Aldi UK sales pass £10bn as discounter plans to open 130 new stores

Discount supermarket says expansion will create 5,000 new UK jobs over next two years

The supermarket added more than 1 million new customers last year (Reuters)

Aldi sales passed £10bn across the UK and Ireland in 2017, with the discounter also announcing plans to open 130 new stores over the next two years.

Sales rose 16 per cent to £10.2bn, while profit increased by 29 per cent to £417.3m.

The supermarket also reported that customer numbers grew by more than 1.1 million to 15.8 million, giving Aldi a 7.6 per cent market share in the UK.

Last year, the grocer announced that it would invest £1bn in new stores and upgrades of existing branches during 2017 and 2018.

The company has now confirmed plans to open 130 new stores between 2019 and 2020, with three new regional distribution centres also planned.

According to Aldi, the planned expansions will create 5,000 new jobs over the next two years.

Giles Hurley, chief executive officer at Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “Our future investment plans underline our continued commitment to growing responsibly in the UK. That means having a positive and lasting impact on the economies where we operate and improving the lives of British people.

"Our fundamental purpose remains – to bring outstanding quality groceries at the lowest prices for our customers, creating jobs and supporting British farming and manufacturing.”

He added: “The revolution in British grocery shows no sign of slowing. Savvy customers know they can swap and save with Aldi, thanks to great quality products at lower prices. This is happening on a massive scale, with more than 1.1 million new customers shopping with us throughout 2017.

“While other grocers introduced more complexity into their businesses in their struggle to win back customers, we stuck to our guns and focused on doing what Aldi does best – buying smart, staying lean, improving quality and keeping prices low.

"Our biggest strength is our simplicity – a carefully selected range of exclusive own-label brands and award-winning products at the lowest prices. Millions of Britons can put fantastic tasting food on their table every day of the week, at prices they can afford.”