A Melton business will be showcased to millions next week as it features on Channel 4's new show 'Aldi's Next Big Thing'.
Known locally for his cracking samosas and upbeat singing campaigns and branded tuktuk, Samosa Wallah is hoping to beat fellow producers to become Aldi's next big thing.
The samosa producer and local businessman was chosen from over 400 other suppliers who applied for the chance to pitch their produce to one of the UK's largest supermarket chains.
Aldi are continuing its commitment to British suppliers with the launch of ‘Aldi’s Next Big Thing’, a brand-new Channel 4 TV series that sees the supermarket uncover and stock exciting new products from the UK’s best small food and drink businesses – propelling them into the big time.
The programme 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.
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, including Melton's Samosa Wallah.
Samosa Wallah told NEMM: " I'm very proud to be short selected from over 400 suppliers to the last 6 in the deli section of Aldi's "next best thing" 's program for UK small local suppliers.
Aldi is an incredibly lean efficient retailer who do not put a large margin on a product to cover their impressive distribution and retail network."
Presenter Anita Rani, Julie Ashfield Aldi's Managing Director of Buying and Presenter Chris Bavin will get their hands on a very very tastee samosa in next week's show. Photo: Aldi/Channel 4
Each of the winning products will appear as a Specialbuy in over 970 Aldi stores nationwide, coinciding with the episode airing.
Chris Bavin said: “As a former greengrocer, I jumped at the chance to be part of this programme which takes small businesses and offers them life changing opportunities. The trials and tribulations of running your own company, especially in the current climate, are all made worthwhile when a large retailer like Aldi recognises the accomplishments.”
Samosa Walah is a regular at Melton events and will be on Channel 4 next week. Photo: NEMM
The multi-category competition is part of Aldi’s ongoing commitment to locally sourced products. Aldi has pledged to prioritise home-grown suppliers as it works towards spending an additional £3.5 billion a year with British businesses by the end of 2025.
Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, added: “More than three quarters of our sales come from British suppliers, and we are constantly exploring ways in which we can further support small local businesses. To be able to offer a platform to showcase new food and drink products to the nation is incredibly exciting.
Producers from across the UK will compete to win a space in Aldi's 'Specialbuys' section. Photo: Aldi/Channel 4
Will the famous Samosa Wallah tuk tuk be big enough to cope with Aldi's demands? Will Aldi help Samosa Wallah to become a major UK supplier of samosas? Tune in on Thursday to find out. The programme airs Thursday 10th November at 8pm on Channel 4.
If you are local and want some Samosa Wallah samosas to enjoy, simply text the Samosa Wallah himself on 07921 291711 or email badasahib@samosa-wallah.com.
Otherwise look out for him this Saturday in the Melton Market, The Chocfest next weekend, East Leake market, Melton Mowbray Christmas market in December.
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