Aldi is a popular discount supermarket chain with over 11,000 stores worldwide. Aldi sells a variety of fresh produce, including corn. Many customers wonder where exactly Aldi sources their corn from. This article will examine the origins of Aldi’s corn and provide an overview of their corn suppliers.
Where does Aldi grow their corn?
Aldi does not actually grow any of their own corn. They purchase corn from various third-party suppliers and farmers. The exact sources can vary by region and season, but here is an overview of where Aldi’s corn generally comes from:
United States
A significant portion of Aldi’s corn comes from American farmers and suppliers. During peak summer months, Aldi sources corn from major corn producing states like Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and Minnesota. This region accounts for over 60% of total US corn production.
Mexico
In the winter months when domestic corn is out of season in the US, Aldi imports corn from Mexico. The states of Sinaloa and Sonora in Northwestern Mexico are major corn producers that export to the US.
Guatemala
Guatemala is another source for imported corn during the US offseason. Corn from Guatemala helps provide fresh corn to Aldi stores year-round.
France
For Aldi stores located in Europe, especially France, some corn is sourced domestically from local French farmers. But imports from the US and South America are still common.
Aldi’s corn suppliers
Aldi works with a number of major produce suppliers and distributors to source their fresh corn. Here are a few of Aldi’s largest corn vendors:
Del Monte
Del Monte Fresh Produce is an American produce company headquartered in Florida. They supply produce like corn, pineapples, and bananas to retailers worldwide. For Aldi, Del Monte provides corn grown in the United States as well as imported corn.
Bonduelle
Bonduelle is a French company that specializes in processed and frozen vegetables. For Aldi’s European stores, Bonduelle supplies some fresh corn grown locally in France.
Azure Farm
Azure Farm is a producer and distributor focused on organic produce. They partner with family farms across the US to provide organic fruits and vegetables. Azure Farm supplies certified organic corn for Aldi’s Simply Nature brand.
Pero Family Farms
Pero Family Farms is a grower-shipper based in Florida that works with over 200 family farms to provide fresh produce like corn. They are one of Aldi’s local Florida suppliers.
How Aldi corn is distributed
To get corn from the fields and farms to local Aldi stores involves a complex distribution network. Here is an overview of how Aldi corn reaches customers:
Growing
Corn is grown and harvested by suppliers and farmers around the world. Major growing regions include the Midwestern US, parts of Mexico and Guatemala, and Western Europe.
Packing and shipping
After harvest, corn is packed, loaded onto pallets, and shipped in refrigerated trucks and freight containers. For imported corn, this involves international freight transport by ships, trains, and trucks.
Regional warehouses
Upon reaching the destination country, corn is taken to regional Aldi warehouses and distribution centers. There, shipments are combined and inventory is managed.
Trucking to stores
From the regional warehouses, pallets of corn are transported by truck to individual Aldi store locations on a regular delivery schedule.
In-store handling
At the stores, corn shipments are unloaded, inspected, repackaged, and displayed in the fresh produce section for customers.
This entire farm-to-store process usually takes less than a week for domestic corn and 2-3 weeks for imported corn. Aldi’s logistics teams work year-round to provide fresh corn in stores.
Corn varieties sold at Aldi
Aldi offers customers a range of different corn types and varieties throughout the year:
Yellow corn
The most common corn found at Aldi is traditional yellow corn. Yellow corn has a sweeter, more tender kernel compared to white corn. It is available year-round from various suppliers.
White corn
White corn has a milder flavor and more firm texture. It is sometimes available seasonally as a nice alternative to yellow corn.
Bicolor corn
Bicolor corn kernels have a mix of yellow and white coloring. This hybrid corn offers a visual appeal and sweet taste.
Sweet corn
Sweet corn is a popular variety known for extra tender and sweet kernels. It is in season during summer months when grown domestically.
Organic
Aldi sells certified organic yellow and white corn under their Simply Nature brand. It is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
Quality control and food safety
To ensure good quality and safe fresh corn for customers, Aldi employs the following measures:
Supplier audits and inspections
Aldi regularly audits their produce suppliers to verify they are following regulations and Aldi’s product specifications. This includes on-site inspections of facilities and operations.
Sampling and testing
Corn shipments are routinely sampled and tested for factors like moisture content, sugars, size, and presence of any contaminants. This occurs at both the suppliers and in Aldi distribution centers.
Cold chain management
Corn is kept at cool temperatures throughout the distribution process to maintain freshness and shelf life. Aldi uses refrigerated transport and storage to preserve corn quality.
Traceability
Aldi implements traceability systems that allow corn to be tracked from specific fields through the entire supply chain. This enables targeted recalls if ever necessary.
Food safety training
Employees throughout Aldi’s operations receive training in food safety procedures relevant to produce handling, storage, and display.
Third-party audits
Many Aldi corn vendors undergo independent food safety audits by organizations like the USDA and PrimusGFS. This provides external verification of compliance.
Packaging and labeling
Aldi aims to minimize packaging where possible, but does utilize packaging to protect corn quality and provide product information:
Bulk bins
Much of Aldi’s fresh corn is displayed loose in bulk produce bins that customers can scoop from. Bulk display minimizes packaging waste.
Pre-packaged
For convenience or to protect delicate varieties like sweet corn, some corn is pre-packaged in perforated plastic bags or plastic containers.
Labels
Bagged/packaged corn includes labels with variety, supplier codes, weight, origin, growing practices (conventional vs. organic), and safe handling instructions.
Food contact
Any plastic containers or bags touching corn are food-grade and meet FDA guidelines for direct contact with produce.
Pricing and promotions
Aldi is able to offer fresh corn at very competitive prices by:
Sourcing directly from suppliers
By purchasing directly from large vendors versus wholesalers, Aldi keeps costs low in the supply chain. These savings get passed on to shoppers.
Minimizing branding and marketing costs
Aldi does not spend heavily on brand marketing or in-store displays and promotions. Corn prices reflect the true costs rather than additional retail margins.
Buying in bulk
Significant year-round volume allows Aldi to benefit from economies of scale in corn procurement and transportation.
Seasonal pricing
Corn prices are lowest in peak summer season when there is an abundance of fresh domestic corn available. Prices go up slightly for imported off-season corn.
Weekly discounts
Aldi rotates price discounts (“Superbuys”) on certain fresh produce weekly. Shoppers can find corn for as low as $0.25/ear when on sale.
Nutrition facts
Aldi corn packs a nutritious punch. Here are some of the main nutritional benefits found in just one medium ear of corn (around 90g):
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 96 | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 21g | 7% |
| Dietary fiber | 2.5g | 9% |
| Sugars | 3.5g | |
| Protein | 3.3g | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 10.6 mg | 12% |
Corn is low calorie, cholesterol-free, and fat-free while providing vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that are beneficial for health. It makes a tasty and nutritious addition to any balanced diet.
Uses and recipes
Aldi corn is extremely versatile in cooking and can be used in both sweet and savory preparations:
On the cob
– Grilled, boiled, roasted, or microwaved
– Seasoned with spices, herbs, butter, mayo, cotija cheese, etc.
– Snack at home, on the go, or at BBQs/picnics
Off the cob
– Sauteed, stir-fried, roasted, or simmered
– Kernels cut off and used in salads, salsas, chowders, fritters
– Added to tacos, nachos, quesadillas, pizzas, omelets, etc.
Creamed corn
– Pureed corn used as soup base or gravy
– Main ingredient in creamed corn side dishes
– Makes great dips and savory spreads
Sweet corn
– Boiled and used in homemadesuccotash
– Grilled for Mexican street corn (elote)
– Pureed into sweet creamed corn sauce
Check Aldi’s weekly ad flyers or visit Aldirecipes.com for seasonal recipe inspiration featuring fresh Aldi corn.
Selection
When selecting fresh corn at Aldi, look for the following qualities:
Tightly wrapped husks
Choose ears with green, snugly fitting husks. Loose or damaged husks can indicate old corn.
Filled kernels
Press a finger against a kernel to check for plumpness. Kernels should be full from edge to edge.
Bright color
Yellow corn should have a vibrant golden color without brown spots. Whiteness indicates very fresh white corn.
Sturdy silk
Fresh corn silk has a glossy sheen. Dry, browning silk is a sign of aging corn.
Good tip fill
The tip end of the ear should be evenly filled out, not tapered down to undeveloped kernels.
Prioritize corn with optimum freshness for the sweetest taste and crisp texture when cooked.
Storage
Follow these guidelines to keep Aldi corn fresh at home:
Leave husked
Store corn unhusked. The husk and silk help retain moisture and slow sugar conversion.
Use promptly
Plan to cook corn within 1-2 days of purchasing for peak flavor and texture.
Refrigerate
Place corn in refrigerator in perforated plastic bag. Don’t trap in sealed bag.
Mist periodically
Lightly misting corn with water helps revive it if needed.
Cook soon after husking
Once husked, cook corn right away. Flavor and sugars diminish quickly.
Proper post-purchase storage preserves corn quality. For longest shelf life, buy only what you will use within a couple days.
Freezing
To freeze Aldi corn for later use:
Husk and clean
Husk ears, remove silk, and rinse under water. Cut kernels off cob.
Blanch
For crispest texture, blanch kernels for 1-2 minutes in boiling water. Shock in ice bath.
Drain and freeze
Pat kernels dry and spread in single layer on tray. Freeze, then transfer to airtight bags.
Freeze in cooking liquid
For creamed or sautéed corn, cook partially in butter or sauce, let cool, and freeze.
Cook frozen
To use, simply heat frozen corn in soups, stir fries, casseroles, etc. Or thaw first for salads.
With proper preparation, Aldi’s fresh corn freezes well for 8-12 months.
Canning
Aldi corn can also be preserved by home canning:
Clean and blanch
Remove husks and silk. Blanch kernels 2-4 minutes.
Pack in jars
Fill sterile canning jars with raw kernels and hot water, broth, or cream, leaving headspace.
Process jars
Process pint or quart jars in a water bath canner for 55-85 minutes at sea level. Adjust for altitude.
Check seals
After cooling, lids should be concave and sealed. Store for up to 18 months.
Reheat before eating
Boil home-canned corn 10+ minutes before eating to kill any bacteria present.
Follow validated canning guides for exact instructions. Refrigerate any jars that don’t properly seal.
Conclusion
Aldi corn provides customers with delicious, nutritious sweet corn at budget-friendly prices. Though Aldi does not grow their own corn, they source from major produce suppliers and farmers in prime corn-growing regions worldwide. Strict quality control gives customers confidence in both the freshness and safety of Aldi corn products. With proper handling and storage, Aldi corn delivers top value for your table all year long.