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ALDI SCOTLAND TO STOCK UK’S FIRST VENISON READY-MEAL RANGE FOLLOWING DEAL WITH PERTHSHIRE FAMILY FARM

Findowie Farmhouse, a family run venison farm in Perthshire, will be the first supplier in the UK to bring sustainably reared Scottish venison ready-meals to market, as products are set to hit Aldi Scotland’s shelves in time for Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight. 

The annual campaign, launching on 4^th September, celebrates the unbeatable larder which Scotland produces, and, in support of the industry, Aldi Scotland is showcasing its largest ever special-buy range of Scottish produce.  

The diverse range of products arriving in Aldi Scotland’s 96 Scottish stores will include sustainably reared Scottish venison ready-meals – a product which has never been stocked in UK supermarkets. The range supplied by Findowie Farmhouse, will include Venison Lasagne (£2.49; 380g) and Venison Chilli (£2.49; 380g)  

Findowie Farmhouse is owned by the Nisbet family – Colin Nisbet and his two children Julie and Douglas.  Julie, who is managing director of producer Strathmore Foods Ltd, has been at the helm of the family business for 15 years after taking over from her father, and was key in the move to introduce venison. 

Julie believes passion, innovation and a dash of bravery are the key ingredients to making sure Scotland’s food and drink continues to lead the sector in quality. 

She said: “We are so lucky in Scotland – not only do we have a quantity of amazing produce on our doorstep, but the calibre of suppliers is unrivalled.  

“As a family business we have always done our best to be adaptable and smart when it comes to our offering, and this was the thinking behind the move towards reared venison as our prime meat. 

“Too often venison is overlooked due to misconceptions around high pricing, as well as a general lack of familiarity with the meat which can often put people off trying it. Venison tends to have a lower carbon footprint compared to other meats and is also packed with essential vitamins and has less saturated fat. It also tastes amazing, so for us, it was a no brainer! 

“Being the first to market across the UK with ready-meal venison is a great moment for us and working with Aldi Scotland to bring our product to Scottish shoppers is a really exciting moment for us. 

“We’ve worked so hard to introduce venison because we really believe it is worth it, so to have a retailer who believes in our product as much as we do, is a testament to the team at Aldi Scotland. 

“We are really looking forward to hearing how much shoppers enjoy the venison lasagne and chilli, and to playing a part in bolstering Scotland’s own food chain, where customers, retailers and suppliers can all benefit from each other’s passion and expertise.”  

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland said: “Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight is one of the biggest dates in our calendar, allowing us to put the spotlight fully on our fantastic collection of Scottish producers.   

“This year, we are excited to bring our largest ever specialbuy range of Scottish sourced produce, which will truly highlight the diversity, creativity and passion of our local suppliers.” 

Aldi Scotland’s Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight range will be in stores from 2^nd September 2021, adding 47 products to its shelves in celebration of Scotland’s natural larder. Aldi currently stocks over 450 products from 90 suppliers and aims to reach 500 products within the next 2 years.  You can find your nearest Aldi here.