Gloucestershire's back on our television screens, as the latest episode of Channel 4's popular docu-series, Aldi's Next Big Thing, airs on Tuesday 16 April 2024.
Hosted by Anita Rani of Countryfile and The One Show's Chris Bavin, the six-part
series sees suppliers compete in a range of categories including dinners
and baked goods, as well as exciting new category additions: party, world, and
confectionery.
The 'party' episode stars Humble Kusina's mother and daughter duo, Jennifer and Consuelo Chaney, as they find out whether their unique range of Filipino eats will be brought into the mainstream market via Aldi's shelves, listed as a 'Specialbuy' in over 1,000 Aldi stores nationwide.
The pair founded the bao bun and street food business which serves up traditional Filipino eats back in 2021 and have already scooped up a British Street Food Award, being named champions for the south region.
Jennifer said: 'We've put so much effort and time in to perfecting them. I definitely think there is a place for our buns on supermarket shelves, so watch this space!'
They are hoping to win over the managing director of buying at Aldi UK, Julie Ashfield, with their chicken adobo, which Jennifer describes as the ‘national dish of the Philippines’.
Products are presented to Julie, who deliberates on factors such as price, packaging, shopper demand, and the ability to scale up — before shortlisting contestants down to just two.
Julie said: 'Gone are the days of simple cheese and pineapple sticks, as people are opting for more exciting, extravagant party foods. It’s certainly a category that invites experimentation!'
Foodies can browse Humble Kusina's full range at its flagship eatery at Cheltenham's Dunkertons Park, with menu highlights spanning its colourful bao buns, pinoy barbecue succulent and sweet glazed pork skewers and pancit hipon.
Episode three of Aldi's Next Big Thing is on Channel 4 at 8pm on Tuesday 16 April 2024; the series will air every Tuesday at 8pm until Tuesday 7 May 2024.
