Aldi Süd supermarket chain

Aldi Süd (commonly styled as ALDI) is a global discount supermarket chain with deep roots in German retail history. The brand originated from a small grocery store in Essen, Germany, which was taken over by brothers Karl and Theo Albrecht after World War II. In the early 1960s, the company was split into two separate legal entities: Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd, primarily due to a disagreement over whether to sell cigarettes.

Aldi Süd operates as a powerhouse in the retail sector, controlling operations in southern Germany and various international markets including the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and China. Unlike traditional retailers, Aldi relies heavily on private-label brands, sourcing products from a vast network of global and local suppliers to maintain low prices and high quality. The ownership remains private through family foundations, ensuring long-term stability and a distinct lean business model that has redefined the grocery industry worldwide.