Local food business secures its spot as Grow with ALDI finalist

Among this year’s 27 finalists in ALDI's Grow with ALDI competition is Tullamore-based business BiaSol founded by Ballykeeran natives Niamh and Ruairi Dooley.

BiaSol will see their products go on sale in ALDI stores nationwide for a two-week period starting May 23.

Offaly's BiaSol marries innovation with sustainability in their nutritious Oat Bar Multipack, €3.99. Founded by siblings Niamh and Ruairi, BiaSol turns a creative eye towards reducing food waste by transforming brewers' spent grains into wholesome, tasty snack options.

Speaking about being selected as a finalist for this year’s Grow with ALDI competition, Ruairi said: "We are thrilled to have the chance to share our product with ALDI customers nationwide and can’t thank ALDI enough for the support and expertise they have provided since beginning our Grow with ALDI journey.”

BiaSol was set up by Niamh Dooley and Ruairi Dooley in July 2020, as a way of combating food wastage, improving nutrition and bringing their family closer together. BiaSol upcycles brewers spent grain, a by-product of craft beer, into functional grains and baking mixes. These products are high in protein and fibre, full of calcium and B-Vitamins, iron, and zinc, and are locally made in Offaly.

Encouraged by the rapid growth of craft brewing across Ireland, they launched BiaSol based around the concept of repurposing brewers’ spent grain, a by-product of the industry that accounts for 85% of all brewing waste and using it to create a range of nutritious zero waste products.

Delivered in partnership with Bord Bia, Grow with ALDI is now in its seventh year and is a leading developmental platform for Irish suppliers. The programme provides invaluable industry mentorship and retail guidance, aimed at fostering the growth and sustainability of small to medium-sized Irish businesses. Since its inception in 2018, ALDI’s initiative has invested over €10 million, propelling Irish-made products to new heights.

Speaking about the finalists of Grow with ALDI 2024 programme, ALDI Buying Director, Rachael O’Connor, said: "The passion and creativity of this year's applicants is a testament to the calibre of talent working and innovating in the Irish food and drink space today. ALDI takes great pride in supporting and promoting small Irish businesses and on 23rd May, 27 new Irish produced products will hit shelves as part of the initiative. Customer enthusiasm is crucial for the success of these products in the Grow with ALDI program, so don’t miss your chance to explore and purchase your favourites in stores nationwide!”

This year's Grow with ALDI finalists hail from 18 diverse counties and showcase a bold array of innovative products. The line-up includes everything from succulent BBQ meats and plant-based mayo to delightful sweet and salty snacks and sophisticated 0.0% alcohol options, offering a treasure trove of discoveries. Chosen for their dedication, the quality of their offerings, and their entrepreneurial spirit, these pioneers exemplify the vibrant creativity and fearless innovation flourishing across Ireland today, embodying the finest of Irish ingenuity.

Following the initial promotion, a handful of winners will be chosen to avail of further opportunities with ALDI earning them coveted seasonal contracts with the retailer and enabling them to further scale their business and allowing ALDI to expand their ever-growing range of local Irish producers.

For additional information about the Grow with ALDI initiative, visit www.aldi.ie/grow Also, make sure to look out for this year's finalists’ products in stores starting Thursday, May 23. Get ready to discover what these innovative creators have to offer!