ALDI Plans to Open 225+ Stores in 2025
ALDI, the fastest-growing grocer in the U.S., announced its plan to open more than 225 new store locations in 2025 as part of the next phase of its five-year national growth strategy. This is the most stores the company will open in one year in its nearly 50-year U.S. history as more shoppers than ever look to save up to 36% on an average shopping trip.
The new stores will open through a combination of organic growth and converting select Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores to the ALDI format. In total, the company will convert approximately 220 Southeastern Grocers locations to its format through 2027.
As part of the strategy, ALDI has closed a transaction to divest approximately 170 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores that are not part of the conversion plan to a consortium including C&S Wholesale Grocers, Southeastern Grocers senior leadership and private investors. This transaction allows ALDI to create a focused conversion portfolio in the Southeast as it progresses its expansion plans across the country.
“When we announced our acquisition of Southeastern Grocers, we shared that we intended for a meaningful number of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets to continue to operate, and we’re delivering on that promise while also supporting ALDI growth. Over the last year, we’ve seen firsthand how C&S Wholesale Grocers, Southeastern Grocers and their teams have continued to deliver great quality, service and value to their customers, and we are confident they will lead the company successfully into its next chapter,” said Jason Hart, CEO, ALDI.
“Converting the remaining locations to the ALDI format is critically important to our nationwide commitment to help shoppers fill their carts with quality groceries for less. As shoppers continue to feel sticker shock at the checkout, the value ALDI delivers can’t be beat,” added Hart.
Grand openings for the first several converted Southeastern Grocers stores are underway, with approximately 100 converted locations re-opening as ALDI stores by the end of 2025.
In addition to its Southeast expansion, ALDI will add to its established footprint in the Northeast and Midwest regions, grow its presence in the West with more stores in Southern California and Arizona, and enter new communities, like Las Vegas. As the company grows its footprint to serve more customers, it also brings its employee-focused culture and industry-leading pay and benefits to more communities.
“ALDI continues to see more shoppers come through our doors as they experience our quicker, easier and more affordable shopping experience firsthand,” said Hart. “With our expansion across the country, ALDI is earning the trust of more shoppers in more communities than ever before, bringing us closer to becoming America’s first stop for groceries.”
Last year, the company opened nearly 120 stores, bringing its total store count to over 2,400 and solidifying its position as the third-largest grocery chain by store count in the U.S. More than one-in-four American households shop at ALDI for its affordable, quality groceries, which is double the amount from just six years ago. With shoppers saving money with every trip, more shoppers are flocking to ALDI than ever before.
Deutsche Bank served as financial advisor. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP was transaction counsel and Kayne Law Group served as co- real estate counsel.
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Blue Diamond’s Nutty Cruiser Hits the Road
Blue Diamond Growers, the world’s leading almond marketer and processor, today announced the creation of its latest innovation, The Nutty Cruiser set to officially launch on National Almond Day, February 16. Blue Diamond’s almond vehicle will embark on the “Bring Your Flavor” National Tour, with the goal of distributing one million almond samples to consumers. This nationwide initiative was designed to showcase Blue Diamond’s bold and craveable flavors to provide the ultimate snacking experience for flavor fanatics all over the United States.
“With the Nutty Cruiser, we set out to create a playful and interactive way for our fans to experience Blue Diamond products like never before,” said Maya Erwin, Vice President of Marketing and Innovation. “We are naturally obsessed with almonds and want to share our love of this perfect snack far and wide during the ‘Bring Your Flavor’ tour. This launch embodies our passion for flavor, fun, and community connection.”
The Nutty Cruiser™, created by Inspira, will visit major markets throughout 2025 on the “Bring Your Flavor Tour” including Sacramento, Calif., Los Angeles, New York City, Boston, Washington D.C., Chicago, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Bentonville, Ark., Panama City, Fla., and Columbus, Ohio, with additional locations to be announced soon.
At each stop, the event grounds will be transformed into a hub of flavor-packed activities and free snacks to delight almond lovers of all ages. Featuring an almond launcher that sends packs of almonds into the hands of hungry customers and engaging activities such as a Flavor Bar, Barrel-o-Flavor sampling stations, and interactive games including ‘Guess That Flavor’ and ‘Almond-hole’ (a unique twist on cornhole), the event offers an unforgettable health-snacking experience. Consumers can share on social media using #BringYourFlavor and interact on-site for a chance to win exciting prizes, including a year’s supply of Blue Diamond snack almonds.
This quirky almond mobile was built in Dallas, Texas and took more than 1,150 labor hours to complete. It is a larger part of Blue Diamond’s bold marketing strategy that will continue to surprise and delight consumers with unexpected flavor drops and surprise pop-ups throughout the year.
For the full tour schedule and updates, visit www.bluediamond.com/nutty-cruiser/.
To officially kick off the tour, the Nutty Cruiser™ will make its debut during the National Almond Day pop-up event, open to the public, on February 16 in Blue Diamond’s headquarters location, Sacramento, California. Located at Urban Roots Brewery & Smokehouse from 12pm-4pm PT, attendees will get a first look at the Nutty Cruiser™ and get the chance to sample a selection of products from Blue Diamond’s full portfolio, including new never-seen-before flavors of Snack Almonds, Almond Breeze® Almondmilk, Nut Thins®, and Almond Flour.
In honor of National Almond Day, Blue Diamond is offering a one-day only National Almond Day flash sale on Amazon. Using code BLUEDIAMOND, fans can get 30% off all Snack Almond varieties as well as select Nut Thins varieties on Sunday, February 16th, 2025. Happy snacking!
For more information on Blue Diamond Almonds, visit BlueDiamond.com
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Dr. Praeger’s Introduces Mexican-Style Street Corn Cheesy Bites
Dr. Praeger’s, a trusted name in better-for-you frozen foods, is building on the success of its category-leading snack offerings with the debut of Mexican-Style Street Corn Cheesy Bites. This latest innovation reflects the brand’s commitment to providing delicious, veggie-forward options that align with evolving consumer preferences for bold flavors and convenience.
The bites are crafted with a crunchy corn tortilla chip coating and a creamy blend of corn, mozzarella, and green chilies, offering a savory and satisfying snacking experience. The bites are quick and versatile, ready to prepare straight from the freezer using an air fryer, stovetop, or oven.
Starting this month, the new bites will be available at more than 100 Costco locations across the Midwest, including states such as Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. Priced at $12.99 for a 60-count box, they deliver an enticing combination of quality, value, and convenience for families and snack enthusiasts.
“Snacking has become a cornerstone of how people eat, and we’re thrilled to expand our offerings with the launch of Mexican-Style Street Corn Cheesy Bites,” said Andy Reichgut, CEO of Dr. Praeger’s. “With the success of our Littles line, we’ve seen firsthand how much consumers love bold, veggie-forward snacks. These bites continue that, delivering craveable flavors and simple preparation while staying true to our mission of making veggies delicious and easy to eat.”
The launch underscores Dr. Praeger’s long standing dedication to developing plant-based, vegetable-driven foods that prioritize both flavor and nutrition. As the snack category continues to evolve, Mexican-Style Street Corn Cheesy Bites highlight the brand’s ability to innovate and meet the needs of modern consumers.
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