Donegal ALDI stores 24million customer visits and €11.5m spend on producers

Last year, ALDI sourced €11.5 million of locally produced food and drink from Donegal based suppliers, as they announced details of “its continued significant contribution” to Donegal’s economy and the impact of its charity partnerships across the county.

According to their annual Economic Impact Report, the popular German supermarket chain paid almost €4.5 million in wages and salaries, and employed 145 staff. 

Since February 1, it has also paid a minimum wage of €14.80 per hour, maintaining its position as Ireland’s best paying supermarket. 

It also confirmed over 24 million customer visits to their six stores in Donegal, the first of which opened in Letterkenny in March of 2020.

They currently have two stores in Letterkenny as well as stores in Buncrana, Dungloe, Ballybofey and Donegal Town.

Commenting Colin Breslin, Managing Director Buying & Services, ALDI Ireland said: “ALDI is committed to making a positive impact across the country. We continue to make a significant contribution in every local community that we serve and are proud to be a leading contributor to Donegal’s economy.”

“ALDI remains acutely conscious of the economic challenges that our suppliers have endured in the past year. This is why we continue to invest in valued partnerships that allow both our suppliers and our team to grow. 

“In 2023, we spent €11.5 million sourcing locally produced food and drinks from Donegal suppliers. We are delighted to continue working with Donegal suppliers and expanding our Donegal based community in the upcoming year.”

ALDI partners with seven Donegal producers, including long-term relationships with P Mulrine & Sons and Donegal Rapeseed Co. 

Last year, ALDI began working with 30 new suppliers across Ireland, offering opportunities for local companies to stock their local produce on the shelves of one of Ireland’s leading retailers.

The report stated that their Donegal stores support multiple charities across the county at a local level. 

Each store is part of ALDI’s food waste reduction programme, with ALDI’s Donegal stores having donated over 65,000 meals through FoodCloud to local charities. 

Each store is also part of ALDI’s Community Grants network, with Burtonport Animal Rescue and Donegal Domestic Violence Service some of the many local charities that benefited from the programme in 2023.