Stephanie Peters

Source: Pastry Pedaleur

Bakers will compete for an Aldi supply contract in a TV show that will see the retailer source and stock new products from small food and drink businesses.

Channel 4’s Aldi’s Next Big Thing gives independent food and drink producers from across the country the chance to present and pitch their products to a judging panel including Aldi managing director of buying Julie Ashfield, grocer and cookbook author Chris Bavin, and TV presenter Anita Rani.

Among the suppliers appearing on the six-part show, which runs from 20 October to 24 November, will be Chester-based Pastry Pedaleur.

The business was set up in 2019 by Stephanie Peters, who was previously pastry chef at the Chester Grosvenor where she learned her skills under the guidance of Michelin Star chef Simon Radley.

Originally from Mumbai, Peters started Pastry Pedaleur to produce classic French baking with an Indian twist. All products are made from scratch in small batches, using seasonal ingredients, from a site in Chester’s indoor market food hub, where the business also runs baking workshops.

The last workshop raised more than a £1,100 for The Eve Appeal to help raise awareness of women’s gynaecological cancers. Local schools have taken their students for baking workshops at Pastry Pedaleur.

“I used to work in the media and advertising industry in Mumbai, my last job was with Vogue magazine before I realised my true passion and calling was baking,” says Peters.

“Once I got to England, I trained with the best chefs, was a stagiare at popular bakeries in London and developed my finesse and passion for baking. My journey keeps evolving and I love the feedback my business has received at Chester market.”

Pastry Pedaleur will feature in episode two of Aldi’s Next Big Thing, which will be shown on 27 October at 8pm, with the business going head-to-head with other bakers to win a contract.