Aldi continues to gain popularity in the United States, knowing what many in other parts of the world already knew. That it can deliver high-quality food at prices lower than its competitors.
The mystery of who owns Aldi today is more complicated than you may think. This story takes us through the interesting history of Aldi and provides a background of who owns Aldi and the connection to Trader Joe’s.
Today, Aldi Süd and Nord operate more than 12,000 stores worldwide. In addition, Aldi Süd operates stores in the United States known by the Aldi brand of grocery stores. Aldi Nord also operates in the United States but is known as Trader Joe's.
There are currently more than 2,000 Aldi's and nearly 600 Trader Joe's located in the United States. Aldi alone employs more than 25,000 individuals in 35 states, a number expected to grow over the next several years as Aldi continues to expand in the United States.
Aldi Süd, known as Aldi in the United States, is formally owned by ALDI SÜD GmbH & Co. oHG. After Karl Albrecht passed away in 2014, ownership was passed to his two children, Beate Heister and Karl Albrecht Jr.
Aldi Nord, known as Trader Joe's in the United States, is formally owned by ALDI Einkauf GmbH & Co. oHG. After Theo Albrecht passed away in 2010, ownership was passed to his children and grandchildren.
Not only is Aldi not publicly traded, but Aldi owns all of its stores and does not franchise out. This makes it extremely difficult to invest in the Aldi brand.