Aldi’s plans to increase its variety of Scottish produce for Hogmanay will result in a £200,000 cash injection for a range of Scottish suppliers including Dundee-based Highland Game.
The discounted retailer will stock 26 different Scottish products specifically to meet demand over the New Year in a boost to the Scottish food and drink industry.
As part of the deal Aldi will be working with Dundee-based Highland Game, who have turned venison into a mainstream commodity since their launch in 1997.
Aldi’s Hogmanay range includes Highland Game’s venison steak pie along with Old Pulteney whisky, baked goods from Brownings the Bakers and meat terrines and dry-cured sliced meat from Rannoch Smokery.
Richard Holloway, Scottish managing director at Aldi, said: “Throughout the year we work hard to discover new and inspiring Scottish producers, as well as growing deals with our existing partners.
“With increased demand expected over the festive period, we are delighted to increase our range of Scottish products.”
Highland Game managing director Christian Nissen said: “Aldi has always been a fantastic customer who we have worked with for a number of years, and this is a further boost to us in a great year for the company.
“We have enjoyed year-on-year growth in our Scottish business, and venison pie is another example of the versatility of the meat which is increasingly seen as a healthy alternative to other red meats,” Mr Nissen added.
“The Aldi order is also good news for our company in Dundee, where we employ more than 100 people.”
This year the venison purveyor struck a multi-million-pound deal with Sainsbury’s, the first of its kind with any supermarket.
The supermarket giant is selling six Highland Game venison products under its own brandings of Taste the Difference and By Sainsbury in its stores across the UK.
Mr Nissen said: “We have traded with Sainsbury’s for some time but on a smaller scale, with the sale of Highland Game venison under our name in the company’s supermarkets.
“The fact Sainsbury’s have chosen us to be a supplier under their own brandings is great recognition for the quality of our venison products.”
Venison has grown in popularity as an alternative to conventional red meat.
It is seen as a healthier option in being free of cholesterol and saturated fat, rich in protein, essential vitamins and a rich source of vitamin B-complex.
Presented as a healthy, natural, Scottish heritage product, it is enjoying high customer demand in the current health-conscious climate.
Highland Game already sells its venison to the other major supermarkets and discounters.