What do Aldi and ‘Cash Cab’ star have in common?

Batavia, Ill. -- Comedian Ben Bailey is doing his thing in an Aldi supermarket as opposed to his usual taxi cab.



Aldi, the fast-growing deep-discount supermarket chain, has teamed up with Ben Bailey, best known as host of the former TV series "Cash Cab,” in an online video series. Described as equal parts education and entertainment, the series is designed to help introduce Aldi to new customers across the United States and in Southern California specifically, where it is planning to open approximately 45 new stores in 2016.



Surrounded by hidden cameras, Bailey surprised hundreds of shoppers at a Chicagoland store in late April. The comedian posed as an Aldi employee throughout the day, handing out wine and cheese samples, replenishing the produce aisle and doing price checks, all while quizzing shoppers about Aldi. (The video series is available at Lovealdi.com.)



Aldi’s expansion to California is an integral part of a five-year strategic plan to open 650 new stores across the nation. By the end of 2018, the chain expects to operate nearly 2,000 stores.



"With nearly 40 years in the US market, we are excited to celebrate the Aldi story and highlight our smarter shoppers by putting a fun, humorous spin on it," said Aldi director of public relations Liz Ruggles. "Our vision for these videos is to drive awareness and education among new customers in a memorable way. Ben Bailey was the perfect choice to help us share that story with the California market.”