Aldi UK&I operates 1,092 stores and plans to open 40 more with a £900 million investment over the next 10 weeks, aiming for a total of about 1,500 UK stores in the longer term.

For 2025, Aldi UK&I reported operating profits of £432.9 million, down slightly from £435.5 million the previous year, as sales rose 5% to a record £19 billion.

The company intends a £900 million investment to open 40 stores in 2027 and expand its warehouse and distribution network, even as the 2025 operating profit slipped modestly.

Observers urge stable government policy ahead of the October budget and warn against regulations that could raise costs in the food supply chain.

Aldi highlights long-term cost efficiency and strategic site selection, noting planning delays can slow expansion and that inflation and climate conditions affect grocery price outlook.

Aldi attributes customer growth to affordable prices and argues it is the only major grocery chain actively reducing prices, while criticizing loyalty schemes as uncertain value for shoppers.

Grocery inflation is expected to rise toward Christmas and into next year, with forecasts suggesting inflation above 6% by mid-next year.

The 2027 investment is framed as part of a strategy to strengthen food security and provide affordable groceries while maintaining a focus on low prices.

CEO Giles Hurley emphasizes households facing food price pressures and aims to improve food security by expanding store openings, signing long-term supplier agreements, and boosting home-grown production.

Aldi UK has spent £340 million this year on price reductions, with ongoing pressures from food costs highlighted as droughts and global events underscore the importance of reliable, affordable supplies.

Hurley notes that price pressures and droughts drive Aldi’s focus on affordable, secure food supply and broader community access through more stores.

Aldi is expanding amid competition from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, and a closer position to Asda, while trialing Deliveroo-based grocery delivery to manage costs without raising in-store prices.