Key facts
- Lidl's sales grew 8.0% in the 12 weeks to October 4, 2026.
- Lidl's market share reached 8.7% in the 12 weeks to October 4, 2026.
- Aldi's sales grew 0.7% in the 12 weeks to October 4, 2026.
- Aldi's market share declined to 10.6% in the 12 weeks to October 4, 2026.
- Aldi reported a record turnover of £19 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025.
- Aldi's operating profit was £432.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2025.
Lidl is outperforming its rival Aldi in the UK grocery market, capturing increasing market share while Aldi experiences slower growth. According to Worldpanel by Numerator data for the 12 weeks ending October 4, 2026, Lidl's sales grew by 8.0%, boosting its market share to 8.7%. In contrast, Aldi's sales saw a modest increase of 0.7%, leading to a slight decline in its market share to 10.6%. Despite this, Aldi remains the larger discounter by market share.
Aldi reported a record turnover of £19 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025, a 5% increase from the previous year. However, its operating profit remained nearly flat at £432.9 million, with a slight decrease in operating margin to 2.3%. This was attributed to investments in prices, infrastructure, and employee pay. To counter Lidl's momentum and protect its position, Aldi has committed to investing £900 million by 2027, which includes plans to open 40 new stores and expand its distribution network. Aldi currently operates 1,085 stores in the UK, with a retail footprint of 13.662 million sq ft, while Lidl operates 1,059 stores but has a nearly equivalent retail footprint of 13.610 million sq ft, reflecting Lidl's preference for larger store formats.
Lidl's rise has seen it overtake Morrisons to become the fifth-largest grocer in Great Britain. The company has been rapidly expanding its store base and broadening its appeal as a weekly shopping destination. Lidl GB has now reached 1,000 stores and 13 distribution centers, employing 35,000 people. In the year to February 2025, Lidl GB's sales rose 8.3% to £11.7 billion, and profits more than doubled to £156.8 million. Lidl has pledged to open 50 UK stores in the year ahead and invest over £600 million in expansion.