German-based discount grocery retailer Aldi is emphasizing fresh, organic and easy-to-prepare items with its latest product upgrade.

Twenty percent of all products sold in Aldi stores will be new compared to last year at the same time, and the chain will increase its fresh offerings by 40 percent, the company announced Aug. 9. The produce upgrade is part of Aldi’s $5 billion investment in remodeling existing stores and expanding its U.S. store count to 2,500 to by the end of 2022. Aldi currently operates more than 1,800 stores in the U.S.

"The continued success of our store expansion and remodel initiatives has given us the opportunity to carefully select and introduce new products that satisfy our customers' increasing preferences for fresh items, including organic meats, salad bowls, sliced fruits and gourmet cheeses," says Jason Hart, CEO of ALDI U.S. "We know people lead busy lives, so we're making it even easier for them to purchase everything on their shopping list at ALDI, while still saving money."

New grab-and-go convenience items at Aldi’s will include single-serve guacamole and organic hummus packs and fresh fruit and vegetable snack packs.