German discount giant Aldi is the latest retailer to become a member of the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

Aldi has been in the UK since 1990 and now has 430 stores nationwide. It has announced plans to increase its total number of outlets to 1,500 as shoppers continue to favour discount grocers while the economic downturn gathers pace.

Managing director Paul Foley said: “As we continue to expand rapidly and take a greater share of food retailing in the UK, we’ve joined the BRC for its excellent links with politicians in Westminster, Edinburgh and Brussels, and its knowledge of the policy areas that impact most on our business.”

BRC director-general Stephen Robertson said: “Aldi represents an important part of the UK grocery market and I am very pleased we will be able to represent their viewpoint.”