Digital Media Centre

ALDI TO SELL OVER 1,500 TONNES OF IRISH-GROWN STRAWBERRIES IN 2021

Dublin-based Sunglow Nurseries opens new €1.2m environmentally friendly glasshouse extension

Aldi will sell more than 1,500 tonnes of Irish-grown Bord Bia Quality Assured strawberries this year across its 146 Irish stores, representing an increase 15% on 2020. Sunglow Nurseries based in Rush, Co. Dublin are supplying Aldi’s Irish strawberries.

As a direct result of Aldi’s long-term partnership with Sunglow Nurseries, the North Dublin producer has been able to invest €1.2M in a new 0.7 hectares extension of its glasshouse facilities.

The new glasshouse extension will see Sunglow Nurseries introduce a series of sustainable production processes across its operations.

All rainwater from the glasshouse roof will be collected and reused to irrigate the plants, while up to 25% of carbon emissions from the heating system will be captured and pumped back into the glasshouse to help plant growth, reducing the grower’s carbon footprint. The new glasshouse will enable Sunglow Nurseries to increase its output capacity by 17%, creating 10 new jobs.

Commenting, John Curtin, Aldi Group Buying Director said: “For Aldi shoppers, buying Irish produce is always their first choice. We are delighted to offer Irish strawberries and to be working with Sunglow Nurseries as their strawberries are always of the highest quality.”

John Mc Guinness, Director, Sunglow Nurseries, added: “We’re delighted open our new state-of-the-art glasshouse, and to continue supplying Aldi Ireland with Bord Bia Quality Assured strawberries. The majority of our business is with Aldi and, as a result of Aldi’s ongoing custom, we have been able to invest in a new environmentally friendly glasshouse which has helped us increase our production. We know all of Aldi’s great customers will continue to enjoy our strawberries!”

Sunglow Nurseries is now hiring and more information can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-Business/Sunglow-Nurseries-1635959269881373/

Aldi’s Irish-grown strawberries will be on sale in all 145 stores nationwide for €1.95 (227g). Aldi is committed to supporting its Irish supplier network. Working with over 330 Irish suppliers, Aldi recently announced it is extending its shorter payment terms for suppliers that transact up to €1 million worth of business annually until the end of 2021.

Aldi has also invested more than €3,000,000 in its Grow with Aldi supplier development programme since 2018, which provides an opportunity for small and medium Irish food and drink companies to gain a listing in Aldi’s 145 stores.