Aldi is bringing together more than 1,000 of its suppliers – along with 200 of its own colleagues – to discuss overall trade strategy and potential growth at a conference on 4th July at ICC Birmingham.
It is the first time in five years that the discount retailer has done a live gathering for this essential group. During that time a lot has changed, notably tremendous expansion of stores being opened in the UK and the supermarket’s rise into the top four in the UK.
Aldi is bringing a bevy of execs to speak at the event, including UK and Ireland CEO Giles Hurley, Managing Director of National Buying Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of Global Sourcing for the Aldi South Group Belinda May Ball and Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of National Buying. They will be talking to suppliers about how they can ensure a successful future with Aldi.
“We are really excited to be holding this face-to-face event with suppliers for the first time since before the pandemic,” Ashfield said. “It has been a busy few years for Aldi, and we couldn’t have achieved the growth and success that we have without the partnership of our suppliers.”
Dame Denise Lewis, a gold medalist for Team GB in the heptathlon, also will be speaking at the conference and discussing the power of sustainable growth.
Aldi’s buying team will be on hand to talk sustainability and supply chain management. Attendees can network on a range of topics, including Produce and Horticulture as well as drinks and Aldi’s Specialbuys. Aldi is planning numerous 15-minute sessions on sustainable packaging, quality assurance and demand planning.
“[The conference] is a great opportunity to thank them in person for their continued support, and to share our vision for how we can build even closer relationships as we continue our growth journey and work together to make great quality, sustainable products affordable for all,” Guy Ousey, Head of Audience Engagement at IGD, said. “This is a great event for any suppliers who trade with, or are looking to trade with, Aldi in the UK.”
