Aldi has always claimed its everyday prices beat conventional and discount competitors alike, and now it is trying to back up with a competitive price study. The Illinois-based US division of the German-owned Aldi "went out and compared our prices with conventional and big box grocers, and we found our prices to be significantly lower," spokeswoman Martha Swaney said. The research showed saving of an average US$115 per month.

Using a traditional market basket comparison, Aldi said the national study compared the costs of a basket of 184 items generally considered to be "very important to customers," ranging from apple juice to frozen chicken breasts.
 
The chain is getting more vocal and specific about its lower price claims in a bid to take advantage of the increased price sensitivity among consumers currently. Aldi operates nearly 900 US stores in 27 states, ranging from Kansas to the East Coast; and 18 US distribution centers.

"As much as we've grown over the years, there are many who have yet to try us," said Joan Kavanaugh, Aldi's VP Purchasing and Marketing. "We invite grocery shoppers to discover the Aldi difference."