Co Wexford business chosen as finalist of coveted Grow with ALDI competition

Barbecue Cowboys have secured their spot as a Grow with ALDI finalist with their authentic smoky flavours of Barbecue Cowboys Pulled Pork and Beef Brisket with BBQ Beans for €3.99.

Barbecue Cowboy’s Pulled Pork and Beef Brisket with BBQ Beans will be sold in ALDI stores nationwide for a two week period starting from Thursday May 23.

Barbecue Cowboys is the brainchild of Jason Keating, who loves American-style smoking. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to share our products with customers nationwide as part of the Grow with ALDI programme and are so excited to embark on this new journey for our business,” said Jason Keating of Barbecue Cowboys.

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 into Irish-made products.

This year's Grow with ALDI finalists hail from 18 diverse counties and showcase a variety of innovative products.

The lineup of finalists includes everything from BBQ meats and plant-based mayo to sweet and salty snacks as well as 0.0% alcohol options. Each finalist was chosen for their dedication, the quality of their offerings, and their entrepreneurial spirit. These entrepreneurs exemplify 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.  

"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 May 23, 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,” said Rachael O’Connor, ALDI Buying Director while speaking about the finalists of the Grow with ALDI 2024 programme.