supermarkets – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Supertato author surprises Edinburgh pupils with special storytelling session

Paul Linnet, co-creator of the popular Supertato series of children’s books, visited pupils at Stenhouse Primary School to read to pupils.
Each child received a signed book to take home, while the school’s library received 96 books donated by Paul and his publisher, Simon & Schuster Children’s Books.
The visit was arranged by Tesco as part of its National Year of Reading and Fruit & Veg campaigns.

Paul Linnet, the co-creator of the popular children’s book series Supertato, delighted pupils at Stenhouse Primary School in Edinburgh with a special storytelling session, encouraging their love of stories and reading.

The author recently visited P1 and P2 pupils at the school to read his latest book, Supertato: Despicable Bean, and share his love of stories with the young audience.

Thanks to Paul and his publisher, Simon & Schuster Children’s Books, each child also received a signed copy of the book to take home, with an additional 96 assorted Supertato books donated to the school’s library.

The visit was arranged by Tesco as part of its National Year of Reading campaign, which aims to encourage children to discover a love of reading.

The Supertato series follows the adventures of a superhero potato who uses his ‘potato powers’ to save his fellow vegetables. The series has sold over 1.8 million copies in the UK and is now a CBBC series.

Emily Sinclair, Headteacher at Stenhouse Primary School said: “As a school we were delighted to be selected, through Tesco’s Fruit for Schools initiative, to welcome Paul Linnet in to share his love of stories and vegetables with our children.

“This has been a wonderful experience for our children which has created a real enthusiasm for reading in the classroom. The children have loved reading and learning through Paul’s stories and engaging characters and they have been inspired to write their own stories based on Supertato.

“They have also become very enthusiastic about vegetables and the fun that can be had turning them into various characters.”

Timothy Hammertson, Lead Buying Manager on Books at Tesco said: “We’re delighted to have helped bring Paul Linnet and his Supertato stories to Stenhouse Primary School to inspire children to discover the joys of books, stories and reading.

“It was fantastic to hear that pupils loved the visit and were hugely excited to receive their very own signed copy to keep

“Reading is a brilliant way to spark children’s imaginations, and initiatives like this help bring books to life while encouraging a love of reading from an early age.”

Stenhouse Primary School is also actively involved in Tesco’s Fruit & Veg for Schools campaign, which provides fruit and vegetables to pupils to help them discover healthy eating habits.

The latest book, Supertato: Despicable Bean, is currently featured in Tesco’s Kids Summer Reading Stack, which is available in 400 stores across the UK until 16 September. This initiative is part of the chain’s Go All In campaign, which aims to help get younger children into reading as part of the National Year of Reading.

Aldi donates 24,039 meals to Edinburgh charities over school summer holidays

Aldi stores across Edinburgh donated 24,039 meals to charities, foodbanks and community organisations across the UK throughout the recent school summer holidays.

The donations took the number of meals redistributed by Aldi in 2026 from more than 8.8 million before the school holidays to 10.9 million – an increase of 24%.

Aldi has worked with Neighbourly since 2019 to redistribute surplus food from its stores to charities and community organisations across the UK.

Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “There’s no reason for good food to go to waste when it can be put to use by organisations supporting their local communities.

“Our stores redistribute surplus food throughout the year, giving local charities a regular source of food they can use to support the people who rely on them.”

Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, added: “For many of the organisations we work with, summer doesn’t mean demand eases off. The school holidays can bring an additional pressure, as families face higher food costs and children who usually receive free school meals may not have the same access to support during the holidays.

“Regular surplus food donations give charities something practical they can use straight away, helping them keep shelves stocked and respond to what people in their communities need.”

Shoppers in Edinburgh can also donate food and everyday essentials to local charities, foodbanks and community groups through community donation points in Aldi stores nationwide.

Aldi also works with Company Shop to redistribute surplus food from its Regional Distribution Centres.

Tesco brings its ‘Best Night In’ roadshow to Edinburgh

Tesco is bringing its ‘Best Night In’ roadshow to Edinburgh this month giving shoppers the chance to sample food and win prizes.

The roadshow will be visiting Edinburgh Corstorphine Extra on Tuesday the 22^nd of September, giving shoppers the chance to sample the perfect snacks and drinks for an evening at home at a special Best Night In living room set up in the store car park.

Shoppers will also get the chance to take part in an interactive game to win Best Night In prizes from Tesco.

Tesco UK Marketing Director Murray Bisschop said: “As we head into autumn, more and more of our customers will be looking forward to a cosy night in and we want to help shoppers across Great Britain with everything you need to make the most of those autumn evenings indoors.”

As part of the Best Night In activity millions of Tesco Clubcard members have already received free coupons for fresh Tesco Finest pizzas that can be redeemed in Tesco stores and online through its popular Freebie Thursday’s scheme.

Tesco is also offering the chance for 50 shoppers to win a Best Night In tech bundle worth £10,000, including an up to 98” 4K TCL television, a Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar, a PlayStation 5, a Nintendo Switch 2, a Sony Bluetooth turntable, a £2,500 furniture voucher, and £1,000 to spend at Tesco.

To qualify customers just need to spend in £25 in a qualifying transaction at Tesco in-store or online until October 4^th*.

Scotmid kicks off search for Scotland’s next food and drink favourites

Scotmid has begun its search to find the next Scottish Favourites, giving shoppers the chance to discover more locally sourced products in stores and helping Scottish producers reach new communities.

Producers from across the country are being invited to put their products forward for the chance to secure a place on Scotmid’s shelves, with applications now open to producers across a wide range of food and drink categories.

Scotmid has teamed up with Scotland Food & Drink for the 2026 Scottish Favourites competition, giving Scottish food and drink businesses an opportunity to bring their products to new customers through Scotmid stores, while helping shoppers discover more locally made products in their own communities.

The competition is turning up a notch this year. Scottish suppliers now have a chance to win one of three Gold Awards, with these lucky winners receiving both a listing in Scotmid stores and a £2,000 monetary prize to support their launch.

Scotmid Members will have the opportunity to decide on one of the Gold Award winners too and will be invited to taste and score products from all 12 shortlisted suppliers, with their highest-scoring product receiving the Member Gold Award.

Previous winners have seen a significant impact from taking part. Three Robins founder, Karen Robinson, said winning a listing for the company’s oat milk range had allowed the business to “double our distribution overnight, making our products available to families all across Scotland.”

Danny Scobie, Head of Commercial at Scotmid, said: “Scottish Favourites has become a great way for us to discover exciting products and producers from across Scotland, while giving businesses a real opportunity to get their products in front of more customers.

“We’ve seen the difference a Scotmid listing can make for previous winners. We want to hear from producers of all shapes and sizes – whether you’re an emerging business ready to take the next step or an established producer with something new for our customers.

“Scotland has an incredible food and drink sector, and we’re looking forward to discovering the products that could become our customers’ next Scottish favourites. As a community retailer, we know how much customers value local choice, and this competition is one way we can help bring more of Scotland’s best products into the heart of our communities.”

The launch coincides with Scottish Food & Drink September, the annual celebration of the people, products and businesses behind Scotland’s food and drink sector.

Alex Kidd, UK Market Manager – Retail at Scotland Food & Drink, said: ““We’re delighted to be partnering with Scotmid for the fifth consecutive year, providing Scottish food and drink businesses with a valuable platform to access the convenience retail market and raise awareness of their products.

“Scottish Food and Drink September is all about celebrating our vibrant and diverse food and drink industry, so it’s fantastic to have the Scottish Favourites competition launched as part of our month-long campaign.

“From innovative start-ups to well-established brands seeking to expand their retail presence, competitions such as Scottish Favourites play a vital role in supporting growth by helping producers build meaningful retail relationships, increase visibility, and take the next step in their business journey.”

Applications are now open to Scottish food and drink producers and close at 11.30am on Friday 16 October.

Find out more and apply:

https://foodanddrink.scot/events-and-membership/events/scotmids-scottish-favourites-2026

https://fs22.formsite.com/scotfooddrink/0ardbwq6s0/index

Edinburgh Scotmid colleague celebrates 35 years from shopfloor to senior role

From part-time store roles to senior leadership, four Scotmid colleagues are marking career milestones that together span more than 110 years.

Their journeys highlight how one of Scotland’s leading convenience retailers continues to grow talent from within, creating long-term career paths across stores, operations, HR and learning and development.

Today, each continues to support colleagues, strengthen the business and help shape the next stage of Scotmid’s growth.

For Lynne MacGillivray, the journey started in March 1991 in what was then known as a ‘shelf filler’ role at Scotmid’s South Queensferry store while she was still at school.

More than 35 years later, Lynne is now a senior member of Scotmid’s HR team, having spent the past two decades supporting and developing colleagues across the business.

Lynne said: “I never expected to stay as long as I have, but Scotmid’s variety of opportunities and strong community values made it somewhere I wanted to build my career.

“Seeing colleagues build confidence, progress and achieve their potential has been one of the most rewarding parts of my role.”

Kevin Lowe joined Scotmid in April 2001 as a Regional Business Manager.

Over the last 25 years, he has supported significant change across the business, including major acquisitions, business transformation projects and the growth of Scotmid’s store estate.

Reflecting on his time with Scotmid, Kevin said: “When I first started, we had around 50 stores, four Regional Business Managers and the bones of an expansion plan.

“Today, we have more than 180 stores and a custom-built Head Office. It has been a fantastic growth journey, both personally and professionally, to be part of.”

Following Scotmid’s acquisition of Morning Noon & Night in 2004, Jane Burns joined Airdrie’s Scotmid store as an experienced manager. Since then, she has progressed through compliance, training and learning and development roles and is now a Lead Learning & Development Consultant, helping colleagues build successful careers of their own.

Jane said: “I quickly saw that Scotmid genuinely puts people first. The care, compassion and empathy shown during the transition made a lasting impression.

“What has kept me here is our people. I feel fortunate to support colleagues as they grow, progress and build careers of their own.”

While studying Business and Information Management at university, Lynne Hedger joined Scotmid 25 years ago as a Customer Service Assistant. What began as a part-time job developed into a career spanning store management, change management and major business projects. Today, Lynne is Head of Central Operations and a member of Scotmid’s Retail Leadership Team.

Reflecting on her Scotmid journey, she said: “I did not expect to stay after completing my degree, but I quickly got the retail bug.

“The people, progression opportunities and support within the Society have shaped my career, with numerous mentors guiding and encouraging me along the way.”

Margaret Anne Clark, Chief Operating Officer – Services at Scotmid, said: “All four of these incredible colleagues have each made an outstanding contribution and commitment to Scotmid over many years.

“They have helped serve customers, support colleagues and guide the business through periods of growth and change. Their stories demonstrate the opportunities that exist within Scotmid and the difference people can make when they build a career with us.

“We’re incredibly grateful for their commitment and proud to celebrate their milestones.”

Together, their stories reflect Scotmid’s long-standing commitment to developing colleagues, recognising loyalty and creating careers that grow with the business.

Aldi calls on families in Scotland to apply for it’s new Superfam Pass

Families in Scotland can now apply to get their hands on Aldi’s brand-new Superfam Pass, which offers one lucky household a full year of free groceries

 Aldi is launching a Superfam Pass to give one lucky household a full year of free groceries.  

Britain’s biggest discounter is on the lookout for a household of devoted Aldi shoppers, offering them the chance to have a year’s shopping covered.  

The winning household will receive Aldi’s exclusive Superfam Pass, which offers £800 worth of free shopping every month across the year – totalling £9,600 – with the lucky winner able to shop everything from weekly essentials and fresh favourites to those iconic middle-aisle finds.  

The Superfam Pass holders will also receive a whole host of Specialbuys tailored to their household, from toys and activities to homeware and garden equipment worth £400 as part of the prize, helping to keep the whole household stocked up throughout the year.  

How to apply

Aldi is calling on households in Scotland to explain why they would make a brilliant first-ever Aldi Superfam. Whether you’re a busy household that plans every meal around the weekly Aldi shop or you’ve turned the middle aisle into a weekend tradition, Britain’s biggest discounter wants to hear your story.  

To enter, email ALDISuperfam@aldi.co.uk with your family or household members’ names, ages, location and why they deserve to be named Aldi’s Superfam.  

Rachel Geary, Communications Director at Aldi UK, said: “The weekly shop is a big part of the household budget, so imagine being able to take it off your list of expenses for an entire year.

“That’s what we want to give one household with our first-ever Superfam Pass – £800 to spend at Aldi every month for 12 months, plus a few Specialbuy surprises along the way.

“At a time when households are looking for every opportunity to make their budgets stretch further, we hope taking care of the weekly shop will make a real difference to our winners.”

The deadline for entries is Monday 21st September at 11:59pm and the winning household will be contacted by Monday 5th October 2026.

Terms and conditions apply.

For full T&Cs, visit: https://www.aldipresscentre.co.uk/aldi-terms-and-conditions-superfam-pass-competition/

Aldi store is one of Edinburgh’s most unexpected Tripadvisor attractions

Aldi Portobello set to welcome visitors from around the world after being recognised as an authentic food and drink destination, with hundreds of Scottish products on its shelves.

As millions of visitors descend on Edinburgh for this summer’s Fringe, Aldi is preparing to welcome festival-goers in search of an authentic Scottish food experience.

The Aldi Portobello store has become one of the only supermarkets in Scotland to feature among Edinburgh’s top Things To Do on Tripadvisor, putting it alongside many of the capital’s most iconic visitor attractions.

Recognised for its extensive range with hundreds of Scottish food and drink products, the store is becoming an unlikely foodie destination for international and UK visitors keen to taste the very best of Scotland.

In 2026, Aldi topped the National Farmers Union (NFU)’s largest-ever supermarket shelf study for Scottish own-label sourcing, with an average of 65% Scottish-origin products, significantly ahead of other major retailers.

Aldi’s extensive range offers festival-goers the chance to discover produce from some of the country’s best-loved suppliers, including ice cream from Equi’s made with Scottish milk and cream, locally grown berries from Angus Soft Fruits and baked favourites from Brownings, making the Portobello store an unexpected but distinctly Scottish addition to the Fringe itinerary.

To celebrate its new Things To Do status, visitors can also pick up one of Aldi’s limited-edition Edinburgh Fringe postcards for free giving festival-goers a fun way to share their favourite memories and foodie discoveries with friends and family, while inspiring others to experience Edinburgh and its vibrant food scene for themselves.

Alan Leslie, Buying Director at Aldi Scotland said: “The Edinburgh Fringe welcomes millions of visitors from around the world each year, and for many, trying Scotland’s fantastic food and drink is an essential part of the experience.

“We’re proud to work with so many Scottish suppliers to bring high-quality local produce to our shelves, so it’s fantastic that our Portobello store has been listed as somewhere visitors can enjoy an authentic taste of Scotland.

“Whether people are stopping by to sample some of Scotland’s finest produce, picking up essentials before a show or sending one of our limited-edition postcards home to share the excitement of the Fringe, we’re looking forward to welcoming festival visitors through our doors.”

Aldi Scotland has an ongoing commitment to championing Scottish producers, with the supermarket working with a range of local suppliers and investing millions in Scotland’s food and drink industry every year.

To explore Aldi’s Scottish produce, visit: Best of Scotland | ALDI UK

Visit Aldi’s Tripadvisor page at: ALDI (Edinburgh, Scotland): Address, Phone Number – Tripadvisor

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.”

Aldi Scotland brings Supermarket Sweep to Edinburgh & the Lothians in support of CHAS

Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep is back for another year, giving shoppers in Edinburgh & the Lothians the chance to raise vital funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).

Inspired by the iconic game show, the high-energy challenge is set to bring a buzz to the aisles, offering one lucky EH postcode holder the chance to race through their local Aldi store in Edinburgh & the Lothians and fill the trolley with their favourite products.

Now in its eleventh year, the initiative has raised over £60,000 for charities across Scotland.

First launched in 2016, the Supermarket Sweep invites participants to take part in a five-minute trolley dash, collecting as many items as possible before the clock runs out. Once time is called, the winner takes home their haul, while Aldi matches the total value as a donation to CHAS.

Each year, CHAS supports more than 500 babies, children and young people across Scotland with life-shortening conditions, along with their families. In 2026, every penny raised through Aldi’s Supermarket Sweep will go directly to the charity, with £10,000 pledged in support.

This April, CHAS launched its £20 million More Than A Hospice appeal, a once in a generation opportunity to transform children’s palliative care across Scotland and redesign how the country cares for children with life‑shortening conditions and their families.

The appeal will fund the crucial rebuilding and refreshing of CHAS’s hospices, alongside 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.

Residents in Edinburgh & the Lothians can apply to take part in the Supermarket Sweep from Monday 11 May – Sunday 24 May.

Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “We are proud to once again be partnering with CHAS, following the success of last year’s Supermarket Sweep campaign.

“It is always a highlight to bring this initiative to communities across Scotland, and we’re looking forward to giving one lucky Edinburgh & the Lothians resident the chance to enjoy a truly unique supermarket experience.

“CHAS is a charity very close to our hearts, providing vital support to families across the country. As the Supermarket Sweep returns for 2026, we are pleased to once again raise important funds and awareness for the incredible work they do.”

Iain McAndrew, Director of Income Generation and Engagement, CHAS said: “Last year’s partnership with Aldi Scotland was a huge success, with the team going above and beyond to raise vital funds and awareness through its Supermarket Sweep and a range of generous initiatives.

“That support has had a real impact on the families we care for and means so much to everyone involved.

“This year, we have really ambitious plans. Our bold £20 million More Than A Hospice appeal comes at a critical time and will allow CHAS to meet rising pressure on children’s palliative care services by transforming how Scotland cares for its most vulnerable children and families.

“Across Scotland, we support babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions, as well as their families, through a range of services including specialist palliative care, respite stays, emotional support and bereavement care.

“Every contribution makes a difference, and we are incredibly grateful to Aldi Scotland and everyone taking part for helping us reach more children and families across the country.”

Entry is free and customers can apply by emailing their name and chosen store to supermarketsweep@aldi.co.uk before Sunday 24 May.

Further details and full T&Cs can be found at: https://www.aldi.co.uk/supermarketsweep

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

https://www.chas.org.uk/

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. 