Aldi and Cimcorp Group have deployed an automated solution for fresh produce handling at the retailer’s Bardon Distribution Center in Leicestershire, U.K. The start of fresh produce operations follows the launch of operations at Bardon in May 2026.
So far, Aldi has invested more than £500 million in the site, which forms part of the grocer’s £1.6 billion investment in Britain during 2026 and 2027.
“The start of fresh produce operations at Bardon is a proud moment for everyone involved in this project and marks a step change in how we serve our customers,” said Jonathan Heaton, the regional managing director for Bardon at Aldi UK.
“Fresh produce is a vital part of our customers’ shopping, yet it presents one of the most complex challenges in grocery logistics, with products needing to move quickly and efficiently from suppliers to stores to maintain freshness,” he added. “The technology we’ve implemented with Cimcorp allows us to handle enormous volumes while maintaining the precision and care that fresh products demand.”
Once fully operational in 2027, during peak periods more than 1.5 million kg (3.3 million lb.) of fruit and vegetables will move through the 120,774 sq. m (1.3 million sq. ft.) site daily. More than 6,000 pallets of fresh produce will depart the Bardon Distribution Center every day bound for Aldi stores across the U.K.
How does Cimcorp’s system work?
Ulvila, Finland-based Cimcorp’s technology helps move fresh produce through Aldi’s site more efficiently. The company‘s system also retains the different temperatures required to maintain freshness and shelf life of products including salad leaves, bananas, and soft fruit.
The fresh produce operation at Bardon spans three dedicated temperature-controlled areas, with chilled storage for products like apples and carrots, and a specialized banana room. In the chilled chamber, pallets are moved into high-bay racking until they’re needed to go to stores, then automated shuttles will call them down for dispatch.
“Fresh food logistics present unique operational challenges that require specialized technology and expertise,” explained Mikko Kumpulainen, system planning development manager at Cimcorp. “This distribution center demonstrates how intelligent automation can manage high volumes while maintaining the flexibility needed for a complex grocery environment.”
With Aldi, Cimcorp creates a system that can scale
The investment will add capacity to Aldi’s distribution network as the supermarket works towards its long-term ambition of operating 1,500 stores. As the U.K.’s third biggest retailer of fresh produce, Aldi sells an average of 2.2 billion fruit and vegetables every year, including over 300 million bananas, 80 million apples, and 160 million potatoes.
In July 2026 alone, Aldi sold 2,250 tons of British apples, making it the biggest customer of domestic apple growers. The retailer also has a target to increase the number of portions of fruit and vegetables sold by 14% by the end of 2027.
“This investment is about more than efficiency,” Heaton said. “By reducing the cost of moving products from our suppliers to our stores, we can continue to deliver the lowest prices on the market while ensuring customers always find fresh, high-quality fruit and vegetables on our shelves. As operations build over the coming weeks, Bardon will play an increasingly important role in Aldi’s supply chain, supporting our continued growth across the U.K.”
“Our automation allows Aldi to respond more effectively to changing demand patterns while supporting long-term growth,” Kumpulainen said. “Ultimately, the goal is simple: ensuring high-quality fresh products are available for consumers whenever they visit their local store.”