The German hard-discounter Aldi, is to significantly expand its fresh and organic offer as it continues its disruption of the US grocery industry.
The retailer is aggressively on the march in the US, following a template that has brought it success across Europe, including the UK, where it is now a serious challenger to the ‘big four’ supermarkets for market share.
Last year, Aldi opened 135 new stores , and in 2018 the retailer expects to open in 150 new locations. The new store roll-out forms part of a $3.4 billion expansion plan that will take its retail estate to 2,500 stores by 2022.
Aldi has been remodelling its existing stores. A major part of the exercise has beeb focused on introducing more fresh produce into stores, which Aldi sees as a key ingredient for the future in attracting a wider customer base – and delivering on ever-clearer consumer demand for healthier options.
There company sees organic playing a key role here – helping to signal the retailer’s ‘healthier’ credentials. It also plans to extend its vegan offer for similar reasons.
Aldi US CEO Jason Hart recently told US trade title Supermarket News that Aldi doubled its sales volume over the last five years and expects to double it again over the next five years. “Aldi is really clicking on all cylinders right now,” he said.
“Our plans are to continue on this aggressive growth track by answering consumer demands regarding where, how and what they want to shop for.”
Picture: Aldi organic fixture