German discount supermarket Lidl set to challenge Aldi in Australia

Australia’s supermarket wars are about to get even more interesting, with German discount chain Lidl reportedly planning to open its doors Down Under.

Lidl, which recently beat Aldi to be named Grocer of the Year at the prestigious Grocer’s Gold Awards in London, is ranked as the fourth largest retailer in the world by Deloitte.

The Australian reports that Lidl, which boasts $128 billion in annual sales, has applied for a wide range of home brand trademarks and has been in contract negotiations with logistics suppliers as it prepares to make its move Down Under.

The move is set to turn up the heat on its European rival Aldi, as well as Coles and Woolworths.

Consumer group Choice has welcomed the news of another discount chain opening in Australia.

Lidl has been seen as the main competitor to Aldi which first opened in Australia in 2001 and now has 370 stores around the country.

“It is good news for consumers that Lidl is planning to enter Australia. On the back of Aldi’s rapid rise, Lidl’s future looks bright down under as consumers seek out more affordable groceries,” Choice spokesman Tom Godfrey told the Courier Mail.

“With our latest consumer pulse report finding 75 per cent of Aussies are concerned about food and grocery prices, this latest news will be welcomed by consumers struggling to make ends meet.”

A recent survey by Choice had revealed that consumers could cut their grocery bills in half by shopping at Aldi.