Offaly bakery among this year's 'Grow with Aldi' finalists

Tullamore company O'Donohue's Bakery has been named as one of the 30 finalists of this year's 'Grow with Aldi' initiative.

It means the Kilcruttin-based bakery will have its products stocked in 164 Aldi stores nationwide from September 11.

O'Donohue's and the other finalists will see their products appearing in Aldi stores for a two-week period, with the supermarket chain stating that this would give "customers across the island of Ireland a chance to enjoy the taste of Offaly".

The business was started by Cathal O'Donohue, a third generation master baker from Mayo, who came to Tullamore in 1989 with his wife Frances and their four children to pursue his dream of opening his own bakery.

O’Donohues' premium hand-crafted yeast and soda breads have been winning Great Taste awards since 2008.

The products set to be stocked by Aldi are its Penny Loaf Irish Soda Bread (€3.99) and Penny Loaf White Bread (€3.99), both of which are "easy, convenient and promise to bring a taste of Irish tradition to your table," Aldi stated.

Delivered in partnership with Bord Bia, 'Grow with Aldi' is now in its eighth 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 has invested over €10 million into the programme, helping elevate Irish-made products to new levels of success.

Speaking about the finalists of Grow with Aldi 2025 programme, Rachael O’Connor, buying director with the retail chain, said: "With 30 suppliers and 54 new products set to hit shelves, it is proof that the Irish food and drinks industry continues to thrive.

"We greatly look forward to welcoming these fantastic new products into stores nationwide - our shoppers are in for a real treat!"