The German-owned supermarket group currently operates 1,092 outlets across the UK and Ireland. The expansion comes as the retailer continues to focus on increasing its presence in local communities while maintaining its strategy of offering lower-priced groceries.
Record Sales Reported as Profits Fall After Price Reductions and Higher Costs
Aldi recorded turnover of £19 billion in 2025, representing a 5% increase in sales compared with the previous year. According to The Guardian, the company’s operating profits declined by £2.6 million to £433 million as investment in price reductions and higher staff costs affected earnings.
The retailer reported that operating profits fell by 1% from £435.5 million in the previous year. Pre-tax profits also decreased, reaching £400.5 million during the same period, according to figures reported by The Express.
Aldi said the investment in lower prices was part of its response to pressure on household budgets. The company has already introduced a £340 million price-cutting programme and said it would continue reducing prices ahead of Christmas.
Giles Hurley, chief executive of Aldi UK and Ireland, said food costs remained one of the biggest pressures facing households. He also pointed to recent droughts and international events as factors highlighting challenges affecting the food supply system.
The company said it spent £14 billion with British suppliers in 2025, with around 80% of sales coming from those suppliers. Aldi also stated that it plans to have at least half of its products covered by long-term supplier agreements by next year.
Store Network Expansion Continues with Focus on New Locations and Logistics
Aldi plans to open 40 additional stores in 2027 as part of its largest investment programme to date. The retailer is also opening 30 stores over a 10-week period, with new locations including Dumbarton, Newport and Willesden in London. The investment will also support improvements to Aldi’s warehouse and distribution network. The company has previously stated its long-term aim of reaching 1,500 stores across the UK and Ireland.
Hurley said the company’s expansion strategy was focused on areas where communities have limited access to affordable grocery options. He added that finding suitable sites and completing planning processes can affect the pace of new store openings.
The supermarket chain is also developing its digital shopping options through a partnership with Deliveroo, under which the delivery company’s workers select, pack and deliver Aldi groceries ordered through its app.
Aldi’s expansion takes place in a competitive UK grocery market. According to The Guardian, Aldi is the third-largest supermarket chain by sales value, while its market share remains close to that of Asda, which is ranked ahead by a small margin based on Worldpanel data. The company said it remains focused on store growth, supplier agreements and price reductions as it continues to expand its presence in the UK grocery sector.
