In a new series by Checkout magazine, we are examining the biggest news from Irish retailers across the year.
The year 2024 was a big one for Aldi Ireland, as the retailer celebrated 25 years in the country.
Since 1999, the German discounter has grown its network to 163 stores across Ireland, embedding itself into communities through competitive prices, charitable initiatives, and the promotion of Irish suppliers.
This year alone, self-service checkouts, supplier initiatives and anniversary celebrations kept Aldi in the news, as the retailer showed no signs of slowing down.
However, the day-to-day work was most important – so here are some of Aldi’s achievements in 2024.
Stores
Following a quarter of a century in Ireland, Aldi showed no signs of slowing down.
The retailer continued store openings this year, opening a new Ennis store and, more recently, a new Tullamore store, in an investment worth €9.8 million.
At the Tullamore store opening, then Minister Pippa Hackett said, ”This is a significant investment in the region, and I believe it can ultimately prove to be a significant investment in Irish farmers, too.”
Aside from store openings, Aldi committed to investing in the communities that it already serves by upgrading a number of stores.
In 2023, Aldi Ireland won a National Grocery Retail Award for its Project Fresh design, which emphasises fresh produce and offers a streamlined approach to shopping.
The retailer invested heavily in refurbishments this year, refitting stores in Dublin, Cork, Tipperary and Kerry with the award-winning design.
Project Fresh not only improves the shopping experience, but also features enhanced energy efficiency in store, aiding in the company’s sustainability goals.
Sustainability
One hundred per cent [100%] wind-generated energy powers Aldi’s store network, and as part of its Project Fresh enhancements, the retailer has moved away from paper shelf labels, in favour of electronic ones.
The retailer’s sustainability improvements are not confined to individual stores, however, as – in addition to these energy-saving measures – it has advanced company-wide initiatives to improve its carbon footprint.
In January, Aldi Ireland announced a €15 million investment ahead of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), which kicked off on 1 February.
The investment saw Aldi instal reverse vending machines (RVMs) in all of its Irish stores.
As well as investing in a circular economy, the retailer has also worked to reduce food waste, and in August announced that Aldi customers had saved a total of 207,000 surprise bags of food, as part of its partnership with Too Good To Go.
The app allows retailers to sell food that would otherwise go to waste at a discounted price to customers, aligning with two of Aldi’s commitments, to affordability and sustainability.
Further to this, the retailer enlisted Coyne Research to carry out a survey on food waste.
The results of the survey – carried out on behalf of Aldi and FoodCloud – found that Irish consumers waste, on average, €832 worth of food each year.
Speaking about the findings, the managing director of buying services at Aldi Ireland, Colin Breslin, said, “This research emphasises the progress being made in reducing food waste in Ireland and that we are on the right path.
“Reducing food waste not only brings financial benefits for customers, but also has a positive impact on the environment and ensures that food can be redistributed to those most vulnerable in society.”
Initiatives
In addition to supporting communities through the redistribution of food, Aldi also expanded its work with the communities that it serves through its Community Grants programme.
The programme aims to support local charities and organisations.
Speaking about the importance of the initiative, the national sustainability manager at Aldi Ireland, Rachel Nugent, said, “Giving back to the communities we serve has always been hugely important to Aldi.
“Every year, we continue to be amazed by the fantastic work carried out by charities and community organisations, and we again look forward to supporting their work.”
Outside of financial support, Aldi is committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle for customers.
In January, it highlighted healthy options and deals, to help consumers eat well on a budget.
March saw the retailer publish tips, as well as offering more deals, to help children eat well ahead of St Patrick’s Day, bringing a new meaning to an all-green holiday.
Extending beyond physical health, Aldi announced a new mental health initiative in May, to support colleagues, in partnership with Elephant in the Room.
In addition to the initiative – which aimed to break down stigma – Aldi also extended its partnership with Aware, which supports colleagues’ mental well-being.
As the HR director at Aldi Ireland, Brian O’Shea, said, “For Aldi, the well-being of our almost 5,000 colleagues is a top priority.”
Exercise is also an important pillar of well-being, so Aldi announced this year that it would continue its role as official food partner of the IRFU, supporting both the men’s and women’s national teams.
A partner since 2016, Aldi will continue its support and its Aldi Play Rugby school programme until 2028.
Suppliers
One of the biggest stories of the year for the retailer was its €1.1 billion spend on Irish suppliers in 2023.
The retailer redoubled its commitment to its Irish supplier network, confirming its plans to continue this spend in 2024, as it works with over 330 Irish food and drink producers nationwide.
Part of this commitment is its Grow with Aldi initiative.
In September, the retailer announced three new nationwide contracts as part of the programme, with Macey’s Factory, Moran’s Mega Jam and Pure Bea.
In addition to these new contracts, Aldi extended supply deals with previous winners of Grow with Aldi, including O Brother Brewing and the Sibly Food Co.
It also extended contracts with established suppliers, such as Manor Farm, Dawn Meats, NutriQuick and Glenpatrick Spring.
However, Aldi’s search for new national talent and fresh, high-quality food showed no sign of waning this year, as it launched the inaugural Rise with Aldi competition.
The baking competition saw Julia Sommer win for her seeded sourdough bread, now stocked nationwide.
Following the competition, Sommer said, “I am truly honoured to have had a chance to be a finalist in the Rise with Aldi competition.
“Baking has been a lifelong passion for me, and having the opportunity to showcase my bread on this national stage is a dream come true.”
The Aldi team was equally honoured to showcase such talent, with buying director Laurence Kelly saying, “We are proud to have launched this brand-new initiative within the business and to have found such an outstanding winner.
“Julia’s bread will be featured in Aldi stores nationwide in the new year, and we look forward to sharing her exceptional baking with our customers across Ireland.”
Read More: Lidl Ireland: 2024 In Review
