Stowmarket businesswoman Jess Mackenzie's frozen meals for children receive a 'no' on Channel 4 series Aldi's Next Big Thing

A mum and businesswoman from Stowmarket has missed out on securing a life-changing contract with a supermarket giant in the first episode of a new Channel 4 series.

Jess Mackenzie showcased her nutritious frozen meals on new Channel 4 series Aldi's Next Big Thing, which sees suppliers battle it out to sell their products in hundreds of the supermarket's stores.

She was picked from hundreds of applicants for the six-part programme, which is hosted by Anita Rani, of Countryfile and BBC Radio 4, and Chris Bavin, of Britain's Best Home Cook and Eat Well for Less.

Products are presented to Julie Ashfield, managing director of buying at Aldi UK, who looks at price, packaging, shopper demand and the ability to scale up before whittling contestants down to just two.

Jess, who launched her company Jess Cooks in 2019, appeared on the first episode last night, but was not chosen to be a finalist.

While Julie said the food on Jess' 'kids' dinner table' presentation board tasted 'home-made and healthy', she was given a 'no'.

"This ticks a lot of boxes for us, but I cannot move on from the fact I just don't think it's going to sell in any volume," she said.

Reacting, Jess said she would wonder whether she could have done something differently.

"But you cannot win it all," she added. "I am really proud and I know my family would be as well."

Mud Foods, an award-winning pie company, won the contract in last night's episode.

Aldi’s Next Big Thing airs on Channel 4 every Thursday at 8pm until November 24.