German discount supermarket Aldi is set to enter China, and broader Asia, using Australia as a springboard.

Aldi in Asia will initially sell groceries and wine online to China in the first half of next year, with stores expected to open later, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

The site will sell shelf-stable groceries and wine, with most products sourced from the group’s Australian suppliers, says a spokeswoman.

German retail blog Lebensmittel Zeitung, however, says Aldi intends to create “a truly local assortment” with German products as a “topping”.

In Australia, the spokeswoman says there is a strong demand among Chinese consumers for Australian-made products.

“Aldi has been active in the China market for several years undertaking detailed feasibility studies regarding potential market-entry options. This work has resulted in the decision to start retail operations in the China market initially with an eCommerce offering.”

She says Aldi will start selling a “carefully selected” range of everyday grocery items to Chinese consumers via an online retailing platform, with products delivered to their homes.

With a presence already throughout Europe as well as Australia, Britain and the US, Aldi is turning to Asia to maintain growth.