Aldi expansion plans in Europe

Aldi has seen great success across its European markets, reaching network milestones and announcing further expansion while continuing to invest in its existing estate.

Continued growth in the UK

At the IGD Aldi Trade Briefing last week, the discounter (which operates under the Aldi Süd brand in the country) highlighted its plans to add 80 new stores to the network over the next two years, as well as improving the existing estate with an investment of £300m. It is improving the supply chain as well, with better forecasting and new distribution centres coming to the nation in the near future.

Retail Analysis subscribers can dive deeper into Aldi strategy across categories in the UK with our report: Category evolution: Aldi and Lidl.

Milestones and expansion plans in Spain

Aldi Nord has recently opened its 500^th store in Spain. This is not the only milestone for the group; the Spanish store brings its total European network to 5,555 and ever closer to its goal of 6,000 Aldi stores across Europe by the end of the year. Aldi Spain has plans for an additional 40 stores in 2026, as demand for value is higher than ever in the market.

Modest but strategic growth for Aldi France

The picture in France is slightly different for Aldi Nord. The discounter has struggled in the market, but is determined to turn operations around with expansion plans for 25 new stores and investing in 100 refurbishments to improve the shopper experience. Changes to the permanent assortment are also being made, with the total SKU count being increased across food to bring shoppers more choice. With positive growth in 2025, we expect the strategy to bring further success for Aldi France.

Further investment in the supply chain

Aldi Nord is positioning itself for the future with new distribution centres around Europe. The new 43,000 sq. m distribution hub in Poland (the nation’s third) will help support the strong growth planned in the market as it aims to exceed 600 stores over the next few years. In Portugal, it has built a temporary distribution centre in the north of the country, with ambitions to open a permanent one in 2030 supporting its expansion plans in in the region.

Aldi Süd is also looking to add synergies to the supply chain through its Global Sourcing function. Wherever possible, products will be aligned across different markets to reduce costs and improve efficiencies, bringing volume opportunities for suppliers.

Aldi expansion plans for the rest of the world

The discounter has also seen huge success in other markets around the globe. Aldi Australia recently reached 600 stores as the only discounter in the market, and has received approval for a new distribution centre close to Sydney’s new airport to further support growth. However, the biggest success is coming from Aldi USA; the discounter has opened around 120 new stores every year, and is on track to operate 3,200 stores by 2028, having recently opened its 2,600^th store. It is targeting new and diverse locations, and has also launched new name-branded items, strengthening the position of its brand in the country.

Supporting Aldi expansion: the opportunity for suppliers

Aldi is continuously growing, investing, and transforming. Suppliers wanting to take advantage of the ambitious Aldi expansion plans need to keep some key things in mind:

Value is the cornerstone of Aldi’s operation around the world, and will continue to be key for succeeding with the discounter in the long-term
This is closely followed by quality, as Aldi aims to provide its shoppers amazing products at the best value possible
Availability is also paramount for the retailer, and suppliers are expected to prove their supply chain is robust and reliable
Sustainability continues to be key, with innovation expected from suppliers in this space and across NPD

Suppliers who are able to deliver across these areas will see benefits from Aldi growth all over the world, as the discount channel continues to lead global grocery growth.