Aldi has announced a 65.2% rise in pre-tax profit for 2013 while its average basket size has increased to the second largest in the UK.

The discounter posted a 35.7% growth in annual turnover to £5.27bn, with the group crediting a combination of low prices and quality for its success. Pre-tax profit stands at £260.9m.

Aldi’s average basket size of 17 items is second only to Asda (18.8 items), according to Nielsen figures from August.

Group managing director of Aldi UK, Roman Heini, said: “We keep prices constantly low while keeping product quality consistently high, which is exactly what shoppers want. They had become used to thinking you have to pay more for better products. We’ve shown them this doesn’t have to be the case.

“We work efficiently and responsibly to reduce operational costs. Rather than use these savings to boost margins, we lower prices at the checkout. Shoppers appreciate this and know that, while they’re paying less at Aldi, they’re getting much more for their money.”

Matthew Barnes, Group Managing Director of Aldi, said its efficiencies enabled it to effectively focus on fresh, local, quality products.

“Over half of our range is made in Britain, 100% of our core range of fresh meats is British and fresh bakery goods are delivered to store daily,” he added.

“We offer this to shoppers at affordable prices while working closely with suppliers to ensure everyone gets a fair deal. Aldi efficiencies are subtle, but the difference they make is massive.”