A couple will be on TV as they try and win a competition to sell their toffee in stores across the UK.
Brighton confectioners Lesley Jeavons and Corin Jeavons, both 52, will feature on Channel 4’s ‘Aldi’s Next Big Thing’ next Tuesday.
They have been selected from hundreds of applicants all hoping to get the chance to stock their products in Aldi stores nationwide.
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The couple, who own and run their business Jeavons Toffee, produce vegan toffee that is created with 100 per cent sustainably sourced, vegan ingredients, including an alternative to milk chocolate.
The show, presented by Anita Rani of Countryfile and BBC Radio 4, and Chris Bavin, of BBC 1’s The One Show and Eat Well for Less, is a six-part series that will see suppliers compete in a range of categories including dinners and baked goods, as well as party, world and confectionery.
Products are presented to Julie Ashfield, managing director of Buying at Aldi UK, who shortlists just two contestants based on price, packaging, shopper demand and the ability to scale up production.
The finalists are then given four weeks to address any feedback, with a follow-up home visit from Anita or Chris who will report back their findings to Julie.
The three then taste-test the improved products before Julie decides the winner, which will appear as a special buy in over 1,000 stores.
Corin said: "As a teenager in the 80s, I loved to create sweets at home with my mum’s recipes. Among my favourite sweets were Toffos and Rolos because of the soft, chewy texture.
"In turn, I wanted to create vegan versions of these products and so, the quest for the perfect recipe began.
‘’While nibbling on my latest batch in the summer of 2015, Lesley smiled at me and said: ‘'you should sell these, people will love them!', and the seed was planted. At the time I was in need of a big career change and toffee was going to be it.
‘’After hundreds of experimental batches and the studying of confectionery sugar science, I finally had the ingredients and method perfected, my toffee was every bit as good as my childhood memories.”
The couple say they are the only producers of chewy vegan toffee that compares with traditional dairy toffee.
The multi-category competition is part of Aldi's ongoing commitment to support British suppliers.
In 2023 alone, Aldi spent an extra £1.3 billion on British suppliers and growers, who provide over three-quarters of all the chain's items.
They also have a "Best of British" section on the supermarket website.
Julie said: “Offering shoppers an affordable indulgence is a big focus for Aldi. We’re looking for fun flavours and twists on classics, so innovation is key.”
Jeavons Toffee will feature on Aldi’s Next Big Thing on Channel 4 on April 23.
The series will air every Tuesday at 8pm until May 7.
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