Aldi founder dies aged 94
Son of grocery store owners in Essen, Germany, devoted his life to expanding Aldi Group internationally
Print22 July 2014
Karl Albrecht, the founder of the Aldi organisation, passed away on 16 July 2014, aged 94.
According to a statement issued by Aldi Ireland, Karl Albrecht “had a strong belief that everyone should be able to consume high-quality food and beverages at the lowest possible prices. He devoted his life to making this belief a reality.”
Albrecht grew up in the north of the city of Essen, where his parents operated a grocery store in which he trained as a grocer.
From 1948 onwards, he and his brother Theo, who died in 2010, expanded their parents’ one-shop business to a network of more than 300 stores. They offered customers a limited, yet relevant, product range which could be easily handled and quickly sold. The cost advantages were passed on to the customers in the form of lower prices.
Since the 1960s, the Aldi (Albrecht Discount) group has also expanded at an international level. Today, it operates across numerous countries on three continents, generating most of its sales outside Germany. Although he retired at the age of 75 from full-time work, Karl Albrecht maintained a keen interest in the activities of the group, and was always very supportive.
As far back as 1973, he ensured the continued existence of the group after his death; the Aldi South group’s assets are controlled by two foundations which ensure the successful continuation of his life’s work.
Aldi Stores (Ireland) has joined the rest of the Aldi South Group in paying respects to Karl Albrecht and extending its sympathies to his family.
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