Tag: Aldi

Edinburgh and Lothian sports clubs in with a chance to bag £2,500 grant funding from Aldi

Aldi’s Scottish Sport Fund has returned for its seventh year and local sports clubs across Edinburgh and The Lothians can now apply for a share of £50,000.

The fund encourages people of all ages and abilities to take part in physical activity within their local communities by offering sports clubs the chance to secure essential funding. There are a range of funding tiers available, with one club in the area guaranteed to secure a £2,500 funding boost.

Since launching in 2016, nearly 500 clubs across Scotland have benefitted from a funding uplift of £290,000 through Aldi’s Scottish Sport Fund, helping to improve community access to sports across the country.

From gymnastics to football and volleyball to bowling, Aldi’s Scottish Sport Fund is open to any sporting organisation that meets the application criteria.

In 2021, Aldi supported a selection of sports clubs across Edinburgh and The Lothians, including Lismore Rugby Football Club and trampolining club, PHD FUNdamentals. The additional funding helped both clubs fund training sessions and purchase new equipment.

Richard Holloway, Regional Managing Director for Aldi Scotland, said: “Since launching in 2016, our Scottish Sport Fund has given a wide range of sports clubs the chance to benefit from essential funding to help them invest in much needed equipment and resources.  

“Sports clubs across Scotland have had a really challenging time over the last two years, and I am proud that Aldi’s Scottish Sport Fund gives these clubs a helping hand to continue the fantastic work they do in their communities.

“Each year, we are blown away by the applications we receive, and I look forward to welcoming more in 2022. I’d encourage any sports clubs across Edinburgh and The Lothians to apply and take advantage of this excellent funding opportunity.”

Aldi’s Scottish Sport Fund is part of the retailer’s wider commitment to help local communities in Scotland, which it also does through its Neighbourly partnership and Supermarket Sweep.

Sports clubs located across Edinburgh and The Lothians have from Monday 22 August to Sunday 25 September to apply for funding.

One applicant will be selected to receive £2,500 of funding, two applicants will each receive £1,000 of funding, while several other applicants will each receive £500 of funding towards their sports club.

Applications can be made via a form found on: 

https://www.aldi.co.uk/scottishsportfund.

The Aldi Scottish Sport Fund is open to any sporting organisation in Scotland that meets the application criteria. All applications will be considered by the Aldi judging panel and entrants will be notified of the outcome of their funding application within four to six weeks from the region’s deadline. Please see the Aldi Scottish Sport Fund FAQs and Terms & Conditions for more information.

Edinburgh distillery launches new cherry blossom gin for under £20

The brand-new cherry-flavoured gin is exclusively available in all 103 of Aldi’s Scottish stores 

Aldi Scotland has partnered with The Old Curiosity Distillery once again to launch Eidyn Cherry Blossom, a new, small-batch, cherry-flavoured premium gin that is available for just 19.99.  

This new gin from Eidyn (pronounced ee-din), which is named after the Scottish Gaelic for Edinburgh, is exclusive to Aldi Scotland. The cherry blossom produces a fresh floral note, underscored with angelica root, winter savoury and coriander botanicals, which gives way to a light juniper finish. All the botanicals used are grown, hand-picked, and dried from the distillery’s garden in Edinburgh.  

This new gin makes for the perfect artisan tipple and the Old Curiosity Distillery team recommend Eidyn Cherry Blossom to be served over ice with your preferred tonic, a sliver of lime and a black cherry garnish. The team are really pleased to be working with Aldi once again to create a new version of the Eidyn gin.  

Mark Boswell, Head Distiller, said: “The way we produce our gin means that our carbon emissions are incredibly low, which is something that is very important to us. With the launch of the new Eidyn Cherry Blossom gin, it is really encouraging to see Aldi support both the craft gin industry and sustainability.” 

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “We at Aldi have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside The Old Curiosity Distillery since the launch of the original Eidyn gin back in 2020, which has proven to be incredibly popular and has gone on to win multiple awards.  

“Scotland has such a rich abundance of fresh ingredients, so it’s great to partner with a supplier that works so hard to bring them to our shelves.  

“We are extremely proud to be able to introduce another premium Eidyn gin to our customers, this time in a deliciously floral cherry blossom flavour. I am proud that our competitive prices mean that our customers can still enjoy premium, high-quality products such as Eidyn Cherry Blossom.”  

Aldi Scotland prides itself on working with a wide range of Scottish suppliers who are passionate about bringing the best of Scotland’s vibrant food and drink industry to its customers. 

You can find your nearest Aldi here.  

Pay increase for Aldi staff

Aldi is giving store colleagues in Edinburgh a pay increase for the second time this year, maintaining its position as the UK’s best-paying supermarket.

From September, all hourly paid colleagues at its Edinburgh stores will receive an increase of 40p an hour on their current hourly rate, taking Aldi’s minimum pay rates for Store Assistants to a sector-leading £10.50 an hour nationally and £11.95 for those inside the M25. 

Aldi also remains the only supermarket to offer paid breaks, which for the average store colleague is now worth more than £830 a year. 

The new rates far exceed the Living Wage Foundation’s recommended real living wage of £9.90 an hour nationally and £11.05 inside the M25. 

Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer of Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “Our new rates of pay maintain Aldi’s position as the UK’s highest paying supermarket.  

“This announcement recognises the amazing contribution our colleagues make in serving the local communities in Edinburgh. Their outstanding efforts have ensured that our customers continue to have access to fresh affordable food, every single day.” 

Aldi is the UK’s fifth-largest supermarket and has more than 970 stores across Britain. 

Aldi Scottish Beer Festival’s back

27th in-store festival brings together twelve of Scotland’s best breweries  

Aldi Scotland has unveiled the line-up for its 27th Scottish Beer Festival, giving customers the perfect excuse to enjoy the warmer weather with some ice-cold brews. 

The festival is set to showcase 25 craft beers from five regions in Scotland, including the central belt, Aberdeen, Glasgow, the Highlands, and Edinburgh and the Lothians, giving customers the opportunity to sample locally produced, top-quality brews at everyday prices.  

Kicking off in-store from Thursday 28th July, the festival will take place across all of Aldi’s 103 Scottish stores in a deal worth over £86,000 to the breweries involved. 

Aldi customers across Scotland can enjoy everything from Indian lager and a citrus pale ale from Aberdeen-based Fierce Beer to Loch Ness Brewing’s rich, chocolate stout. Refreshing IPAs from Glasgow Beer Works and a tarte mango sour from Edinburgh’s Cold Town will also feature as part of the summer beer festival.  

Aldi is the UK’s Cheapest Supermarket 2021 according to Which? And offers outstanding deals on locally sourced, Scottish beer products, without scrimping on the quality.  

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Our Scottish Beer Festivals are always a big event in the Aldi Scotland calendar. I’m proud that the relationships we have built with Scottish brewers over the years mean that we can showcase some truly excellent beers to a wider audience, while maintaining everyday amazing Aldi prices. 

“The summer event will have beers from five different corners of Scotland, showcasing the breadth of talented producers we have on our doorstep.  

“I am also very pleased that a number of these beers are exclusive to Aldi Scotland. With something for everyone to enjoy, I am sure our customers will enjoy the chance to try the variety of unique brews in this summer’s line-up.”  

Celebrating the 10th year of Scottish Beer Festivals, products will be available in store from 28th July. Visit aldi.co.uk/scottishbeerfestival to find out more. You can find your nearest Aldi here.  

Full list of breweries and product featured in Aldi’s Scottish Beer Festival: 

Brewdog 

  • Punk AF £1.49 (330ml, 0.5% ABV) 
  • Dead Pony Club £1.49 (330ml, 3.8% ABV)  
  • Hazy Jane £1.49 (330ml, 5.0% ABV) 

Cairngorm Brewing Company 

  • Black Gold £1.79 (500ml, 4.4% ABV) 
  • Cairngorm Gold £1.59 (500ml, 4.5% ABV) 

Cold Town Brew 

  • New England IPA £1.79 (440ml, 5.5% ABV) 
  • Peachy Summer Ale £1.79 (440ml, 4.1% ABV) 
  • Mango Sour £1.79 (440ml, 4.3% ABV) 

Fierce Beer 

  • Indian Lager £1.79 (440ml, 5.0% ABV)
  • Citrus Pale Ale £1.79 (440ml, 5.0% ABV)

Glasgow Beer Works  

  • Session IPA £1.79 (440ml, 3.2% ABV) 
  • West Coast IPA £1.79 (440ml, 4.5% ABV) 

Harviestoun  

  • Heaven Cent £1.49 (330ml, 4.6% ABV) 
  • Ptarmigan £1.79 (500ml, 4.5% ABV) 
  • The Ridge Pale Ale £1.79 (500ml, 5.0% ABV) 

Innis & Gunn 

  • Lager £1.95 (660ml, 4.6% ABV) 

Loch Lomond Brewery 

  • Cuban Heels Pale Ale £1.79 (440ml, 4.5% ABV) 
  • Slave to the Rhythm £1.79 (500ml, 4.0%) 

Loch Ness Brewing 

  • Darkness Stout £1.79 (500ml, 4.4% ABV) 
  • Lightness Pale Ale £1.59 (500ml, 3.8% ABV) 

Stewart Brewing  

  • Island Getaway Kettle Sour £1.79 (440ml, 3.5% ABV) 
  • Holyrood Pale Ale £1.79 (500ml, 5.0% ABV) 

Thistly Cross 

  • Elderflower Cider £1.29 (500ml, 0.5% ABV) 

WEST 

  • New England Hefeweizen £1.99 (440ml, 6.2% ABV) 
  • West Coast IPA £1.99 (440ml, 6.2% ABV) 

Aldi Scotland social channels:  

Instagram – @AldiScotland              

Facebook – @AldiScotland

Job Opportunities: Aldi to create 119 warehouse roles in Bathgate

Aldi has announced it is looking to hire 119 people in its warehouse in West Lothian over the next 12 months.

In a welcome boost to the local economy, the UK’s fifth-largest supermarket is also looking to fill transport and maintenance roles at its West Lothian Regional Distribution Centre. 

This includes both full-time and part-time positions, with salaries of up to £15 per hour.

The recruitment push forms part of Aldi’s nationwide expansion drive, with the supermarket expected to create 2,000 permanent roles across the UK this year.

Kelly Stokes, Recruitment Director at Aldi UK, said: “As we continue to grow and make Aldi accessible to even more shoppers, we need more amazing colleagues at our distribution sites across the country to make that possible.

“As well as market-leading pay and benefits, being an Aldi colleague means a great working environment and real opportunities to progress within the business. We look forward to welcoming even more great people to our West Lothian distribution team to become a part of our success.”

Those interested in applying for a career with Aldi can visit:

www.aldirecruitment.co.uk.

Edinburgh shopper Ame scoops over £1200 for local foodbank at Aldi Supermarket Sweep

The winner of Aldi’s Supermarket Sweep in Edinburgh has raised £1,256.02 for a local foodbank while picking up over £600 in Aldi favourites for herself.  

Aldi’s popular Supermarket Sweep recently arrived in Edinburgh and lucky shopper Ame Robertson, who was chosen as the winner of an in-store competition, took part in the five-minute trolley dash for charity on Wednesday 22 June.  

As well as taking home a trolley full of goodies, Ame successfully found the hidden inflatable in store, meaning Aldi Scotland doubled the total value of her haul and donated the lump sum to her nominated charity, Edinburgh City Mission.  

Aldi Supermarket Sweep winner, Ame Robertson, said: “I was surprised to be drawn to take part in the sweep, as I’m not usually that lucky.

“The five minutes passed really quickly, but I am very pleased with what I was able to pick up and the amount that was donated to the food bank, especially in these challenging times.

“Thank you to Aldi again, I had the best time!” 

Duncan Cuthill, CEO, Edinburgh City Mission, said: “We are very pleased to have been chosen as the recipient for money raise through the Supermarket Sweep at Aldi Hermiston Gait. The cost-of-living crisis is a daily reality for all of us, but it is having the biggest impact of lower income families.  

“Our Foodbank+ network of seven foodbanks in and around Edinburgh has seen a big increase in the number of people who are in crisis and need short-term food support this year. 

“We are grateful to our volunteers who provide a warm welcome and friendship in each Foodbank+ and to our many donors who enable us to provide food and other household essentials.  Thank you once again to Aldi Hermiston Gait for the support.

 Richard Holloway, Regional Managing Director for Scotland, said: “We are proud that the Aldi Supermarket Sweep is a firm favourite across the country, and we are so pleased to bring it back this year.

“Congratulations to Ame who managed to raise an incredible £1,256.02 for Edinburgh City Mission and snap up a whole load of Aldi treats for herself.” 

An Aldi for Drylaw?

Aldi is on the hunt for new store locations in Edinburgh as part of its rapid expansion drive. The priority areas where it is looking include Bonnyrigg and Drylaw.

Aldi, which already has more than 960 stores across the UK, is looking for freehold town-centre or edge-of-town sites that are around 1.5 acres.

Each site should be able to accommodate a 20,000 sq foot store with around 100 parking spaces. Ideally the location will be near a main road with good visibility and access.

The UK’s fifth-largest supermarket even offers a finder’s fee for people who recommend a site, including members of the public – which is either 1.5% of a freehold price or 10% of the first year’s rent for leasehold sites.

George Brown, National Property Director at Aldi UK, said: “By opening more Aldi stores, we can provide affordable, high-quality food to even more people.

“But despite our growth in recent years, some people still don’t have access to a local store, which is why it is our mission to continue on with our ambitious plans and change that.

“Our finder’s fee is available to anyone who can find Aldi an appropriate site so we’d encourage people to share any suitable suggestions and get it touch.”

Aldi Scotland returns to the Royal Highland Show with more Scottish suppliers than ever before

Aldi Scotland is returning to the Royal Highland Show with its biggest presence ever as it continues to bolster its support of local Scottish suppliers.  

After a two-year hiatus, this year’s Royal Highland Show will celebrate its 200th anniversary, returning to Ingliston to showcase the best of Scotland’s food, farming, and rural life.  

To mark the occasion, Aldi Scotland will showcase 22 of its popular suppliers from all over the country, giving visitors the chance to try a range of Scotland’s best quality products; from Angus Soft Fruits’ delicious Scottish berries (above) to a variety of Robertson’s Fine Foods’ Specially Selected Sausages. A selection of Brownings the Bakers’ most-loved meat and vegetable pies and baked goods will also be on offer.

Visitors to the Aldi Scotland marquee can also try locally produced Scottish Buffalo Mozzarella following the retailer’s recent deal with Fife-based The Buffalo Farm.

Made from the milk of grass-fed water buffalo, which are selected from the best herds across Europe, The Buffalo Farm’s Mozzarella is sumptuously creamy, full of flavour, and has a wonderfully soft texture.  

The popular budget retailer, which was named the UK’s Cheapest Supermarket in 2021 by Which?, is renowned for its relationship with Scottish suppliers and championing of local produce. Aldi Scotland currently works with over 90 local suppliers, stocking 450 Scottish products, and is constantly on the lookout to bring more of Scotland’s vibrant food and drink industry to its 102 Scottish stores.  

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “The Royal Highland Show is a huge event in the Aldi Scotland calendar, and one that we have really missed over the past couple of years. Everyone is looking forward to returning this year and celebrating the very best produce that Scotland has to offer.  

“At Aldi Scotland, we are incredibly proud of the strong relationships we have developed with our Scottish suppliers over the years which allow us to consistently provide exceptionally high-quality products at everyday low prices.  

“I am so pleased to be welcoming back visitors to our stand this year and am grateful to our suppliers who allow us to showcase the very best of Scotland’s larder.”  

This year’s Royal Highland Show runs from Thursday 23rd June until Sunday 26th June at Ingliston, Edinburgh.

Aldi launches new own brand gin

Toradh Seville Orange Floured Gin hits shelves for just £14.99

Aldi Scotland is adding to its range of own brand premium gin, with the addition of the new Toradh (pronounced Tor-ig) Seville Orange Flavour Gin.

Hitting shelves across all 102 Aldi Scotland stores, it is the latest Scottish gin to be offered by the value supermarket selling for just £14.99 for a 70cl bottle.

The perfect way to be-gin summer, the new addition to the Toradh range is a rich and vibrant gin, bursting with flavour. Boasting notes of light lemongrass and a delicate, floral orange blossom, when topped with ice and a cold splash of Ridge Valley Tonic Water (500ml, £0.99) customers get an incredibly smooth and delightful G&T with a fruity twist.

The Seville Orange Flavoured Gin is the sixth edition in Aldi Scotland’s own brand premium Toradh range, which also includes Plum and Pink Grapefruit Gin; Tropical Gin and the classic Original Gin, meaning Scots shoppers have an incredible selection to choose from.

The range is inspired by Scotland’s natural landscapes and its world-class larder. ‘Toradh’, meaning ‘produce’ in Gaelic, celebrates Scotland’s fertile lands and the abundance of fine ingredients grown here. 

Aldi Scotland pride themselves in working with a wide range of Scottish suppliers who are passionate about bringing the best of Scotland’s vibrant food and drink industry to their customers. 

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland said: “Our Toradh Gin range is already incredibly popular, and the Seville Orange Flavour Gin will make the perfect addition to the collection.

“It is an incredibly refreshing drink, bursting with flavour and vibrant notes, that is sure to delight our customers.

“Scotland has such a rich abundance of fresh ingredients, which is almost unmatched by any other country in the world.   Our Toradh range was created in homage to our land and to the fresh produce grown here, and we are fortunate to work with such a high calibre of suppliers to bring it to shelves.”

You can find you nearest Aldi here.

Aldi Scotland’s Toradh Gin Range includes:

  • Toradh Seville Orange Flavoured Gin (£14.99, 70cl)
  • Toradh Plum and Pink Grapefruit Gin (£14.99, 70cl)
  • Toradh Tropical Gin (£14.99, 70cl)
  • Toradh Original Gin (£14.99, 70cl)
  • Toradh Scottish Premium Pink Gin (£14.99, 70cl)
  • Toradh Rhubarb and Ginger Gin (£14.99, 70cl)
  • Toradh Tropical Martini Ready to Drink Cocktail (£1.49, 250ml)
  • Toradh Citrus Gin Fizz Ready to Drink Cocktail (£1.49, 250ml)
  • Toradh Fruit Gin Bramble Ready to Drink Cocktail (£1.49, 250ml) 
  • Toradh Rhubarb Gin Fizz Ready to Drink Cocktail (£1.49, 250ml)
  • Toradh Rhubarb and Ginger Scottish Gin Liqueur (£8.99, 50cl)
  • Toradh Raspberry Scottish Gin Liqueur (£8.99, 50cl)

‘Mortons Rolls worthy of more than a Lorne’, says top chef Gary Maclean – and Aldi agrees

This week Masterchef winner and acclaimed Scottish chef, Gary Maclean, made an outstanding claim that ‘masterpiece’ Mortons rolls were deserving of more than just a classic lorne sausage, and Aldi Scotland agrees.  

Adding to the debate, the leading value supermarket has lined up three of its top selling products it thinks are worthy of Scotland’s favourite crispy roll. 

Nature’s Glen Scotch Beef Rump Steak 30 Day Matured 255 – £3.79 

Nothing says ‘upgrade’ more than a steak, and at everyday amazing Aldi prices it’s a top contender for a Mortons sarnie.  

This prime cut is the perfect substitute for your slice, and at only £3.79 shoppers are not picking between price and quality. 

Finesse with a dash of mustard to create your Mortons A La Mode.  

Macaulay’s Smoked Ham Hough 850g – £2.75 

Smokey, succulent and sweet, this Macaulay’s Ham Hough falls off the bone, creating a filling worthy of Scotland’s top chef. The producer is one of 90 Scottish suppliers working with Aldi to bring the best of Scotland’s larder to it’s customers. 

Even better, its big enough to feed 4, meaning the whole family can enjoy.  


The Fishmonger Marinated Gravadlax with Sweet Mustard & Dill Dressing – £1.99 

Aldi Smoked Salmon slices which come in a punchy, yet light mustard and dill dressing, are the perfect posh bite for those looking for some ‘roll reversal’. 

For just £1.99, it will add a layer of luxury to your lunch for no more than the cost of a roll at your local van. 

You can find you nearest Aldi here.