Supermarket price wars erupt between two major retailers Aldi and Lidl

Price wars between Aldi and Lidl have erupted as the retailers slash the cost of hundreds of products for the New Year. 

The price of over 600 products at Lidl have been cut, with reductions of up to 35% across fresh and frozen food, cupboard staples and home essentials, while Aldi Ireland also confirmed they're dropping prices "all over the shop", with up to 50% off some products. 

Lidl Ireland stated their latest price drop "further underscores the retailer’s commitment to supporting shoppers and mitigating against cost-of-living impacts". 

In an X (formerly Twitter) post published on January 1, an Aldi Ireland representative said, "We aren't playing this year [sic]... Keep an eye out for some amazing price drops coming your way." 

According to Lidl, recent Kantar data found that the majority of Irish people surveyed said they are extremely or very concerned about the rising cost of groceries, with consumers managing their household spend by buying cheaper groceries and purchasing products on promotion more often. 

The Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Lidl Ireland, Kevin Haverty, said, "Whilst grocery price inflation continues to slow, we are acutely aware that the cost-of-living crisis continues to pose significant challenges for our customers and our suppliers and we’re working harder than ever to continue delivering our quality products at market leading prices. 

"We’re constantly looking to offer the lowest prices, having slashed prices across more than 600 products in the last three months. As we move into 2024, we’re proud to announce the latest round of price drops across a wide range of items, including many customer favourites. We hope this provides a boost for consumers in what is a challenging month for many." 

Customer favourites cut by 50% by rival Aldi include protein power pots (down from €2.49 to €1.19), soup pots (down from €1.99 to 99c), and white/wholemeal soft grain sub (down from 78c to 35c). 

Other reduced Aldi foods include Irish lean beef burgers (down from €2.89 to €2.49) and wafer thin carved ham (down from €1.59 to 79c). 

That's right. You heard it here first. Prices are dropping all over the shop and we're driving the bus (well, the trolley). Want 50% off all these products ? Well there's only one thing to do. #GoAllAldi pic.twitter.com/VltS3fn0I0

— Aldi Ireland (@Aldi_Ireland) January 1, 2024

The price of Lidl essentials including fresh food has also been cut, with celery costing 39c (down from 89c), iceburg lettuce costing 59c (down from €1.15), and a 6 pack of fairtrade organic bananas costing €1.29 (down from €2.25). 

Other Lidl bargains include a six pack of Carrick Glen Irish spring water (down from €2.39 to €1.91), baked beans with no added sugar (down from €1.29 to 94c), and oat milk (down from €1.49 to €1.19).