I agree that their fruit and veg seem to ripen quicker, sometimes good, sometimes not.
We find their dairy products good, shampoo etc good value, quite a few other things we buy there in preference to the big Two.
Personal taste influences choice, try it and see, no harm done if you don't like it, much the same as trying a new flavour of something
Yes they are privately owned in Europe, Australia has been a roaring success for them, way over what was expected.
Suppliers flocked to them when they arrived because they had minimal rules, mainly give us exactly as sampled when we want it, where we want it and we will pay you on this date.
Suppliers performed, Aldi paid, everyone was happy