An entrepreneurial couple behind a nutritious chocolate bar are set to take to TV screens as they pitch to get their product stocked on Aldi’s shelves.
Scarborough’s Laura and Mark Millard are the founders of WheyBetter which they describe as “the love child of your favourite protein bar and traditional chocolate bar”. The bars, first launched in 2017, are packed with protein and nine vitamins and have no added sugar, and are marketed as a guilt-free snack.
The couple, who have been together for 14 years and have two children, are now competing in Aldi’s Next Big Thing – a Channel 4 series that pits food and drink producers against each other in pursuit of coveted shelf space in one of the country’s most popular supermarket chains. In weekly episodes the teams behind the brands present to Julie Ashfield, Aldi UK’s managing director of Buying.
Read more: Leeds city centre development Lambert’s Yard up for sale
Read more: Whitby Seafoods acquires first scampi trawler in move to improve fishing efficiency
Ms Ashfield then looks at factors such as price, packaging, shopper demand, and the ability to scale up, before shortlisting contestants down to just two. The finalists are given a month to refine their products based on feedback, and will receive a home visit from one of the show’s presenters, Anita Rani of Countryfile and BBC Radio 4 and former greengrocer Chris Bavin, of BBC 1’s The One Show and Eat Well for Less.
The six-part series, which started earlier this month, is the latest of the format which first aired in 2022 and features producers from across different supermarket categories including dinners and baked goods. This series includes new category additions: party, world, and confectionery.
Mr Millard said: “Even with my own family and clients, I have always encouraged balance in terms of life, work, fitness and diet. Our motto is ‘life is about balance, wear your halo just off centre’.”
Ms Millard added: “I’m confident about our chocolate. I believe in it wholeheartedly! This opportunity is second to none.”
Julie Ashfield of Aldi UK 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.”
You can catch WheyBetter on Aldi’s Next Big Thing on Channel 4 on Tuesday April 23. The series will air every Tuesday at 8pm until May 7
Original artice – https://business-live.co.uk/all-about/yorkshire-humber
