Aldi has confirmed it will continue its expansion in Scotland, with plans to invest more than £56m over the next two years, opening three new stores in Broughty Ferry, Straiton and Castle Douglas next year.
The move supports the discount retailer’s growth ambitions and will allow it to meet consumer demands for outstanding quality and the lowest value in Scotland.
In 2023, Aldi became Scotland’s third-biggest supermarket by volume, moving it ahead of Morrisons and Sainsbury’s for the first time. According to recently published Kantar data, Aldi’s share of the grocery market had increased from 9.7% in November 2022 to 10.6% in November 2023.
Aldi has soared in popularity in recent years and welcomed more customers than ever before through its doors, with an additional 5 million customers this year.
In addition to the new stores in 2024, the supermarket has also committed to extend five of its existing stores, including Erskine, Port Glasgow and Alexandria over the next two years.
Having been crowned Employer of the Year at the Scotland Food and Drinks Excellence Awards 2023, the investment will see Aldi increase its employees in Scotland by over 10% in 2024.
Aldi also recently committed to a New Year pay rise, making it the first supermarket in the UK to offer rates in line with the Real Living Wage. It will also guarantee store and warehouse colleagues pay of at least £12 an hour.
Richard Holloway, regional managing director for Aldi Scotland, said: “2023 was another excellent year for Aldi Scotland, and I am extremely proud that our presence within the Scottish market has continued to be recognised and celebrated. We remain committed to the strong relationships we have built with our Scottish suppliers, allowing our customers the opportunity to purchase locally sourced, high-quality Scottish products at affordable prices.
“As we look to the new year, we remain committed to reaching more customers than ever before, with the opening of more stores and increased investment in Scotland. Next year will be extra special for us as we mark 30 years since we opened our first store in Scotland on Glencairn Street in Kilmarnock.
“Whether it’s enhancing our product offerings, maintaining the lowest prices, supporting our dedicated teams, or contributing to the communities we serve – every investment is a testament to our unwavering commitment to Scotland.”
Aldi was commended for its selection of quality, locally sourced Scottish produce in 2023. Its Toradh Scottish Seville Orange Gin was awarded Gold by The Spirits Business’ Gin Masters blind tasting, while its Specially Selected All Butter Shortbread Rounds won Gold in the Christmas Category at the Quality Food Awards.
Known for its longstanding commitment to supporting community initiatives, Aldi’s Scottish Sports Fund, which has donated nearly £400,000 to amateur sports clubs to date, will continue in 2024. The retailer’s popular Supermarket Sweep initiative will also return for its ninth year. More than £10,000 was donated to Scottish foodbanks through the initiative in 2023.
In November, Aldi announced a new partnership with Age Scotland, encouraging shoppers to submit festive greetings to help combat loneliness amongst the elderly this winter.
