Anita Rani is returning to host the new season of Aldi: The Next Big Seller on Channel 4, where emerging food businesses pitch to win a place on Aldi's shelves. The seven-part series sees Rani joined by Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, and TV presenter and food expert Jimmy Doherty.
Rani on Working with Jimmy Doherty
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Express, Rani shared her thoughts on collaborating with Doherty. She said: "He's a seasoned presenter, he knows what he's doing, and he comes with a lot of knowledge and understanding of what it takes. He also has a farm shop, so he stocks products, and he's good fun to work with."
Rani expressed excitement about the upcoming season, adding: "We have got some amazing products this year, really surprising things. Stuff that you will be in awe of, really passionate people, everything from mochi balls to alcoholic kombucha."
Series Format and Impact
Finalists receive a few weeks to address feedback before a follow-up visit from Rani or Doherty. The three panellists then sample the improved products and select a winner, whose creation will appear as a Specialbuy in over 1,080 Aldi stores nationwide.
Rani described the series as inspiring, noting: "I think people will find it really inspiring, a lot of these people are offering these as their side hustle. They have a day job and this is their side project. They set it up with a family member or friend, and people will find it really inspiring and maybe it will encourage other people to go out and set something up."
She called the series an "amazing production to work on", adding: "There's a lot of good food lying around, so I always like to take a goodie bag home with me if there's any left as the production gets to eat it all. There are a couple of things in this series that are hands down my favourite things I have ever eaten."
Doherty's Perspective and Show History
In a separate interview, Doherty shared his thoughts on joining the show: "As a farmer and food lover, I know first-hand how much grit, passion, and creativity go into developing a great product. Aldi: The Next Big Seller gives British businesses a platform to showcase their talent on a national stage. It's been amazing working alongside Anita and Julie to mentor these brilliant entrepreneurs, and I can't wait for the nation to see what they've created."
Since airing in 2022, the series has helped turn emerging food businesses into nationwide brands, such as Flake Bake, which became the first-ever winner to return as a permanent product in Aldi stores. Flake Bake's co-founder Mike Williams has described the business's journey since its appearance on the show as "simply phenomenal".
Episode Themes and Broadcast Details
Each episode offers its own theme, including Sweet Treats, Party, Healthy & Wholesome, Dinners, World, Store Cupboard and a Christmas Special. The hopeful suppliers present products to Julie, Anita and Jimmy, who deliberate on taste, price, packaging and shopper demand before shortlisting the contestants to just two. Aldi: The Next Big Seller will air on Channel 4 on November 5 at 8pm.
