BUSINESSES in the Borders are being encouraged to submit their popular products to ALDI as a new competition launches.

Following it's debut in 2015, the supermarket chain is on the hunt again for Scotland's Next Top Product and searching for a new hit with Scottish Shoppers.

The competition launches tomorrow (Tuesday, September 27), and the winning Scottish food or drink product will follow in the footsteps of last year’s winners, Argo’s Orkney Caramel Shortbread and Cobbs Chocolate Brownies, due to launch in all 67 Scottish stores as part of a deal worth more than £175,000.

Group Buying Director for ALDI Scotland, Graham Nicolson said: “The search for Aldi’s Next Top Product is a fantastic opportunity to discover new exceptional food and drink businesses from all over the country and give them the opportunity to compete with long-established brands.

"Given the success of 2015’s search, we’ve brought it back again this year to give more Scottish producers the chance to secure their big break. We’re looking forward to receiving application forms from a wide range of producers.”

Scotland Food & Drink Chief Executive James Withers said: “Aldi’s search for Scotland’s Next Top Product presents a great opportunity for Scottish food and drink producers. In addition to getting onto Aldi shelves, the winner will get great support to build their own capabilities, including working with the retailer’s buyers to make the most of the year’s listing and to focus on elements such as product design.

“This approach is invaluable for the continued growth of our sector. The Scottish food and drink industry has been enjoying sales growth year on year and there is good reason for us to be recognised as a Land of Food and Drink as we offer quality products with a strong identity.

He added: "This hunt for the next best product has proved to be good exposure to new or as yet undiscovered products in the market, although I suspect that the judging panel will have a tough job on their hands identifying just one.”

Throughout 2016, ALDI has expanded across the country with the launch of eight new stores, upping the number of locations to 72. 

The competition to find the next best product ends on Friday 18th November.

To enter, Scottish businesses can visit Scotland Food & Drink’s website by filling out an online entry form www.foodanddrink.scot/aldi.

Suppliers must be SALSA (Safe and Local Supplier Approval) accredited and have the capacity to meet the demands of supplying Aldi’s 67+ Scottish Stores to apply.