The expansion will be the grocery retailer’s first step into Baldwin County, but not in Alabama. ALDI currently operates 30 stores across Alabama, with a mission to provide a faster, easier and smarter way to save money on high-quality groceries and more.

“We are ready to bring the ALDI difference to new markets in Alabama, like Baldwin County,” said Dan Gavin, ALDI’s vice president of real estate. “We’re ramping up our expansion plans to meet the growing demand along the Gulf Coast.”

GROWTH PLANS

Local officials welcomed the company’s plans.

“We are proud that ALDI has selected Loxley for this monumental investment,” said Loxley Mayor Richard Teal. “Bringing a regional headquarters is great for Loxley, Baldwin County and Alabama.”

The new Loxley regional headquarters and distribution center will serve new ALDI stores in southern Alabama, Louisiana and throughout the Florida panhandle. ALDI plans to open 70 new stores by the end of the year across its entire footprint, which puts the company on pace to become the third-largest U.S. grocer by store count by the end of 2022.

“ALDI’s new regional headquarters and distribution center will create new job opportunities for the Baldwin County workforce and contribute to our economy,” said Jeb Ball, Baldwin County commissioner.

“ALDI’s growth and success will contribute to overall economic health and help meet the needs of our growing population. We welcome them to Baldwin County,” he added.

ALDI plans to begin operations in Baldwin County by the end of 2022.