Aldi Scotland sales data reveals earlier shift in consumer buying habits.
Scottish shoppers are opting for roast dinners earlier in the season, according to new sales data from Aldi Scotland. Between 10 August and 13 September, sales volumes of root and bulb vegetables at Aldi Scotland stores rose by 33%, while sales of salad and lettuce lines decreased by 18%.
During the same period, sales of Scotch Beef Roasting Joints increased by 18%, and Scottish Pork Shoulder Joints were up 20%. Aldi said it saw demand for roasting meats, potatoes, and root vegetables begin to rise in the week commencing 29 September last year, suggesting the seasonal shift may have started earlier this time.
Alan Leslie, buying director at Aldi Scotland, commented: “As the nights draw in and barbecue season comes to a close, Scottish shoppers are making a conscious effort to put roast dinners back on the table. We’re seeing a real shift in what’s going into baskets right now, with root veg and roasting joints replacing salad bowls weeks earlier than usual. If this trend holds, roast dinner season could be starting well ahead of last year’s late-September peak.”
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Aldi also highlighted findings from NFU Scotland’s 2025–26 ShelfWatch report, published in February 2026. The retailer said the report found that 65% of its own-label fresh produce sold in Scotland was domestically sourced, with 100% Scottish sourcing for its potatoes and 82% for its chicken.
Leslie added: “At Aldi, we pride ourselves on supporting Scottish producers and offering high-quality locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. Whatever the trimmings shoppers are after, they can pick up all the ingredients they need for a special and tasty roast dinner in their local Aldi store, without the premium price tag.”
You can find your nearest Aldi store here.
