Aldi has partnered with a Glasgow-based not-for-profit coffee roasting initiative for three store openings this year as part of the supermarket’s commitment to supporting communities across Scotland.
Glesga Roasters was set up in 2019 as a platform to help develop the skills of local people affected by criminality and addiction and enhance their life chances and employability. The initiative works on a subscriber model and supports coffee growers in Rwanda and across the world through ethical, direct trading.
James Faddes, founder of Glesga Roasters, attended the launch of Aldi’s new Livingston store earlier this month. He said: “We are thrilled to have been given this opportunity by Aldi. We’re a small charity with a passion for helping improve the lives of people in the community who are trying to rebuild themselves after addiction or being involved in crime, so it is hugely valuable to be given this opportunity to share our message with Aldi customers.”
A minister at Bishopbriggs Community Church, James founded Glesga Roasters after battling with the criminal justice system, substance misuse and mental ill health as a teenager. He continued: “We believe that loving coffee and loving people go hand in hand, which is why we trade directly with coffee producers and farmers in Rwanda and across the world. It is our ambition to expand our subscriber base so that we can help more people on their journey of rehabilitation and recovery, create opportunities for training and mentoring and build confidence and job readiness in our roasters.”
Glesga Roasters also attended the opening of an Aldi store in Stewarton (26 November) and will also be there when the ribbon is cut in Parkhead (3 December) to help spread the word about the initiative.
Richard Holloway, Aldi’s Regional Managing Director for Scotland, commented: “At Aldi we are passionate about supporting local communities. When we heard about Glesga Roasters, and how this local food and drink initiative was providing training, skills and a renewed purpose for those looking to turn their lives around, we wanted to help spread the word.
“New store openings are always exciting occasions, and I am pleased that as well as discovering their new Aldi store, our customers in West Lothian were able to find out about James’ incredible charity. We had some fantastic feedback on the day.
“We’re also looking into other ways we can support Glesga Roasters further, and I hope this is the start of an ongoing relationship.”
