December sales top 1.4 billion pounds
Highlights strong sales of fresh meat, desserts, cheese
Pledges lowest UK grocery prices in 2023 39;no matter what39;

LONDON, Jan 3 Reuters The British arm of German discount supermarket group Aldi said its sales in December rose 26 compared to the previous year, reflecting the opening of new stores and consumers39; search for savings in a costofliving crisis.

Aldi UK, privately owned by Aldi Sud ALDIEI.UL, also committed on Tuesday to offering shoppers the lowest grocery prices throughout 2023 no matter what.

The group, which has over 990 stores and a market share of 9.3, last year overtook Morrisons to become Britain39;s fourth largest supermarket chain.

It said its sales topped 1.4 billion pounds 1.67 billion in December for the first time.

It highlighted strong growth in sales of fresh meat, with fresh poultry and pork options both up over 28.

It said sales of chilled desserts and fresh cheeses jumped by almost 30 and 50 respectively, while sales of snacks such as crisps and nuts were up over 40 as the men39;s soccer World Cup coincided with the run up to Christmas for the first time.

This year, Christmas was all about family and football as people came together to celebrate in a way we39;ve not enjoyed for years, said CEO Giles Hurley.

Aldi and fellow German rival Lidl have grown rapidly in Britain over the last decade, forcing the established major supermarkets market leader Tesco, Sainsbury39;s, Asda and Morrisons…