Germany-headquartered discount supermarket chain Aldi Sud said it has invested £45 million ($59.2m) in the UK's seafood industry over the past year, highlighting its commitment to supporting suppliers and promoting local products there.

The supermarket -- the UK's third-largest fish retailer -- has introduced 20 new products in 2024, including "British pollock" and breaded cod and haddock, according to a press release.

Aldi also said it has long-standing relationships with UK fisheries and businesses such as Scottish supplier Thistle Seafood, which it has bought from for over 20 years.

"At Aldi, we are incredibly proud of the long-standing relationships we have with British fisheries across the country," said Julie Ashfield, managing director of buying at Aldi UK. "This increased investment demonstrates our commitment to these partnerships and our dedication to providing our customers with high-quality, sustainably sourced British fish."

The retailer collaborates with the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership to enhance sustainability efforts and uses certification programs like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council to ensure responsible sourcing, it said.

In 2023, Aldi received the MSC UK mid-size store retailer of the year award for its growth in ecolabeled products.