BATAVIA, Ill. — Aldi continues its march into California after the grand opening of seven outlets last week.

The new locations give the discount grocery chain 25 stores in Southern California, a market Aldi entered when it opened eight stores on March 24. By year’s end, it plans to operate about 45 stores in the state.

“We are thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive welcome we’ve received from California shoppers who are experiencing our premium, high-quality groceries at everyday-low prices for the first time,” Gordon Nesbit, Moreno Valley division vice president, said in a statement.

With the May 19 grand openings of the seven outlets, Nesbit added, “Aldi will be available in cities across Southern California — from Kern to San Diego counties — offering the best of customers’ weekly must-haves like fresh produce and organics, dairy, gluten-free foods, USDA choice beef, and bakery items priced up to 50% less than other grocery stores.”

The new California Aldi stores are located in Bakersfield, Calexico, El Centro, La Puente, Palm Desert, South Gate and Vista.