Plan Bee pipped at the post

Heather Honeycomb web 1Plan Bee Ltd’s premium honey brand has just missed out in the final of Aldi’s Next Top Product awards.

The Lanarkshire sustainability business presented their products Scottish Runny Heather Honey, Scottish Set Blossom Honey and Whisky Honey to the Aldi Scottish Buying team, but despite reaching the last stage of the competition was narrowly beaten to the winners post.

Richard Holloway, Managing Director of Aldi in Scotland, said:

“Our business model in Scotland has always been about working with the best local producers to bring top quality products to our customers at everyday low prices. “

The event was launched to coincide with the Year of Food and Drink Scotland 2015, celebrating the country’s outstanding natural larder and produce. The Scottish Government initiative is led by VisitScotland and supported by Scotland Food & Drink and Think Local. It is designed to capitalise on the momentum created by the previous Year of Food and Drink in 2010 and Homecoming Scotland. 

Scotland Food & Drink Chief Executive James Withers commented:

“Aldi is placing a strong focus on sourcing locally and the resultant relationships with Scottish suppliers are great to see. This approach is invaluable for the continued growth of our sector. The Scottish food and drink industry has been enjoying sales growth year on year and there is good reason for us to be recognised as a Land of Food and Drink as we offer quality products with a strong identity.”

Building on Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight, September’s Year of Food and Drink theme is Celebration with a focus on events and products that celebrate provenance and the produce on our doorstep.

“Provenance is our middle name here at Plan Bee, and it is something that we take particular pride in. This premium Scottish product has sustainability and the protection of dwindling honeybee numbers at its core, and it is great to see a big name supermarket like Aldi supporting this ethos through this prestigious competition. While we are disappointed not to have won the competition it is an honour to have been recognised in this way.”