Aldi celebrates 30 years in Scotland

As Aldi celebrates its 30th anniversary in Scotland this month, the popular discount supermarket chain reflects on its journey since opening its first Scottish store in Kilmarnock in November 1994.

Now a household name renowned for its exceptional value and quality, Aldi has significantly expanded its presence across the country.

Over the past three decades, Aldi has established 106 stores throughout Scotland, creating thousands of job opportunities and investing in local communities through new store openings and community programmes.

The company has become a major employer in the region, with over 3,600 staff members across its stores and Bathgate headquarters.

Aldi’s commitment to the Scottish community extends beyond employment, with charitable initiatives such as the Supermarket Sweep and Sports Fund programmes donating over £475,000 to foodbanks and local sports teams since 2016.

The supermarket chain has also garnered recognition for its affordability, winning the Which? cheapest supermarket award for three consecutive years.

A key factor in Aldi’s success has been its dedication to championing locally produced food and drink. As the only retailer with a dedicated Scottish Buying Department, Aldi works with more than 90 Scottish suppliers and stocks 450 Scottish products.

This commitment was further solidified in 2020 with the opening of a £22 million freezer and chill facility in Bathgate, supporting Scotland’s food and drink industry.

Aldi’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, as the company recently received the ‘Best of Scottish’ award for the third time in four years at the Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Awards 2024.

Aldi continues to grow and serve the Scottish community and it looks forward to welcoming even more customers through its doors in the coming years.

Graham Nicolson, Regional Managing Director, said: “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 to the future, we remain committed to the strong relationships we have built with our Scottish suppliers, allowing our customers the opportunity to purchase locally sourced, high-quality Scottish products at affordable prices. Here’s to the next 30 years.”