Aldi signed up as Scottish beer awards sponsor

Scotland's first annual competition that celebrates the nation's booming beer business has secured a headline sponsorship deal with supermarket chain Aldi.

Kirsten Speirs of awards operator KDMedia with Aldi's Michael Whiteford. Picture: Contributed

The two-year deal will see Aldi support and promote the competition alongside its own in-store Scottish beer festivals.

It marks the first major corporate sponsorship for the awards programme, which launched six months ago and has received entries from 31 breweries and 154 beers, all brewed in Scotland.

Work is now underway to prepare a celebration industry awards dinner for some 300 people to announce the winners in 15 categories.

Michael Whiteford, buying director at Aldi in Scotland, said: “Sponsoring the Scottish Beer Awards is an opportunity to promote the fantastic range of Scottish beers available to our growing customer base.

“With three annual Scottish beer festivals running in store, our commitment to Scottish brewing has never been higher and the quality of beers being produced in Scotland is outstanding.”

Kirsten Speirs, director of KDMedia, which operates the awards, added: “Securing the support of Aldi is a game changer for the Scottish Beer Awards and our work to promote the best of Scottish brewing.

“Aldi will join a team of people including an expert judging panel and many other loyal sponsors committed to helping hard working Scottish brewers gain the recognition and reward they deserve.”

The awards, which are also supported by Craft Beer Clan of Scotland, Ross & Brown, Maclay Murray & Spens, DHL Logistics and Boxshop, take place on 29 September at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange.