Chimac sauce launch, a standout story in events Ireland food culture this week, is putting a much-loved Dublin brand into Aldi stores nationwide for a limited run. The Dublin-founded business, created by Sofie Rooney and Garret FitzGerald, has brought two bold flavours to shoppers: Kimchi Ketchup and Sriracha Caramel Mustard, turning a local restaurant success into one of the more talked-about Ireland events in the food scene.
For readers tracking what’s on Ireland in hospitality, retail and local food innovation, this is less about a one-day launch and more about a growing Irish brand reaching homes across the country. Chimac, known for its Korean-inspired menu in Dublin, has spent years building a loyal following before taking its bottled sauces from restaurant tables to supermarket shelves.
Chimac’s Aldi Launch Is a Big Moment for Events Ireland Food Trends
While this is not a festival or market in the traditional sense, it fits squarely into the wider conversation around events Ireland, food culture, and the rise of homegrown brands. Aldi’s Grow With project has given Chimac access to a national audience, helping introduce its signature flavour combinations to shoppers looking for something different for everyday meals.
The two products currently available are:
- Kimchi Ketchup – a ketchup-style sauce with added depth from house-fermented spring onion kimchi
- Sriracha Caramel Mustard – a sweet, sharp and slightly spicy mustard designed to offer a punchier take on honey mustard
The Kimchi Ketchup has already earned industry praise after winning a Great Taste Award, while the newer mustard adds a fresh option for customers interested in Korean-inspired flavours.
How the Dublin Brand Started
Chimac’s roots trace back to a trip to Seoul, where Sofie Rooney discovered South Korea’s famous chimaek culture — fried chicken and beer enjoyed socially in casual eateries across the country. That experience became the spark for a Dublin concept that mixed Korean influence with Irish ingredients and a more personal creative twist.
After returning home, Rooney and FitzGerald spent several years refining recipes before opening Chimac on Aungier Street in 2019. Both founders are Dubliners, and their shared hospitality background helped shape the business from day one.
Rather than claiming strict authenticity, Chimac built its identity around flavour, fun and accessibility — something that has helped it stand out among Dublin events in the city’s busy food and dining scene.
Read more: things to do in Ireland and events in Dublin
From Restaurant Service to Retail Growth
Like many hospitality businesses, Chimac had to adapt quickly during the pandemic. When lockdowns disrupted restaurant trade, the team shifted focus to takeaway and used that time to test the idea of bottling its sauces.
What started in a restaurant kitchen grew steadily. The business moved through shared production spaces before expanding into a larger unit in Tallaght, where it now runs a full-time factory operation with a small team.
This step into Aldi shows how a local food concept can become part of the national conversation around events in Ireland, retail launches and independent brand success stories.
Why This Matters for Irish Shoppers
For consumers searching events Ireland today or fresh ideas for food discovery, Chimac’s latest move brings restaurant-style flavour into everyday cooking. It also reflects a wider shift in how Irish shoppers engage with independent brands — not just in restaurants, but in supermarkets too.
That makes this launch relevant to people interested in:
- food festivals Ireland and emerging food trends
- markets Ireland and artisan producers
- local events Ireland focused on Irish entrepreneurship
- things to do in Dublin for food lovers exploring the city’s dining scene
Explore more: weekend events Ireland and Daily Digest Ireland events
FAQ
Where can I buy the Chimac sauces?
The sauces are available in Aldi stores in Ireland for a limited time, subject to stock.
Is this linked to the Chimac restaurant in Dublin?
Yes. The retail sauces come from the same Dublin business behind Chimac restaurant.
Are tickets or booking needed?
No. This is a supermarket product launch rather than a ticketed event, so shoppers can simply check participating Aldi locations.
Conclusion
Chimac’s Aldi rollout is more than a product release — it is a strong example of how events Ireland can also mean meaningful moments in food, retail and local business growth. From Seoul-inspired beginnings to a Dublin restaurant and now supermarket shelves across the country, Chimac has shown how a small idea can scale without losing its identity. For anyone following Ireland events, Dublin food culture, or the next big Irish brand, this is one launch worth watching while stocks last.
