Liverpool business The Fermentation Station to feature on Channel 4 programme 'Aldi’s Next Big Thing'

Aldi has launched a new Channel 4 TV series that sees the supermarket uncover and stock new products from the UK’s best small food and drink businesses – potentially propelling them into the big time, and one of our very own indie businesses are going to feature.

Aldi’s Next Big Thing, which started on Thursday, October 20, is hosted by Anita Rani, of Countryfile and BBC Radio 4 and Chris Bavin, of Britain’s Best Home Cook and Eat Well for Less and The Fermentation Station will feature.

Amy & Sam at The Fermentation Station said: “We are so excited to finally be able to announce The Fermentation Station’s feature on the new Channel 4 programme, Aldi’s Next Big Thing. We are still such a new brand, so to be chosen to pitch in front of Aldi’s Managing Director of Buying is a huge opportunity.”

The Fermentation Station is willing to put its innovative food & drink to the test. The food & drink business is based in Merseyside & was founded by local couple Amy Yarker & Sam Watson during the 2020 pandemic. They are purveyors of fermented food & drinks which are small-batch, gut-loving and sustainably focused. Less than two years since launching The Fermentation Station has gone from strength to strength with their award-winning bread and butter pickles & sauerkraut being one of their most sought-after products. Now they’re taking on new heights with the potential of stocking over 970 Aldi stores, nationwide.

Amy & Sam added: “We had such a wonderful time getting to see the inner workings of Aldi HQ and meet several other businesses with a passion for food. Each episode features six small businesses pitch for a life changing contract with Aldi.

“The Fermentation Station were placed with the ‘Healthy & Wholesome’ category where we pitched our Roast Dinner Kimchi and showcased the rest of our amazing range of fermented food & drink. The six businesses get shortlisted down to four and then down to two, with the final two businesses undergoing more scrutiny to see if they make the cut for Aldi. You’ll just have to watch to find out the outcome”

Viewers will see Aldi behind the scenes for the first time ever, as thirty-six suppliers visit the supermarket’s headquarters to showcase their products to Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying. From dinner and baked goods to store cupboard essentials and delicious treats, each episode will see the panel deliberate on factors such as price, packaging, customer demand, and the ability to scale up, as it whittles six products down to two.

The two finalists then have four weeks to work on Julie’s feedback, before returning to Aldi with their new and improved products, to learn who has won the biggest contract of their lives.

But will The Fermentation Station win the contract? You’ll just have to tune in to Channel 4, November 3 at 8.00pm, to find out!