Aldi’s International Expansion – Past and Present

Abstract

The MNC Aldi has had a successful international expansion throughout recent decades. The German company has an almost exclusively positive record of growth while leaving competitors behind. The international expansion strategies Aldi uses are analysed and linked to recognized international business theories within this paper. The work reveals that Aldi uses a variety of strategies in order to stay competitive within the global food retail industry, including a slow, conservative international expansion approach that is based on cost leadership and efficiency within the firm. Moreover, the company’s internationalization approach fits the international business theories. These insights can help stakeholders of the food retail industry make decisions for the future and provide an overview of a successful discounter going abroad for aspiring food retailers.