Does Aldi Own Trader Joe’S
Does Aldi Own Trader Joe’S In 2022? (You’Ll Be Surprised)
Trader Joe’s, with its decidedly Californian, laid-back feel, cheap prices, and unique goods, has achieved cult status among the masses, with Facebook groups and entire websites devoted to the chain of 500-plus stores in 43 states.
Aldi To Own Trader Joe’s By 2022
Aldi is the owner of Trader Joe’s. However, it’s not the Aldi brand that North American shoppers are used to. Trader Joe’s is owned by Aldi Nord, which was formed when the two brothers who founded the Albrecht Discount chain in Germany parted ways. Aldi Sud oversees Aldi US operations.
Is there a second Aldi?
There are actually two Aldi entities. However, before we dive into how one Aldi company took control of Trader Joe’s and the rest of the story, it’s helpful to know a little about the Albrecht history.
It is interesting that the Albrecht matriarch founded the first family grocery store in Essen in early 1900s. But, after two World Wars and a deteriorating economy, Germany was in dire straits. The Albrecht brothers Theo & Karl returned to the former war and took the control of running the store.
They were aware of the poor state in the world and made the wise decision to open their own pantry for low-cost basics. After the company’s growth, multiple shops were opened across Germany.
They were getting on quite well until the 1960s, when the brothers couldn’t agree on whether or not to sell cigarettes. Karl was opposed to the idea. Karl thought it would make shoplifters more attractive.
Theo became the sole owner of Aldi Nord. Karl assumed control at Aldi Sud.
Aldi nord took over Trader Joe’s in what year?
Aldi Sud was able to expand to the US by 1976. That is significant because Aldi Nord bought Trader Joe’s in three years.
If they had to guess we would have to assume that they were trying to find an entry point to America that wouldn’t confuse consumers by sharing the name of a already existing chain.
Joe Coulombe founded Trader Joe’s. His business was sold to Theo Albrecht who is the CEO of Aldi Nord.
AldiReviewer.com’s reporter actually reached out Trader Joe’s for clarification. TJ responded that both entities operate separately.
Trader Joe’s is a subsidiary of Aldi Nord but operates under its own jurisdiction.
What Is Trader Joe’s?
Theo Albrecht considers buying the California chain Trader Joe’s a smart investment.
Joe Coulombe was a Stanford University graduate and founder of Trader Joe’s. Coulombe started Trader Joe’s in 2006 after working at convenience stores and drugstores. When six of the Pronto Markets he had been managing were up for liquidation, Coulombe purchased them.
This was the 1950s. In the intervening years, Coulombe had changed up his business model, making his stores stand out amidst the plague of 7-Elevens with unique and eclectic finds.
The restaurant was renamed Trader Joe’s after a Los Angeles tiki bar (“Trader Vic’s”) in the late 1960s. Aldi Nord offered their services shortly after.
It’s not hard to understand why. Coulombe’s model of business went far beyond simply finding random pieces and joining them.
Not really. He rather created high-end products out of discontinued and overstocked items, which he then could sell to customers at a fraction of the cost. Sound familiar?
Whether or not that type of product (high-end/gourmet foods at low prices) made the Aldi Nord purchase of Trader Joe’s intentional, today it’s one of the biggest draws for both Aldi Sud and Trader Joe’s stores, and part of the reason middle-to-upper-class shoppers flock to both.
Are Trader Joe’s and Aldi Selling The Same Products?
While some claim that Trader Joe’s and Aldi US source their store label products from some of the same wholesalers (so far we haven’t found any direct evidence of that), the two stores do carry some similar items, and in one instance, it appears that Aldi might have copied.
The most well-known example is Trader Joe’s cult favorite Everything But the Bagel, which was launched in 2017. Aldi followed suit with their version under the Stonemill seasonings brand, which they simply named Everything Bagel Seasoning.
However, there are many similar products such as wine, (Trader Joe’s offers Two-Buck Chuck while Aldi has the Winking Owl brand which retails for around $2.50/bottle), cheeses fancy, naan bread, and almond butter.
It appears that Trader Joe’s stores carry a greater variety of similar products, since Aldi’s inventory is constrained by space and design. Picture elevated versions of fruit spreads, pickles and granola.
Although Trader Joes has a lighter selection of pantry staples than Aldi, a quick glance at the “For the Pantry” page on Trader Joes’ website reveals some basic information. The 5-lb all-purpose flour bag sells at $3.99 while Aldi sells it for $1.15.
Yes, there is some overlap in product offerings between the two; they both compete for those disposable income dollars, and they have both made it their mission to sell at surprisingly low price-points.
However, it is possible to say that Trader Joe’s & Aldi occupy different niches but occasionally cross paths.
What is Trader Joe’s better than Aldi?
Aldi’s stock consists mainly of store labels, with Trader Joe’s making up the remaining 80 percent. A lot of people wonder how they match up on quality.
Aldi emerges as the winner almost in every area. Why? Trader Joe’s is known for producing poor quality produce.
Thekitchn.com’s writer even published an entire article on the poor quality of TJ’s fresh fruit and vegetables. He commented on the excessive packaging of fresh produce and the bulk bagging of goods (potentially leading home to waste).
Aldi Produce has its critics but they have improved in recent years. They now source locally and receive shipments every day.
We think that Aldi’s and TJ’s produce is comparable. Both retailers deliver great food, especially when it comes to unique, fun foods. Shoppers are fond of Trader Joe’s Black Truffle Cashew Pasta, Vegan Bolognese and French Onion Mc & Cheese.
Aldi customers love to buy Girl Scout cookies dupes. They also like the center-cut, very affordable bacon that costs only $4 per package! and pineapple mimosa bottles.
Trader Joe’s is owned by Aldi Nord, a separate entity from Aldi Sud, which operates Aldi US and all its stores here in the United States.
Although the difference can be confusing and misleading, it is important to know. Although the distinction may seem confusing at first, it has led to fierce competition and made grocery shopping much more fun.
Does Aldi’S Own Trader Joe’S?
Aldi Nord is the owner of Trader Joe’s USA, however, the Aldi Sud stores you will see in America are managed by Aldi Sud. The chains are kind of like estranged cousins.May 1, 2019
Aldi opening new stores in 2022: Where?
Aldi aims to add about 150 new U.S. stores in 2022, including continued expansion in the Gulf Coast region will bring the deep discount grocer into its 38th state. Aldi U.S. from Batavia (Ill.) announced Tuesday that the chain will open its first store in Louisiana, Lafayette on February 10.
Are Trader Joe’S And Aldi Owned By Brothers?
Aldi U.S. BB#.116756 is commonly thought to be a brother or sister company of Trader Joe BB#.162286. However, it’s not. While the two chains have some similarities, with both following a low-price, private-label-dependent strategy, they are independently owned and operated.Jul 19, 2019
.Does Aldi Own Trader Joe’S In 2022? (You’Ll Be Surprised)