The supermarket chain has pledged to invest £1.3 billion over the next two years (2022-2023) in a bid to further accelerate its share of the UK grocery market.

The plans are expected to create more than 2,000 new jobs next year, adding to the 7,000 permanent roles already created over the past two years.

In its annual trading update, Aldi said sales in the UK and Ireland had grown 10.2% to a record £13.5 billion in the year to 31st December 2020 (2019: £12.3 billion).

As part of its forward investment plans, Aldi said it would continue to grow its retail estate with 100 new stores across the UK over the next two years, as well as expanding its logistics infrastructure, including a new 1.3 million sq. ft site in Leicestershire.

The supermarket, which has over 920 UK stores, said that offering its customers the lowest possible prices “remains its number one focus”, and it is “committed to helping ease financial pressures on household budgets.”

“£600 million invested in stores and distribution centres”

Giles Hurley, chief executive for Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “Whilst 2020 was an extremely challenging year, our 41,000 colleagues stepped up when it mattered most – their dedication to the communities they serve has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite some of the most difficult conditions our sector has ever seen, our people underlined the strength, success and spirit of our business.

“As well as delivering record sales, we continued to invest for growth, deploying over £600 million in stores and distribution centres across the UK. This helped to create thousands of much-needed jobs and support for British farmers and manufacturers.”