June 12 (UPI) — Discount grocer Aldi announced plans Monday to build 700 more stores in the United States by 2022, bringing the total to 2,500.
The company recently announced a $1.6 billion program to remodel 1,300 of its 1,600 stores, in 35 states, by 2020. The expansion plan will make the Illinois-based company the third-largest supermarket chain in the country, behind Albertsons and its subsidiaries and Kroger and its subsidiaries.
The expansion will result in 25,000 new jobs in Aldi stores, warehouses and offices, the company said in a statement.
While the supermarket chain promotes itself on the basis of price, the statement said it has improved its selection of “organic produce, antibiotic-free meats and fresh healthier options,” as well as sustainable seafood and products free of synthetic colors and trans fats.
