ALDI Redefines Gourmet with New Premium Brand, 'Specially Selected'

National Grocer Introduces Hand-Selected Product Line Available Exclusively at ALDI

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Apr 08, 2013, 08:00 ET

BATAVIA, Ill., April 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ALDI, the nation's low price grocery leader, is making it easier to find high-quality foods at affordable prices with the launch of its new premium brand, ''Specially Selected." Identified by its sophisticated packaging, the brand features a range of specialty products available periodically throughout the year – from German coffees and gourmet pastas to premium meats and cheeses.

ALDI first launched the Specially Selected line in Europe, where many of the brand's products have won awards and attracted a devoted following. In the United States, ALDI is introducing many of the Specially Selected products through its popular Special Buy Program, available while quantities last.

"At ALDI, our focus is on delivering the highest quality products at the lowest possible prices," said Chuck Youngstrom, president, ALDI. "Now, with our exclusive Specially Selected line, we're able to offer the more than 25 million customers who shop our stores each month gourmet foods at ALDI everyday low prices. Each Specially Selected product was developed with exceptional taste at an excellent value – helping to meet our customers' increasing demand for premium, quality food at affordable prices."

"I love the fact that the Specially Selected line is showcasing a wide variety of specialty items – everything from gourmet vinaigrette dressings and Havarti, feta and blue cheeses to salami and top crusted flounder – allowing loyal ALDI shoppers like me, access to gourmet shopping choices without having to make that extra stop," said Janice Stahl, food stylist and loyal ALDI shopper.

Sampling of Specially Selected Products

Specially Selected™ Havarti – plain, dill, jalapeno ($2.99*/8 oz.)
Specially Selected™ Blue or Feta Cheese Crumbles ($1.99*/5 oz.)
Specially Selected™ Goat Cheese Log – plain, honey, garlic & herb ($1.99*/4 oz.)
Specially Selected™ Premium Roast Ground – Regular or Mild Coffee ($4.99*/17.6 oz.)
Specially Selected™ Gourmet Vinaigrette Dressings ($1.99*/12 oz.)
Specially Selected™ Pizzelle Cookies ($2.99*/7 oz.)

To ensure its exclusive brands – including Specially Selected – meet or exceed the national brands on taste and quality, ALDI conducts rigorous testing on all products. ALDI stands behind this commitment to quality with a Double Guarantee: If for any reason a customer is not 100 percent satisfied with a food product, ALDI will gladly replace the product and refund the customer's money.

ALDI has been recognized as the nation's low-price grocery leader for two consecutive years, according to more than 6,000 consumer surveys collected by Market Force Information, Inc. in March 2012, the world's leading customer intelligence solutions company. When asked to rank the top eight grocers offering low prices, consumers ranked ALDI No. 1, ahead of competitors such as Walmart, Costco, Publix, Kroger, Safeway and ShopRite.

Over the last several years ALDI has added approximately 50-80 new stores each year, expanding the ability to bring grocery savings to more people every day. ALDI now has more than 1,200 U.S. stores located in 32 states.

About ALDI Inc.
A leader in the grocery retailing industry, ALDI operates more than 1,200 US stores in 32 states, primarily from Kansas to the East Coast. More than 25 million customers each month save up to 50 percent^** on their grocery bills, benefiting from the ALDI simple and streamlined approach to retailing. ALDI sells more than 1,400 of the most frequently purchased grocery and household items, primarily under its exclusive brands, which must meet or exceed the national name brands on taste and quality. ALDI is so confident in the quality of its products, the company offers a Double Guarantee: If for any reason a customer is not 100 percent satisfied with any ALDI food product, ALDI will gladly replace the product and refund the purchase price. For more information about ALDI, visit www.aldi.us.

*Based on retails on April 3, 2013.

**Based upon a price comparison of comparable products sold at leading national retail grocery stores.

SOURCE ALDI