A chef is hoping his range of multicoloured burgers will appear in Aldi shops across the country by winning a Channel 4 TV show.
Leo Ferenc will appear on Channel 4 TV show “Aldi’s Next Big Thing” next week with his speciality rainbow burgers.
Leo, from Battle, started his business Leonati Catering in 2020 with the aim of “standing out” in all his business ventures, which included selling coffee and pizzas out of a converted London cab.
The 62-year-old will try to impress Aldi bosses on the show, which airs from April 2, with what he has called his "ugly" burgers.
He said: “The burgers are individually sold with different coloured brioche buns. There are two meatballs in each pack, plus a piece of American cheese.
“All you need to do is fry the two patties in your saucepan at home before constructing the burger and there you've got festival street food at home.”
Leo’s rainbow burgers featured in The Argus last year. He said he wanted a “shock factor” when people saw them.
The six-part series will see suppliers compete in a range of categories including dinners and baked goods, as well as exciting new category additions: party, world and confectionery.
Products are presented to Julie Ashfield, managing director of buying at Aldi UK, who deliberates on factors such as price, packaging, shopper demand and the ability to scale up, before shortlisting contestants down to just two.
Julie said: “I’m always looking for quality, but if I can also land something that will surprise our shoppers and keep them coming back for more, that’s the absolute dream. This opportunity could be huge for a small business.”
The show is hosted by broadcaster Anita Rani and BBC’s The One Show’s Chris Bavin.
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 an Aldi "Specialbuy" in over 1,000 stores.
Leonati Catering ensures its packaging is entirely compostable and all its ingredients are sourced in the area and fully traceable.
Leo’s Rainbow Burgers are made from cows which come from Tottingworth Farm in Hooe.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel