Compostable coffee pod manufacturer agrees Aldi stocking deal

Coffee manufacturer Beanies has seen its eco-friendly, low calorie coffee pods go on sale at Aldi supermarkets in the UK.

The compostable containers were developed in a bid to reduce waste and the firm’s impact on the environment. According to Beanies, the pods take 26 weeks to decompose, while plastic and aluminium pods can take more than 100 years.

The pods are available in three flavours – vanilla, caramel and hazelnut – and are compatible with Nespresso coffee machines. Prior to the agreement with Aldi, the pods were only available online, with Beanies agreeing to a deal with grocery delivery service Ocado earlier this month (July 2023).

Executive chairman John Evans told Food Manufacture that the firm has had "considerable success​" which granted it the opportunity to bring the compostable pods to market.

"We’re thrilled that Aldi have decided to put all three flavours in their special buy aisle as we really see the value in the product but especially the home compostable element," ​Evans said.

"It was very important to us that the new coffee pods offered a sustainable option for those who prefer the convenience of single-use and we’re glad Aldi have seen the benefit of this for the consumer too​."

The Darlington manufacturer produces more than 40 flavours of instant coffee sold in either cartons, jars or pods. Its products are designed to be low calorie and free of sugar, with its instant coffee jars already on sale in retailers such as Sainsbury's and Lidl, as well as Aldi.

Speaking following the launch of the pods in April, sales and marketing director Mark Stangroom added that there is room for the manufacturer to some of the other flavours available as pods in the future.

Beanies was founded in 2013 and exports its products to 35 countries around the world through its online commerce platform.

In other news, beverage manufacturer Britvic has acquired ready-to-drink coffee brand Jimmy’s​​.