Aldi Supplier Conference 2026
03 March 2026, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM GMT
The International Convention Centre, 8 Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EAGrowing together with Aldi
Hear directly from Aldi's Leadership team, meet the Buying team and strengthen your partnership with the business.
Aldi will update you on their UK and global business, and share insight into their long-term strategy and investment plans, including exciting changes within their supply chain. As a supplier, you’ll learn more about Aldi’s ambition to make sustainability affordable for all, and how you can set yourself up for a successful future with Aldi.
This event is tailored towards Grocery, Chilled, Frozen, Produce & Horticulture, Health & Beauty, Household, Baby, Pet, Beverages and Bakery categories. Access to the afternoon category breakouts in real time is available for in-person attendees only. An abridged version of the slides will be shared with all delegates after the event.
Please note non-food Specialbuys will not be included in the programme.
The headliners
Giles Hurley
Chief Executive Officer, Aldi UK and Ireland
Julie Ashfield
Chief Commercial Officer, Aldi UK and Ireland
Ruth Doyle
Chief Operating Officer – Supply Chain, Aldi UK and Ireland
Will Barstow
Managing Director of Buying, Aldi UK
Belinda May Ball
Managing Director - Global Sourcing, Aldi South
Testimonials
08:00 - 09:30
Registration and networking
09:30 - 09:50
IGD welcome & economic update
James Walton will share his insight on the economic environment.
James Walton
Chief Economist, IGD
09:50 - 10:10
Shopper insight
Tom and Richard will share insight on the ALDI shopper.
Tom Wakeman
Insight Director, IGD
Richard Thornton
Group Director – Customer Interaction, Aldi
10:10 - 10:45
State of the nation
Giles and Julie will share a UK and global business performance update and provide insight into Aldi’s long-term strategy and targets.
Giles Hurley
Chief Executive Officer, Aldi UK and Ireland
Julie Ashfield
Chief Commercial Officer, Aldi UK and Ireland
10:45 - 11:30
Morning break and networking
11:30 - 11:45
Aldi’s ambition for supply chain
Ruth will outline Aldi’s supply chain vision and share insight into investments in infrastructure and technology.
Ruth Doyle
Chief Operating Officer – Supply Chain, Aldi UK and Ireland
11:45 - 12:00
Global sourcing
Belinda will provide a progress update on global sourcing since 2023 and demonstrate how Aldi can help deliver supplier growth.
Belinda May Ball
Managing Director – Global Sourcing, Aldi South
12:00 - 12:30
The Aldi proposition
Julie and Will will bring Aldi’s UK strategy to life, translating the vision into actionable insight which meet the requirements of the Aldi shopper.
Julie Ashfield
Chief Commercial Officer, Aldi UK and Ireland
Will Barstow
Managing Director of Buying, Aldi UK
12:30 - 13:00
Aldi Q&A
Giles, Julie, Ruth and Will will answer your questions.
13:00 - 14:00
Lunch and networking
14:00 - 15:00
Afternoon breakouts
Suppliers will spend the afternoon with their relevant Buying teams to understand how the overarching strategy translates into their category. The sessions also include time for networking and engaging with experts on key topics.
(N.B Access to the afternoon category breakouts in real time is available for in-person attendees only. An abridged version of the slides will be shared with all delegates after the event.)
Choose from category breakouts:
Chilled
Suzie Adkin, Group Buying Director (Chilled), Aldi UK
Headlines:
Suzie will share how Aldi’s new structure aims to unlock fresh ways of working. She'll present the vision for the Category, outline key focus areas such as availability, efficiency, quality and supplier collaboration, and share updates on opportunities for growth.
Frozen
Katy Patterson, Buying Director (Frozen), Aldi UK
Sam Jackson, Buying Director (Frozen), Aldi UK
Headlines:
Katy and Sam will share how Aldi’s new structure aims to unlock fresh ways of working. They will present the vision for the Category, outline key focus areas such as availability, efficiency, quality and supplier collaboration, and share updates on opportunities for growth.
Bakery
Simon Millea, Buying Director (Bakery), Aldi UK
Headlines:
Simon will share how Aldi's new structure aims to unlock fresh ways of working. He’ll present the vision for Bakery, talk about the push for bold innovation, and share updates on the global opportunities for growth and harmonisation.
Beverages
Tim Davies, Group Buying Director (Beverages, Non-Food Grocery), Aldi UK
Headlines:
Tim will discuss how Aldi’s new structure is designed to foster innovative ways of working. He'll outline the vision for Beverages, highlight Aldi’s commitment to quality and availability, and explore strategies for working together to reduce costs. Lastly, Tim will share the latest updates on global growth opportunities and harmonisation efforts.
Non-Food Grocery
Tim Davies, Group Buying Director (Beverages, Non-Food Grocery), Aldi UK
Category includes: Health, Beauty, Baby, Paper, Pet, Cleaning & Detergents, Air Care, Vits&Meds, Wraps & Cloths
Headlines:
Tim will share how Aldi’s new structure aims to unlock fresh ways of working. He'll present the vision for the Category, talk about Aldi's focus areas of cost, quality, availability, and incrementality, and share updates on the global opportunities for growth and harmonisation.
Grocery
Kate Clarke, Group Buying Director (Grocery), Aldi UK
Headlines:
Kate will share how Aldi’s new structure aims to unlock fresh ways of working. She will present the vision for Grocery, talk about the push for bold innovation, and share updates on the global opportunities for growth and harmonisation.
Produce & Horticulture
James Knott, Group Buying Director (Produce & Horticulture, Scotland), Aldi UK
Headlines:
James will talk about growing under unprecedented pressures, update you on Aldi’s new buying structure, and share volume success targets for 2025 to ensure restored resilience for future growth. He’ll deep dive into what the business strategy means for you, talk about how to protect supply amid challenges like climate change and trade barriers, and outline what good looks like for 2026 and beyond.
15:00 - 16:00
Drinks reception and networking
Speakers
Giles Hurley
Chief Executive Officer
Aldi UK and Ireland
Giles joined Aldi in 2000 as an Area Manager in Ireland. He became Trading Director in 2002, Group Buying Director in 2007, and Regional Managing Director for Aldi UK’s North-west region in 2010. After returning to Ireland in 2013 as Regional Managing Director, he was appointed Managing Director of Buying for the UK and Ireland in 2014, Group Managing Director in 2015, and CEO of Aldi UK and Ireland in 2018. Giles continues to lead Aldi UK and Ireland and heads up the recently formed National Board.
Julie Ashfield
Chief Commercial Officer
Aldi UK and Ireland
Julie joined Aldi in January 1999 as an Area Manager. She was promoted to the Buying Department in January 2003 as a Buying Director before progressing to the role of Group Buying Director role in April 2008. In 2017 Julie took on the role of Managing Director of Corporate Buying, before joining the newly formed National Board at Aldi as Chief Commercial Officer in January 2025.
Ruth Doyle
Chief Operating Officer – Supply Chain
Aldi UK and Ireland
Ruth joined Aldi in 2002 as an Area Manager, later serving as Store Operations Director, National HR Director, and Regional Managing Director for Bolton. In January 2025, she became Chief Operations Officer and now has responsibility for HR and National Supply Chain.
Will Barstow
Managing Director of Buying
Aldi UK
Will joined Aldi in 2003, and following five years as an Area Manager, was promoted to a Buying Director. In 2017 he them stepped up to Group Buying Director. As of December 2025, he became the Managing Director for Buying, leading Aldi’s UK Buying Department.
Belinda May Ball
Managing Director – Global Sourcing
Aldi South
Belinda joined Aldi in 2008 as an Area Manager, later being promoted to Store Operations Director, before progressing to Group Director in the GB national buying department with various responsibilities. In June 2019, Belinda moved to Austria to establish the new FMCG Global Sourcing Office in Salzburg and was promoted to Managing Director the same year. She now has responsibility for international procurement in all 11 ALDI South countries and associated services.
Richard Thornton
Group Director – Customer Interaction
Aldi UK
Richard joined Aldi in 2014 as a Communications Manager, setting up the Communications Department. From 2018, Richard then served as Aldi’s External Communications Director. In February 2025, he became the Customer Interaction Group Director and now has responsibility for Marketing, Communications, Insights and Customer Services.
Suzie Adkin
Group Buying Director (Chilled)
Aldi UK
Suzie studied Biological Sciences at Oxford university and joined Aldi in October 2011 as an Area Manager. She was promoted to the Buying Department in June 2015 as a Buying Director before progressing to the role of Group Buying Director in April 2019. Suzie oversees the sourcing and category management of all Chilled Food, Dairy, Meat, Fish, Poultry & Eggs across the ALDI GB estate.
Kate Clarke
Group Buying Director (Grocery)
Aldi UK
Kate joined Aldi as a Buying Director in 2009, bringing with her a degree in Business Studies and eight years of industry experience across both Chilled and Ambient categories. In 2017, she was promoted to Group Buying Director and now leads the Grocery Business Unit, overseeing a team of six Buying Directors.
Tim Davies
Group Buying Director (Beverages, Non-Food Grocery), Aldi UK
Tim studied History at Nottingham University and joined Aldi in September 2007 as an Area Manager. He was promoted to the Buying Department in August 2015 as a Buying Director before progressing to the role of Group Buying Director in March 2023.
James Knott
Group Buying Director (Produce & Horticulture, Frozen, Scotland), Aldi UK
James studied Business Strategy & Management at Nottingham Trent university and joined Aldi in October 2008 as an Area Manager. He was promoted to Store Operations Director to run the Middleton region in March 2013, before moving to run the Bolton and then Atherstone regions. He progressed to the role of Group Buying Director in October 2023 and oversees the sourcing and category management of Produce & Horticulture, Bakery and Scottish Buying.
Katy Patterson
Buying Director (Frozen), Aldi UK
Katy studied Business & Hospitality at Nottingham Trent university and joined Aldi in February 2003 as an Area Manager. She was promoted in 2006 to the role of Trading Director for the Atherstone region before progressing to the role of Buying Director in March 2007. Katy oversees the sourcing and category management for the following freezer categories: Ice Cream & Desserts / Pizza & Baguettes / Party Food / Snacks & Pies / Ready Meals / and Meat Alternatives
Sam Jackson
Buying Director (Frozen), Aldi UK
Sam studied Business Management at Birmingham University and joined Aldi in September 2011 as an Area Manager. He was promoted to HR in February 2016 before moving to Store Operations Director from 2018 to 2024. Sam moved to the Buying Department in February 2024 and has responsibility for Frozen Meat, Fish, Potato, Fruit and Vegetables across the ALDI GB estate.
Simon Millea
Buying Director (Bakery), Aldi UK
Simon joined ALDI in July 2023, bringing over 12 years of industry experience. He leads the Bakery team, drawing on 5 years of expertise in the category, along with experience from fresh foods, electronics, publishing, healthcare, communications, and training.
Tom Wakeman
Insight Director
IGD
Tom leads IGD’s insight strategy, partnering with global clients to anticipate change and drive growth by translating data into actionable strategies that help businesses thrive.
James Walton
Chief Economist
IGD
James, Chief Economist at IGD since 2004, helps businesses navigate strategic events like economic pressures, geopolitical change, and social developments. He has worked with clients across the grocery industry and beyond, including government, financial businesses, and NGOs. James joined IGD in 1999 and has held various roles. Before IGD, he worked at Hillsdown Holdings, Northern Foods, and Rank-Xerox.
Exhibitors
During the conference, delegates can connect directly with the departments and partners who support the Buying team. Visit their stands to ask questions and have a conversation without the need to schedule an appointment.
Teenage Cancer Trust
Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity providing specialised nursing care and support for young people with cancer and their loved ones too. We’re proud to have raised over £12 million for Teenage Cancer Trust since 2017 and have set a target of raising £20 million by 2031.
Talk to the team to find out how you can help or head to their website below.
Aldi Brand Team
Once you’ve been awarded business by ALDI, the Brand Team will support you through the product launch process. They can provide expert advice on critical path timings, key project milestones, and answer print and design queries.
National Supply Chain
Aldi's National Supply Chain Department drives operational excellence and the efficient flow of goods across our network to RDCs and Stores. The team are here to talk about forecasting, planning and inbound volume movement as well as how we can strengthen the partnerships in the future.
Smurfit Westrock
Smurfit Westrock can provide advice on shelf-ready packaging structure, format, colour management and print standards.
National Sustainability
Through strong partnerships and shared best practices, we aim to create lasting positive impact for communities and the planet.
The team can provide expert advice on how we can tackle climate impact, reformulate products, and minimise food waste to deliver healthier, sustainably sourced food at affordable prices.
Aldi Quality Assurance Team
By ensuring every product is safe and legal, the Aldi Quality Assurance team guarantee their range meets customers’ expectations. During the conference, you will have time to engage with both the internal Quality Assurance team and several technical partners including Ashbury, Eurofins BLC, TELUS and Sunbranding. They can provide expert advice on technical queries.
Lizzie Collins, Code Compliance Officer
Lizzie Collins, our Code Compliance Officer, will be available to offer an independent, confidential channel for you to seek GSCOP (Groceries Supply Code of Practice) guidance or explanations. Communications with Lizzie remain private and won’t be shared with Buying teams without your consent. You can speak with the Compliance team at the event or leave your details for a follow-up meeting.
Ticket prices
In-person | Live stream | |
Member | £500 | £250 |
Non-member | £750 | £350 |
*Small business | £275 | £200 |
What's included?
In-person | Live stream | |
Hear the latest strategic updates from the Aldi leadership team. | Yes | Yes |
Put your questions to the Aldi leadership team during a live and interactive Q&A. | Yes | Yes |
Hear an economic update and forecast from the IGD team.
| Yes | Yes |
Opportunity to watch keynote presentation in real time online and rewatch keynote sessions post event (excluding Q&A).
| Yes | Yes |
Access the virtual event platform for exclusive pre-event Aldi content and on-demand abridged slides from all sessions after the event. | Yes | Yes |
Have face to face conversations with the Aldi senior management team and make connections with the Aldi buyers and gain insight on the best way to work with them. | Yes | |
Access to the afternoon category breakouts in real time is available for in-person attendees only. An abridged version of the slides will be shared with all delegates after the event. | Yes | |
Advance access to the event app to enable you to plan your day and maximise your event experience. | Yes |
Tickets
Prices displayed ex-VAT. IGD reserves the right to alter any element of the programme, such as speakers, times and venue, should the need arise. All bookings are subject to your acceptance of IGD Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. This event is designed for current or potential suppliers and manufacturers of goods for sale in Aldi. Your identity data will be used by IGD and shared with Aldi for the purposes of administering the event. IGD and Aldi reserve the right to reject any order at their discretion. We may also use your identity data and contact data in the virtual platform/app for the event you are attending including: a) in a delegate list; and b) allowing other delegates to send you messages within the platform/app.
*Small Business Rate
As part of IGD’s commitment to help small businesses to grow, IGD is offering a small business rate for this event.
To qualify for a discounted rate you will need to be a small manufacturing business with a global turnover of less than £10 Million. Please note this is not your annual turnover with this retailer and is only available to manufacturing businesses. Place your order above and email your annual global turnover to [email protected], or get in touch if you have any questions.
Cancellation Fees
Cancellations to be confirmed in writing
Over 30 days notice - Full refund
15 - 30 days notice - 50% refund (or transferred to virtual ticket)
Less than 15 days notice - No refund/transfers
Please email [email protected]
General information
Overview
IGD and Aldi, working in partnership are keen to create connection and conversation in a face-to-face setting. Aldi will share their progress on their strategic priorities and plans for the year ahead.
What's the format of the event?
In-person option:
A dedicated session with the Aldi leadership team on strategic priorities and plans for the year ahead
Put your questions to Aldi’s leadership team during a live Q&A
Our event app provides advance access, giving you time to prepare for the event and gain the most from the programme and venue on the day
Opportunity to preschedule 1-2-1 meetings
Attend breakout sessions and engage with category content at the event
Live stream option:
View the keynote session with the leadership team on the strategic priorities and plans for the year ahead
Put your questions to Aldi’s leadership team during the live Q&A
How do I book 1-2-1 buyer meetings?
1-2-1 Buyer Meetings
The Aldi Supplier Conference 2026 from IGD offers a valuable opportunity to connect directly with an Aldi buyer - whether you’re strengthening an existing relationship or engaging with a prospective partner.
As the event approaches, you will have the chance to book a 1-2-1 meeting slot with your preferred buyer* through our dedicated 1-2-1 booking system.
Important Information:
Aldi colleagues manage their own schedules, and meeting requests are accepted or declined at their discretion.
To maximise your chances of securing a meeting, we strongly recommend booking as soon as the system goes live. You will receive an email notification when booking opens.
Approximately 100 Aldi buyers will be in attendance. If your preferred buyer is unavailable or not attending the event, you will have the option to search by category to find an alternative contact.
*Please note: Buyer availability is subject to change, and meeting slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where is the event taking place?
The Aldi Supplier Conference from IGD is being held at The International Convention Centre, 8 Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EA.
Is there a dress code?
Most attendees opt for business casual, we would certainly suggest comfortable shoes as you move around the venue.
Can I get access to the recordings and presentations after the event?
Yes, abridged presentations and content will be available to view within 5 working days of the event ending. You will receive an email once slides are accessible via our virtual event platform and your MyEvents section of IGD.com. Keynote session recordings (excluding Q&A’s) will be made available on the platform for 10 working days after their release, after which the virtual platform closes.
Booking details and communication
I am registered for the event but haven’t heard anything in a while. What should I do?
All communications regarding the event will be sent via [email protected]. If you feel you have missed any communications, please reach out to [email protected]
I can no longer attend, could I please get a refund? Would it be possible to transfer my ticket to someone else?
A reminder of our refund policy:
Over 30 days notice - Full refund
15 - 30 days notice - 50% refund (or transferred to virtual ticket)
Less than 15 days notice - No refund
If you wish to transfer your ticket to a colleague, this is free of charge, please send over their details as well as those of the individual they will be replacing, to [email protected]. Please make sure the request is with us one week prior to the event to ensure access to the event app and virtual platform.
Can I make a name change?
Name changes remain free of charge, we do ask that your request is with us one week prior to the event date, to enable access to our event app. Name changes must be made in writing to [email protected].
Could I please get a VAT receipt?
A receipt will be sent to your company’s finance department once your order has been processed. If you would like a copy, please send your order number & request to [email protected].
Our responsibilities to you
How do I communicate my accessibility needs?
We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive event experience for all attendees. If you have an accessibility-related requirement or request for this event, please let us know in your registration profile (which you’ll be sent once your ticket has been purchased).
For more information, please contact [email protected]
What is your commitment to inclusion and diversity?
Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to our culture at IGD. The following measures are in place to support attendees feel included at our events:
Include your gender pronoun on your badge, via your registration profile (which you’ll be sent, once your ticket has been purchased).
A dedicated inclusion and diversity room will be available, please do email [email protected], for further details
How does IGD ensure I'm kept safe at this event?
IGD is committed to providing safe and secure environments for our attendees. All local and national authority guidance and regulations will be adhered to by IGD and the venue team.
What is IGD doing to reduce the carbon impact of this event?
IGD and Aldi have worked to minimise our environmental impact wherever possible, the following measures are in place to continue our mission in this area:
Access to our interactive Event App
Using recycled, recyclable, and biodegradable materials where possible.
Minimising food waste
Monitoring and reducing our carbon footprint year on year
You can help support this mission by considering the following options:
Travel by public transport to the event.
Reduce travel for meetings: Utilise your time in Harrogate to conduct other meetings around this event.
Lanyard reuse: Please drop your badge and lanyard back to us at the end of the day, so we can clean and reuse this.
Key event contacts
General enquiries – [email protected]
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