A Blackburn businessman could see his new confectionery products hit the shelves of major supermarket.

Yasir Patel will appear on Channel 4’s ‘Aldi’s Next Big Thing’ next Tuesday (23rd April).

Yasir’s confectionery start-up Cluster Club produces nutritional, on-the-go, ‘cluster’ snacks.

The entrepreneur was picked from hundreds competing for a life-changing contract to stock their products in Aldi stores nationwide.    

Viewers will see Yasir pitch his chocolate clusters, made with walnuts, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts and Belgian chocolate.   

Presented by Anita Rani, the six-part series sees suppliers compete in a range of categories including dinners and baked goods, as well as new category additions: party, world, and confectionery.   

Products are presented to Julie Ashfield, managing director of buying at Aldi UK, who deliberates on factors such as price, packaging, shopper demand, and the ability to scale up, before shortlisting contestants down to just two.     

The finalists are then given four weeks to address any feedback, with a follow-up home visit from Anita or Chris who will report back their findings to Julie.

The three judges then taste test the improved products before Julie decides the winner, whose product will appear as a Specialbuy in more than Aldi 1,000 stores.     

Yasir said: “My mum used to make chocolate clusters for special occasions, parties, weddings and gifts.

"I've always envisioned having a family-run business and my children one day taking over.

"Having a young family and running a business on the side does get tough but I'm willing to put the work in.”  

Lancashire Telegraph:

Managing director of buying at Aldi UK, Julie Ashfield, said: “Offering shoppers an affordable indulgence is a big focus for Aldi.

"We’re looking for fun flavours and twists on classics, so innovation is key.”  
 
Aldi’s Next Big Thing will screen on Channel 4 on Tuesday, April 23. The series will air every Tuesday at 8pm until May 7.