The present invention relates to a process for the production of a cellulosic product which comprises providing an aqueous thick suspension containing cellulosic fibers having a fiber concentration of at least about 2% by weight; adding to the thick suspension an aluminum compound, alkaline earth metal salt and acid; diluting the obtained thick suspension to form a thin suspension; adding to the thin suspension one or more drainage and retention aids; and dewatering the obtained thin suspension. The invention further relates to a process for the production of a cellulosic product which comprises providing an aqueous thick suspension containing cellulosic fibers having a fiber concentration of at least about 2% by weight and an alkaline earth metal ion concentration of at least about 100 mg/l; adding to the thick suspension an aluminum compound and optionally an acid to obtain a pH of from about 4 to about 5.5; diluting the obtained thick suspension to form a thin suspension; adding to the thin suspension one or more drainage and retention aids; and dewatering the obtained thin suspension. The invention also relates to an aqueous composition comprising a mixture of an aluminum compound, alkaline earth metal salt and acid and the use of the composition.