ALDI’s Strategic Logistics Hub in Poland: A Catalyst for Growth and Sustainability

ALDI Poland has taken a significant step in its expansion strategy by signing a 43,000-square-meter lease with CTP for a state-of-the-art distribution center in Warsaw Emilianów. The facility, set to open in Q1 2026, underscores ALDI’s commitment to bolstering its supply chain in Poland—a market where it has already grown to over 360 stores in 2024—and signals a broader play for dominance in central and eastern Europe. The partnership also highlights CTP’s role as a cornerstone logistics provider, leveraging its expertise to support retailers like ALDI in their rapid expansion.

Strategic Location and Logistics Efficiency

The warehouse’s placement in Warsaw Emilianów, just 23 km from the capital and adjacent to the S8 highway, positions it as a critical node for serving central and northeastern Poland. By reducing reliance on existing distribution centers in Bydgoszcz and Chorzów, the new facility will streamline deliveries to stores in regions like Mazowieckie and Podlaskie, where ALDI plans further openings—including in Warsaw itself. With 90 unloading ramps and advanced fire safety systems, the center is designed to maximize operational efficiency, cutting delivery times and enhancing flexibility.

Advanced Features and Sustainability Leadership
The warehouse’s sustainability credentials are equally notable. A quarter of its space is dedicated to temperature-controlled storage, ensuring freshness for perishable goods. Its energy-efficient systems, such as repurposing waste heat from glycol cooling to heat floors and provide domestic hot water, align with CTP’s BREEAM “Very Good” certification standards. These measures not only reduce environmental impact but also lower long-term operational costs—a key factor for retailers prioritizing ESG goals.

For CTP, the project reinforces its position as Europe’s largest logistics real estate operator. With a portfolio of 13.3 million sqm across 10 countries and a “negligible ESG risk” rating from Sustainalytics, the company is proving that sustainability and scalability can coexist. The Warsaw Emilianów park, part of CTP’s 840,000-sqm pipeline in Poland’s Mazovia region, exemplifies this strategy.

While CTP’s stock has faced sector-wide volatility, its long-term growth trajectory remains strong, bolstered by high-demand logistics assets and partnerships with retailers like ALDI.

Market Implications and Growth Prospects
ALDI’s aggressive expansion in Poland—adding nearly 60 stores in 2024 alone—requires robust logistics infrastructure. The new center will directly support its goal to open more stores in underserved regions, potentially boosting market share against competitors like Lidl and Tesco. Meanwhile, CTP’s focus on “developer-owner” management ensures operational stability, a critical factor for retailers needing reliable supply chains.

The partnership also reflects broader trends in European retail. As discounters dominate growth, their need for cost-efficient, sustainable logistics networks is driving demand for specialized real estate. CTP’s ability to deliver such spaces, combined with its ESG-driven approach, positions it to capitalize on this trend.

Conclusion: A Win-Win for Growth and Sustainability
ALDI’s lease with CTP is a strategic win for both parties. For ALDI, the Warsaw Emilianów center solidifies its supply chain resilience, enabling faster expansion in Poland—a market where it aims to surpass 400 stores by 2026. For CTP, the deal underscores its leadership in sustainable logistics, with the facility serving as a blueprint for future projects.

With CTP targeting 1 million sqm in Mazovia by 2026 and ALDI’s store count rising steadily, the partnership exemplifies a mutually beneficial model for retail and real estate growth. As European discounters continue to outpace traditional retailers, such collaborations will be pivotal in shaping the sector’s future.

The data paints a clear picture: ALDI’s investment in infrastructure is not just a response to growth but a proactive step to dominate markets through efficiency and sustainability—a formula likely to fuel further success in the region.