Naas-based Irish Dog Foods said today it has agreed a trial contract, worth $400,000, with ALDI to supply product to three regions of ALDI’s US stores.
Irish Dog Foods has supplied pet care and pet food to ALDI Ireland for almost 20 years. The company also supply the supermarket chain’s UK and Dutch markets.
The company has supplied over 220 private label and own brand – Irish Rover – products to 1,200 ALDI Ireland and UK stores and last year supplied product worth over €7m to ALDI Ireland and £35.5m to ALDI UK.
Founded in 1985 and owned by the Arrow Group, Irish Dog Foods employ 370 people across its 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.
It also recently bought 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.
Liam Queally, Managing Director of Irish Dog Foods, said the company’s collaboration with ALDI ensures that pet owners have access to affordable and healthy options for their pets, reflecting its 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,” Mr Queally said.
Colin Breslin, Managing Director of Buying and Services of ALDI Ireland, said the company is deeply committed to supporting its Irish suppliers.
The retailer is marking 25 years of operations in Ireland this year and a recent report revealed that it spent more than €10 billion with more than 330 Irish suppliers in that time.
“We’re particularly proud of the long-standing partnerships we’ve developed with suppliers such as Irish Dog Foods, neighbours of ours in Naas,” Mr Breslin said.
“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,” he added