ALDI’s U.S. operation has revealed what it is looking for in new suppliers.
The group has adopted a new sustainability charter encompassing a wide range of measures that the company will implement by 2030, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and packaging usage and greater transparency in seafood supply chains, and has said it wants to work with suppliers that share the same vision.
“Ethical sourcing and buying practices are a vital part of the long-term success of our business,” an ALDI spokesperson told SeafoodSource. “Even though we met our goal to source 100 percent of ALDI-exclusive brand fresh, frozen, and canned seafood from responsible fisheries and farms, we're maintaining focus on this commitment to ensure our products continue to be sourced in an environmentally friendly way.”
ALDI plans to open around 100 new stores nationwide in 2021, and will expand its e-commerce and grocery pick-up services. With more than 2,000 stores across 37 states, the retailer is on track to become the third-largest grocery retailer by store count by the end of 2022, the company said in a press release.
ALDI chooses its suppliers using a “fair and objective process” based on the supplier’s qualifications and ability to deliver high-quality products in the volumes needed for the operator of more than 2,000 stores, according to the spokesperson.
Supplier relationships are “key to everything we do, and they are something we’ve always been passionate about,” the spokesperson said.
“Since more than 90 percent of our products are ALDI-exclusive brands, we have greater influence over how they are sourced, produced and delivered to our stores,” the spokesperson said. “Our fair and open bid process creates a level playing field for current and prospective suppliers, making sure no company has an unfair advantage over any other.”
The spokesperson said in regard to the company’s sourcing of seafood that all suppliers must meet its sustainability standards. It recently made the sourcing of its own brand of wild-caught seafood transparent and available to the public through the Ocean Disclosure Project (ODP)’s website.
“Consumers have a deeper understanding today of the impact that companies have on the environment. Whether it's seafood, crops, or raw materials, consumers want to know how their favorite products are brought to store shelves,” the spokesperson said. “To meet this consumer demand, we're committed to being transparent with the reporting of our responsible sourcing goals and will share regular updates on our progress.”
Photo courtesy of ALDI
