Paul Williams (54) and son, Mike (33) from Peckham, South London will appear on Channel 4’s ‘Aldi’s Next Big Thing’ on Tuesday 9th April, 8pm.

The duo were picked from hundreds of applicants competing for a life changing contract to stock Aldi stores nationwide.  Their business, Flake Bake, produces authentic Jamaican patties, filled with meat or vegetables – a Jamaican twist on the beloved British Cornish pasty.

Viewers will see the father and son duo present their most popular patty flavour to the judges – the Flake Bake Beef patty. A spicy ground beef filling, wrapped in a flaky crust, it’s bursting with Caribbean flavours. Flake Bake patties also come in a whole range of other flavours including, chicken, lamb, salt fish and vegetable.

Hosted by broadcaster and author, Anita Rani and Chris Bavin, of BBC’s The One Show and Eat Well for Less, the six-part series sees 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.

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 Specialbuy in over 1,000 stores.

Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, says: “We eat with our eyes, especially in bakery. If it doesn’t look fresh and appealing it won’t sell. Aldi customers love to try something a little bit different, whether that be dessert flavoured doughnuts or French style treats. We’re looking for innovation, and products that our shoppers are going to love. ”

Paul, Co-Owner of Flake Bake says: “We have a great relationship, running the business as father and son. The beauty is my son coming alongside me and making it a better business. I love what I do, I love baking, it’s a great product.”

Mike, Co-Owner of Flake Bake says: “My dad is what I would describe as an old school Jamaican, if you’re around him, you’re going to have a laugh. I always thought I was going to work in the city, I like the idea of wearing a suit, but I saw what my dad was doing, and so I came straight out of University and started working with him. Ten years later, here I am.

“We think we have the best flaky pastry in the UK. To win would be an incredible achievement, I’d be so proud.”

The multi-category competition is part of Aldi’s ongoing commitment to support British suppliers. Last year, Aldi spent an additional £1.3 billion with British suppliers and growers, and they provide more than three quarters of all items sold in its stores.

The supermarket has also introduced a ‘Best of British’ section to its website, which includes a wide selection of groceries from meat to dairy products and everyday essentials, in a bid to help shoppers support British businesses.

To find out if Paul and Mike’s Flake Bake Beef patty has made it on to Aldi’s shelves, watch Aldi’s Next Big Thing on Channel 4 on 9th April. The series will air every Tuesday at 8pm until 7th May.