The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced that Aldi and Lidl will be subject to the same land use regulations as other major supermarket chains to prevent them from obstructing rival store developments. This move brings the German discount retailers under the rules that have applied since 2010 to supermarkets including Asda, Co-op, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Waitrose.

Under the designation of “large grocery retailers,” Aldi, Lidl GB, and Lidl NI will now face restrictions aimed at stopping firms from using land contracts to hinder competitors from opening stores nearby. The CMA stated that expanding the scope of these rules to include Aldi and Lidl is intended to help ensure shoppers have a broad choice of where to shop.

Currently, Aldi ranks as the UK’s fourth-largest supermarket chain with a 10.5% share of the grocery market, while Lidl holds the fifth position with an 8.6% market share, based on recent data from Worldpanel by Numerator.

Representatives from both Aldi and Lidl confirmed that the CMA’s decision would not impact their ongoing expansion plans. An Aldi spokeswoman said the company remains committed to growing its presence in the UK, targeting a long-term ambition of 1,500 stores. She added that Aldi plans to invest £900 million next year to open 40 new stores alongside enhancements to its distribution network. Meanwhile, a Lidl spokesman reiterated the company’s longstanding acceptance of competition within the market.

The rules, introduced over a decade ago, are designed to promote competition by preventing dominant grocery retailers from leveraging land agreements to block new entrants or rival expansions. Observers note that the inclusion of Aldi and Lidl reflects their growing influence within the grocery sector, prompting regulatory measures to maintain a level playing field in the industry.