Naas-based Irish Dog Foods has agreed a trial contract with ALDI to supply product to three regions of ALDI's US stores, it was announced today.
Valued at $400,000, Irish Dog Foods will initially supply three regions of ALDI US stores as part of a product trial starting this month.
Irish Dog Foods has a rich history with ALDI, having supplied pet care and pet food to ALDI Ireland for almost 20 years. The company also supply ALDI’s UK and Dutch markets. The value of its UK contract is €30 million.
During their time working together, the company has supplied over 220 private label and own brand – Irish Rover – products to 1,200 ALDI Ireland and UK stores. In 2023, Irish Dog Foods supplied product worth over €7 million to ALDI Ireland and £35.5 million to ALDI UK.
Both companies have collaborated on new private label product ranges, in addition to working closely together to meet shared sustainability goals. During the past two years, ALDI has moved a significant portion of its private label product to recyclable, paper packaging, contributing to its sustainability pledges.
Irish Dog Foods
Founded in 1985 and owned by the Arrow Group, Irish Dog Foods employ 370 people across their Kildare headquarters and production facilities in Kilkenny and the UK. The company recently expanded its Kildare facility to create additional production capacity to take on new business including ALDI US.
Irish Dog Foods recently acquired South African pet food facility Afrique, which employs around 300 people. The business currently exports its pet food products to over 40 countries, with the UK and US key markets.
ALDI Ireland
The announcement comes as ALDI marks 25 years in Ireland in 2024. One of the largest retailers operating here, ALDI employ over 4,650 people across its 161-store network in Ireland. ALDI has invested more than €10 billion with Irish suppliers since 1999 and currently work with a network of more than 330 Irish businesses.
Commenting on the announcement today, Liam Queally, Managing Director of Irish Dog Foods said: "We are proud to partner with ALDI, providing high-quality, nutritious dog food that meets the high standards of our customers. Our collaboration ensures that pet owners have access to affordable and healthy options for their pets, reflecting our commitment to animal well-being and customer satisfaction.
“We have a long history of success with ALDI and have benefited from their international presence, opening global markets for us and our business. This trial reflects the success of our partnership and the quality products, provenance and service we bring to ALDI and their customers. We look forward to continuing to nurture our partnership with ALDI and our business to meet the needs of our growing customer base.”
Colin Breslin, Managing Director of Buying and Services, ALDI Ireland said:
"ALDI is deeply committed to supporting our Irish suppliers. This year, we are marking 25 years of operations in Ireland, and we recently published a report detailing ALDI’s economic impact in Ireland since 1999. This includes spending more than €10 billion with Irish suppliers in that time. This demonstrates the scale of our commitment, and today we’re proud to work with more than 330 Irish suppliers, as part of our strategy of continuing to provide value to all our stakeholders and suppliers.
“We’re particularly proud of the long-standing partnerships we’ve developed with suppliers such as Irish Dog Foods, neighbours of ours in Naas. Opening international markets to them and other Irish suppliers is something we're proud of and is testament to the quality, provenance and success of these Irish businesses who are competing internationally. We’re pleased to support Irish Dog Foods with this latest opportunity and we’re sure that their products will prove just as popular with ALDI US customers as they have in Ireland.”
