An Inside Look at Aldi's 2024 Fan Favorites Winners
Aldi shoppers recently once again selected the 13 products they feel are the best offered by the grocer as part of the annual Aldi Fan Favorites competition.
The selection of products from across the store showcases the variety of items Aldi offers, and also gives the grocer insights into consumer trends and what factors are influencing the purchasing decisions of shoppers.
Scott Patton, vice president of National Buying for Aldi, spoke with Store Brands about this year’s winners and what insight the list of products provides the company’s produce developers.
STORE BRANDS: What trends or changes in consumer preferences did you observe from the 2024 Fan Favorites selections?
SCOTT PATTON: This year, we observed our shoppers wanting to elevate everyday, at-home moments at all hours of the day, whether leveling up their early morning caffeine kick or impressing their guests with after-work get-togethers. When it comes to coffee, cold foam became a trending internet sensation in 2024. Seeing this trend emerging in real-time, we acted quickly to develop a brand-new product that delivered on shopper demand for café-quality cold foam at home.
RELATED: Aldi Shoppers Pick 13 Fan Favorites
Working closely with our suppliers, we brought the Barissimo Barista Cold Foam from concept to shelves in just eight months. Since launching earlier this year, we’ve seen Aldi shoppers skipping an expensive latte and instead becoming their own at-home barista, as shoppers already purchased nearly 2 million cans of the Barissimo Barista Cold Foam.
When it comes to elevating everyday entertaining, charcuterie boards continue to be a major way we see our shoppers amplifying their snack spreads. We weren’t surprised that the Specially Selected Aged Cheese and the Emporium Selection Cranberry White Cheddar Cheese also topped the charts in this year’s Fan Favorites survey.
STORE BRANDS: Were there any surprises in the types of products that made the list this year?
PATTON: For the first time in Fan Favorites history, we were surprised to see that there was a tie for product winners. Shoppers crowned both Mama Cozzi’s Deli Pizza and Clancy’s Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips as 2024 Fan Favorites in the “DoorDash Delights” category, signaling that our shoppers are turning to Aldi for quick, reliable products that serve as staples for anything from a casual night at home to impromptu entertaining.
STORE BRANDS: How has the Fan Favorites program helped Aldi better understand its customers' preferences?
PATTON: The Fan Favorites survey is one of the many ways we listen to our shopper feedback. Each year, Aldi analyzes shopping habits, industry trends, and shopper insights to develop categories and inform the product lists. Then, we leave it up to our fans.
The Fan Favorites survey is always one of my favorite times of the year. It’s a chance for us to see the genuine enthusiasm our customers have for the products that we carefully curate for them. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the items we thoughtfully select becoming staples in our shoppers’ homes.
STORE BRANDS: Did you notice any specific product types or categories that performed particularly well in the voting?
PATTON: This year, Aldi shoppers are particularly craving meat. In our survey, the Black Angus Beef Chuck Roast excelled in the “Cozy Comfort” category, while the Ribeye Steak topped the “Summer Cookout” category. Both products highlight our customers' strong preference for fresh, high-quality meat at affordable prices.
STORE BRANDS: How has being named a Fan Favorite impacted the sales of specific products in previous years?
PATTON: Mama Cozzi’s Deli Pizza has been an annual favorite since the survey launched in 2019, even claiming the title of “Overall Fan Favorite” in 2020. Its popularity continues to grow, and this year, it proudly stands as the first Aldi Fan Favorite inducted into the Fan Favorites “Hall of Fame”.
STORE BRANDS: How does Aldi plan to incorporate consumer feedback from the 2024 Fan Favorites into product development or enhancements moving forward?
PATTON: By listening to shoppers and leveraging supplier relationships, Aldi consistently offers products that shoppers are excited to add to their grocery cart. Take our Specially Selected wine for example. It topped the charts in the “Wine Time” category in 2024. We’re seeing consumer love for the product through our sales, and it was no surprise that it was crowned as a Fan Favorite this year. To continue delivering on consumer appetite for incredible wine that doesn’t break the bank, we’re continuing to expand this collection. This season we’ve introduced new Specially Selected wine offerings including the Crémant d’Alsace, Chianti Riserva, and Willamette Valley Pinot Noir.
