Aldi UK to launch online operation in 2016

A customer walks into the German discount supermarket ALDI in Sydney, Australia June 19, 2015.

/David Gray

Discount supermarket Aldi UK [ALDIEI.UL] said on Monday it would launch an online operation in 2016, initially selling wine, as it posted a dip in 2014 operating profit, reflecting increased investment in prices and people.The grocer said it will begin selling wine by the case online from early next year, followed by non-food "Specialbuys" in the spring, offering customers home delivery and collection from third party locations.  It said the move formed part of its long-term growth and investment strategy in the UK. Aldi said its operating profit fell to 260.3 million pounds ($395.2 million) in 2014, down from 271.4 million pounds in the previous year.Sales increased to a record 6.89 billion pounds from 5.27 billion pounds as the firm continued its aggressive space expansion. ($1 = 0.6587 pounds) (Reporting by James Davey; Editing by Li-mei Hoang)