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Discounters should face same land rules as grocers, UK regulator says
The CMA says the discounters now meet large retailer criteria and could be barred from land deals that block rival store openings.
- On Friday, the Competition and Markets Authority provisionally decided that Aldi, Lidl GB, and Lidl NI should be subject to the Groceries Market Investigation Order 2010, which restricts how large retailers use land agreements to block competition.
- Regulators originally excluded the discounters as 'limited assortment discounters' because of their smaller product range, but the CMA now argues they meet 'Large Grocery Retailers' criteria due to store footprints exceeding 1,000 square metres and integrated wholesaling.
- Aldi holds a 10.8% market share, while Lidl commands 8.8% of the £215 billion UK grocery sector, demonstrating their rapid expansion in recent years and prompting the regulator to update its oversight.
- An Aldi spokesman stated the provisional decision "does not impact our long-term growth plans across the UK," emphasizing the company's commitment to opening hundreds of new stores.
- The CMA invites public feedback until 5pm on Monday, September 7, 2026; following this consultation, the regulator will review responses and issue a final decision later this autumn.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources33
Leaning Left3Leaning Right2Center22Last UpdatedBias Distribution82% Center
Bias Distribution
- 82% of the sources are Center
82% Center
11%
C 82%
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