Aldi Ireland and Sunglow Nurseries have agreed a new five-year contract worth almost €14m.
Sunglow has supplied the supermarket chain with strawberries for the past 17 years, and 95% of the company's produce is sold in Aldi stores.
The Rush, Co. Dublin firm will continue to supply Aldi's 163 stores across the country, marking a significant investment for the company.
The family-run business is managed by brothers John, Billy and Joe McGuinness, who employ 10 full-time and 30 part-time staff at their north Dublin nursery.
“We are proud to announce the continuation of our long-standing partnership with Sunglow Nurseries and the investment of a further €14m into this valued partnership over the next five years," said Gerard McLoughlin, buying director at Aldi Ireland.
"Sunglow have been providing ALDI customers with their delicious Bord Bia Quality-Assured Irish strawberries for the last 17 years and we look forward to continuing to supply our customers with the highest quality Irish produce from Sunglow for years to come.”
Joe McGuinness, partner at Sunglow Nurseries, added: “Working with Aldi has been central to our success and has supported us in continuing to deliver high-quality produce to Irish customers and the security to invest in our business.
"We are delighted with the extension of our partnership and look forward to growing and developing our business and working with ALDI for the next five years and beyond.”
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon commented: “Both Minister of State Micheal Healy-Rae and I welcome this new deal between Aldi Ireland and Sunglow Nurseries, which represents a significant investment in both Sunglow’s horticulture enterprise and the wider Irish agricultural sector.
"This partnership is aligned with the ambition set out in the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027 and is a testament to both increased consumer demand for local, in season, fresh, quality produce and the success of Irish businesses in supplying our retail sector.
"Backing Irish growers is vital to the ongoing success of our agri-food industry, and it is encouraging to see Aldi maintaining and developing its commitment to supporting Irish businesses.”
The announcement coincides with Sunglow's early-season Irish strawberries being made available at Aldi stores.
Photo: Pictured at the announcement of Aldi Ireland’s extended partnership with Sunglow Nurseries are Joe McGuinness, Partner at Sunglow Nurseries; Gerard McLoughlin, Buying Director at Aldi Ireland; and Emer Gallaher Hall, Senior Manager for Horticulture at Bord Bia. (Pic: Supplied)
