make a meaningful difference over the course of a year. 

“That’s exactly why we continue to invest in keeping everyday baby essentials affordable through our Mamia range, while our New Parent Fund is another way we’re helping families during those early years.” 

New parents in Scotland who want to apply for Aldi’s Mamia New Parent Fund should email mamiaparentfund@aldi.co.uk with 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 was named Supermarket of the Year by Mother&Baby, confirming that families can trust Aldi to deliver unbeatable value across their entire shop. 

Aldi reveals the surprising benefits of carrots in powering marathon runners

Aldi Scotland is claiming that a simple supermarket staple could help fuel runners through one of the country’s toughest endurance challenges, as excitement builds for the return of the Edinburgh Marathon Festival.

With just over a week to go until Scotland’s largest marathon event, the retailer has teamed up with Edinburgh Running Network to inspire runners in a very unusual way, turning the streets of the capital into a giant carrot-shaped running route using Strava. The playful campaign is designed to spotlight the benefits of the humble vegetable as a natural training fuel.

Fronted by its iconic mascot, Kevin the Carrot, Aldi is promoting the unexpected benefits of carrots for runners preparing to go the distance.

While high-performance gels and protein bars often dominate marathon training plans, Aldi Scotland is championing a more natural option, highlighting its Scottish-grown supply chain and the farmers behind it.

The retailer sources its carrots from Benzies, a fourth-generation family-run farm in Aberdeenshire operated by Philip Benzie alongside his wife Hazel and stepson Charles.

Philip Benzie, owner, Benzies, said: “Carrots might not be the first things runners reach for, but they offer a surprising mix of benefits.

“They provide a gentle, steady source of energy thanks to natural sugars, while their high water content helps support hydration. They also contain potassium for muscle function and beta-carotene, which supports recovery and immune health, which are all important for anyone training consistently.”

Producing between 20,000 and 30,000 tonnes of Scottish carrots every year, Benzies also noted that carrots are easy to digest, particularly when cooked, making them a practical option for pre and post run meals, or as a light snack during busy training days. 

Lynne Cowden, coach co-ordinator and run leader, Edinburgh Running Network, said: “We loved the idea of turning Edinburgh’s streets into something a bit more playful in the run-up to the marathon.

“The carrot Strava art was a fun challenge for our community and a great way to keep motivation high as race day approaches.”

Benzies’ range of carrots is available across Aldi’s 113 Scottish stores.

You can find your nearest Aldi here.

Year of the Cabbage?

Aldi supplier reveals cabbage demand soars 

  • Aldi supplier reveals cabbage demand soars as 2026 declared ‘Year of the Cabbage’
  • East Lothian producer, and long-term Aldi supplier, says Scotland’s mild summers make it the greatest place in the UK for growing brassica   

With 2026 being named as “The Year of the Cabbage”, what might once have sounded tongue-n-cheek is now a reflection of reality in Scottish fields and supermarkets.  

While the declaration may have brought a smile, Scotland’s longest cabbage season is no fashion statement. In East Lothian’s fertile soils, it is the result of climate, careful selection and long-term investment. If 2026 is indeed the Year of the Cabbage, Scotland is already well ahead of the trend.  

Scottish cabbage producer, East Lothian Produce – a third generation farm run by the Logan family – have their sights set on harvesting Savoy cabbage from June right through to the end of April to meet demand. Thanks to the region’s relatively frost-free climate, it gives Scotland the longest Savoy season anywhere in the UK.  

“Our location is one of our biggest strengths,” says Chris Logan at East Lothian Produce. “East Lothian has a kind climate and is one of the most frost free areas in Scotland, which is ideal for winter brassicas.

“We are able to harvest Savoy fresh from the field every day through the winter months, which is quite unique.”  

The cooler Scottish summer also plays a defining role in quality. “Our cabbages grow more slowly and steadily compared to warmer parts of the UK”, Chris explains. “That slower growth means less stress on the plant and produces a strong, resilient cabbage with excellent texture and shelf life.”  

East Lothian Produce and its partnership with Kettle Produce Ltd supplies Aldi Scotland with locally-grown cabbages and grows an extensive range of varieties to meet demand across the seasons. Across the Savoy crop alone, 18 varieties are selected for qualities such as early maturity, frost tolerance, flavour and visual appeal.  

Red cabbage has become a particular growth area. Early varieties such as Alfaro and Redma are followed by Kilmaro and Redema for long-term storage, with new varieties currently under trial to enhance storage ability and reduce waste.

White cabbage varieties range from early cropping types suited to rig packing to later, more compact heads bred for strong keeping quality.  

“We are constantly trialing new varieties,” says Chris. “Red cabbage especially is seeing genuine growth. A lot of that is driven by interest in raw recipes, fermentation and pickling, which taps into the wider focus on gut health and fibre.”  

Cabbage’s resurgence aligns with broader consumer trends. It is low in calories, high in fibre and rich in vitamins C and K, while red cabbage contains anthocyanins linked to heart health. As shoppers look for whole, minimally processed foods that offer value and versatility, the brassica is being reappraised.  

“It used to be seen as quite old fashioned,” Chris says. “But when you roast it, char it or ferment it, it becomes something completely different. We are seeing it move from being a side dish to being the centre of the plate.”  

For Aldi Scotland, the story is also about backing local producers. New research from Scotland Food & Drink has found a growing appetite for Scottish produce, both at home and across the UK.*   

Alan Leslie, Buying Director at Aldi Scotland, says supporting Scottish growers remains central to the retailer’s approach. “We are incredibly proud to work with over 90 dedicated Scottish suppliers who collectively stack our shelves with more than 450 Scottish products.   

“Our commitment to sourcing locally grown food means our customers can enjoy fresh, high-quality produce while supporting Scottish agriculture.   

“As interest in fibre rich foods continues to grow and cabbage enjoys its moment in the spotlight, it is fantastic to see products grown right here in Scotland being appreciated and given their hero-moment on shelves.”  

A head of Scottish cabbage can be picked up at Aldi for £0.75 for savoy and sweetheart, and £0.89 for red and white cabbage    

Aldi was recently named Which?’s Cheapest Supermarket of 2025.   

You can find your nearest Aldi here.   

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.