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CORK IS THE HEALTH CAPITAL OF IRELAND, ACCORDING TO ALDI

New ALDI data reveals customers’ favourite products 

Key batch cooking ingredients on the rise among ALDI shoppers 

Cork has a strong sporting legacy, and shoppers in the Rebel County are carrying on that tradition, as one of the most likely in Ireland to buy high protein products, according to new figures released by retailer ALDI. 

New data released today by ALDI, has revealed Ireland’s favourite products, and highlights changing customer behaviours and shopping trends.  

The data, which analyses sales from ALDI’s 160 Irish stores, based in every county in the country, shows that mini banana packs, bananas and fresh milk are the three biggest selling products nationwide. 

Milk and bananas are essential staple products for households across the 26 counties, with these products consistently among the top five sellers in every single county.

Beyond bananas and milk, the product diversity showcased in the top selling products nationally is striking. Key household essentials such as butter and bread are also among the most bought products at ALDI stores. 

Cork Sales 

Cork stands out as one of just five counties where protein products are featured in the top 20 selling products. This unique regional preference showcases Cork’s unique consumer landscape, focusing the significance of protein intake in their diet.

As Ireland prepared all summer for the competition, ALDI shoppers in Cork shared a clear preference for high protein and nutritional meals. 

Beyond high protein items, ALDI’s data reveals other unique products making the Top 20 in Cork, such as red peppers and clementines, alongside other popular best-selling products nationally like carrots, cucumber, bread, and butter. 

ALDI currently operates 26 stores in Cork – including Ballincollig, which was the joint first ALDI store to open in Ireland in 1999, and the most recent addition in Kanturk, opened earlier this year. ALDI also operates a regional distribution center and office facility in Mitchelstown.

This diversity of product offering not only reflects sales trends across different counties, but also demonstrates ALDI’s commitment to offer a diverse range of quality products tailored to local tastes. Alongside the country’s biggest sellers, the analysis also identifies the most popular items in each county, offering valuable insights into shopping habits and regional variations. 

Across the summer months in particular, products such as strawberries, salad tomatoes, cucumbers and scallions were big sellers, as customers took advantage of good weather in May and June to eat more salads and desserts at home. 

As the autumn and winter seasons approach, ALDI’s sales figures reveal an increase in the demand for products like mushrooms, carrots, and instant noodles. This trend hints at a growing preference for comfort foods perfect for warm soups and stews, and continues the trend towards more batch-cooking, which has been accelerated by increases in the cost of living over the past two years. 

Alongside high protein items and fresh produce, household products have also proved popular with ALDI shoppers, with Eco shopping bags and tissues among the 20 biggest selling lines. 

John Curtin, Group Buying Director, ALDI Ireland said: “We are committed to offer a diverse range of quality products that are tailored to satisfy our customers preferences and will remain dedicated to understanding the evolving needs of our customers.  

“The figures we are revealing today are a valuable roadmap for ALDI to continue delivering on our promise. They show us the staple products that Irish shoppers value, the trends and behavioural shifts that we need to take account of to ensure that we continue to deliver unbeatable value and a range of quality products that our customers expect.”