Celebrating 30 years on Scottish Soil

Aldi, the prominent German discount supermarket, is marking a significant milestone as it celebrates 30 years since the establishment of its first store in Scotland. The initial venture into the Scottish retail market took place in 1994 with the opening of a store in Kilmarnock's Glencairn Retail Park. Through the years, Aldi's presence in Scotland has grown extensively, with the company now operating over 100 stores and providing employment to more than 3,600 individuals across the region.

The original Kilmarnock store underwent a relocation in November 2020. It was moved just 500 metres north to a new and specifically designed store situated on West Netherton Street. This move was part of Aldi's continuous evolution and commitment to enhancing their shopping experience and operational facilities.

Reflecting on the store's legacy

To commemorate this 30-year journey, the Kilmarnock store organised a mini-party specifically for its employees, celebrating the accomplishments and hard work that have been pivotal in Aldi's success in Scotland. Graham Nicolson, the regional managing director, expressed his gratitude for the milestone, highlighting the company's devotion to Scotland and acknowledging the loyalty of both the customers and the team members who have supported Aldi throughout its journey.

Reflecting on the store's legacy, Nicolson stated, “Our 30-year milestone is a testament to our commitment to Scotland. It's really special to look back at how far we’ve come as a business since our first store opened in Kilmarnock - we are incredibly grateful to our loyal customers and devoted team members who have been with us every step of the way.”

Looking towards the future, Nicolson reinforced Aldi's commitment to maintaining strong relationships with Scottish suppliers. This approach ensures customers have access to locally sourced, high-quality Scottish products at competitive prices, a core aspect of their business ethos that has evidently resonated with their customer base over the decades.

Recently, Aldi's dedication to Scottish produce has been acknowledged through several accolades, including being awarded the 'Best of Scottish' title for the third time in four years at the Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Awards 2024. This honour is a recognition of businesses that emphasise Scottish sourcing in their consumer offerings and actively promote the provenance of Scottish products.

Scotland's leading supermarket

Additionally, Aldi has been identified as the leading supermarket in Scotland for stocking local produce, with the latest NFU Shelfwatch survey reporting that 45 per cent of its produce comes from Scotland. This focus not only strengthens local agricultural economies but also satisfies the growing consumer demand for locally sourced goods.

As Aldi continues to look ahead to the next 30 years, the chain remains committed to its core values of quality, affordability, and community connection, cementing its role as a significant player in the Scottish retail market.

Award-winning products

In this year's Quality Food Awards, Aldi were awarded a number of accolades including Retailer of the Year, Christmas Retailer of the Year and Christmas Product of the Year.

Take a look at the full list of 2024 winners here: https://uk.qualityfoodawards.com/QFA24/en/page/2024-winners