By Paul Sandle LONDON (Reuters) -Supermarket group Aldi UK said its prices this summer were on average lower than a year ago, easing some of the pressures on its British shoppers who were treating themselves to more of its premium ranges.

The UK operation of discounter Aldi has posted a jump in annual profits in 2023 despite a fall in its market share in recent months. The chain, which has just over 1,000 shops in the country, said pre-tax profits had increased to £536.

Aldi said its focus on lowering prices and opening stores would bring 'high-quality, affordable groceries to millions more British families'. Giles Hurley, chief executive officer

Supermarket group Aldi reported a 16% rise in sales in Britain and Ireland to 17.9 billion pounds ($23.48 billion) in 2023, and said it would open another 23 new stores by the end of the year as apart of an 800 million pound investment.