Budget chain introduces new areas in every store where discounted items nearing expiry will be easier to find. The move is designed to reduce waste and improve access to lower-priced fresh food.
Aldi has announced the launch of clearly marked reduction zones across all of its UK stores. These new sections aim to highlight discounted products such as bread, fresh produce, and other perishable items that are close to their use-by date.
The scheme forms part of Aldi’s wider effort to tackle food waste, while also helping customers save on their weekly shop. It follows the retailer’s continued focus on offering competitive pricing, after recently being named the UK’s cheapest supermarket by Which?.
Targeting Affordability While Reducing Waste
The new reduction zones are designed to make it easier for customers to find discounted food quickly, avoiding the need to search through various aisles. According to Aldi, items will be discounted throughout the day, and customers can expect to find them in designated sections, clearly labelled for visibility.
“Our customers already know they can rely on us to provide unbeatable value, but our new reduction areas will make it even easier to pick up a last-minute bargain.” said Luke Emery, Aldi UK’s National Sustainability Director. “By creating dedicated reduction zones in store, we’re helping point shoppers towards quality food at cheaper prices, all while cutting down on food waste.”
Aldi already donates unsold surplus food to communities via Neighbourly, a platform that connects businesses to local charities. It also works with Too Good To Go, offering shoppers a selection of Surprise Bags filled with products approaching their sell-by dates.
According to Aldi, this new in-store initiative complements those programmes by tackling waste at the customer level. Unlike some retailers that apply reductions only late in the day, Aldi says items will be discounted continuously, allowing for greater access to savings throughout store hours.
A Wider Strategy Amid Expansion and Competition
The move comes as Aldi continues its rapid expansion in the UK, where it currently operates over 1,060 stores. According to its latest trading update, the chain plans to open 80 more outlets by the end of 2027 as part of a £1.6 billion investment plan, which also includes upgrading existing locations and strengthening its distribution infrastructure.
In its financial report for the year ending December 2024, Aldi said UK sales rose to £18.1 billion, although operating profit fell to £435.5 million, partly due to investment in lower prices and wage increases.
The introduction of reduction zones also follows Aldi being ranked as the UK’s most affordable supermarket once again. Which? found that a basket of 71 standard items cost £122.77 at Aldi in September—£1.18 less than at Lidl and significantly cheaper than at larger chains such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s. Aldi’s latest move signals a continued focus on price, efficiency, and sustainability—a strategy that appears to be resonating with cost-conscious shoppers across the UK.
