In 2024, Costco Wholesale Corporation generated total net sales of around 250 billion U.S. dollars worldwide. Of this amount, 101.5 billion U.S. dollars was attributed to Food and Sundries products. This sizable portion underscores the importance of this product segment in driving Costco's overall financial success. The company's ability to offer various high-quality food and household items at competitive prices has been a prominent factor in attracting and retaining a loyal customer base. Costco brand profile in the UK and U.S. Costco enjoys strong brand recognition in the U.S., with 83 percent of grocery store customers aware of the brand. While many customers like and actively use Costco. Loyalty is high, with over 80 percent of users likely to shop there again. However, media buzz surrounding the brand was low in September 2023. While Costco's brand awareness in the UK is slightly lower than in the U.S. at 75%, it still holds a significant presence. However, only 16 percent of UK grocery store customers like Costco, and slightly less actively use it. Customer loyalty is strong, with over 80 percent of users likely to return. However, like the U.S., media buzz surrounding the brand was minimal in September 2023. Costco’s mission Costco's mission is clear: to deliver exceptional value to its members by offering high-quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices. Costco's membership base has continued to expand steadily over the past decade. As of 2024, the company had approximately 76 million paid members worldwide, increasing from 2023. This consistent growth reflects Costco's ongoing commitment to providing exceptional value and service to its members, solidifying its position as a leading global retailer.

The revenue of Costco, the American retailer operating warehouse club stores, has gradually risen year-on-year in Canada reaching approximately 33.1 billion U.S. dollars in 2023's fiscal year. This is an increase of over 15 billion dollars since 2015.

The warehouse club business model

Warehouse clubs offer a more limited range of products than a traditional supermarket and aim to attract shoppers who wish to save money by buying in bulk. Shoppers must become a member and pay a fee to be able to shop in Costco’s warehouses. Over 127 million people worldwide were Costco members in 2023. There are different tiers of membership, all of which enable members to use any Costco warehouse worldwide and online. Other warehouse club retailers with stores in Canada include Sam’s Club and BJ’s wholesale.

Costco in Canada

The number of Costco locations has risen in line with revenue in Canada – there were 107 Costco warehouses in 2023, 19 warehouses more than in 2015. Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, was home to 39 warehouses in that year, followed by Quebec with 23 stores.

This statistic depicts the sales of the leading retailers in the United States in 2023. Walmart was the leading retailer in the United States with about 635 billion U.S. dollars worth of sales that year.

The global retail industry, a dynamic and ever-evolving sector, is projected to reach a market size of $32.68 billion in 2025, exhibiting a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.65% from 2019 to 2033. This significant growth is driven by several key factors. The rise of e-commerce continues to reshape the retail landscape, offering consumers unparalleled convenience and access to a wider selection of products. Simultaneously, the increasing adoption of omnichannel strategies by major players like Walmart, Amazon, and Target allows for seamless integration of online and offline shopping experiences, catering to diverse consumer preferences. Furthermore, advancements in supply chain management and logistics, coupled with the expansion of digital payment systems, contribute significantly to the industry's expansion. Technological innovations such as artificial intelligence and big data analytics are employed to enhance personalization, optimize inventory management, and improve customer service. However, challenges remain. Rising inflation and fluctuating economic conditions can influence consumer spending patterns, while increasing competition necessitates continuous innovation and adaptation for sustained success within the retail space. The competitive landscape is fiercely contested, with major players such as Walmart, Amazon, Costco, and Target vying for market share through aggressive expansion strategies, strategic partnerships, and continuous improvements in their product offerings and customer service. Regional variations in market growth are expected, with established markets in North America and Europe potentially experiencing a slower pace of growth compared to emerging markets in Asia and Africa. The forecast period of 2025-2033 presents both exciting opportunities and significant hurdles for businesses operating in the retail sector. Successful navigation of this period necessitates a keen understanding of consumer behavior, effective utilization of technological advancements, and the ability to adapt swiftly to changing market dynamics. Key drivers for this market are: Rapid Expansion of Urban Areas, Rise of E-commerce and Omnichannel Retailing. Potential restraints include: Rapid Expansion of Urban Areas, Rise of E-commerce and Omnichannel Retailing. Notable trends are: E-commerce is the Fastest-growing Segment in the Retail Industry.

Supermarkets have maintained stable volume-driven business strategies amid a pricing environment that has been in the spotlight. Conflict in the Middle East, avian flu outbreaks and other inflationary pressures have driven prices up, with many stores passing on these costs to consumers. While consumers are paying more for groceries and upstream suppliers are seeing their margins shrink, supermarkets Coles and Woolworths have maintained relatively stable profit margins, among the highest in the world. The continued expansion of Aldi and Amazon has forced the two established industry giants to shift gears recently to remain price-competitive on both the physical store and online service fronts, launching short-term price discounting initiatives. These supermarket giants also rely on loyalty programs and promotions. Coles and Woolworths have displayed interest in data analytics, strengthening their relationships with analytics data giants like Palantir to optimise their marketing and operational processes. The ACCC's landmark supermarkets inquiry, while not finding evidence of price gouging, identified 20 key recommendations that would ensure a more sustainable market and avoid oligopolistic exploitation. Supermarket and grocery revenue rose significantly following the COVID-19 outbreak. A combination of panic buying, along with the suspension of many specials and promotions in supermarkets, boosted grocery turnover at the beginning of the period, spiking revenue for the two years through 2020-21. This high benchmark at the start of the period has resulted in an industry correction and an annualised revenue contraction of 0.4% to $144.3 billion over the five years through 2025-26. Revenue is estimated to climb 0.4% in 2025-26, reflecting the price-driven industry growth that falling tobacco sales have offset. Supermarkets and grocery stores are set to perform well, with industry revenue slated to climb at an annualised 1.5% through 2030-31 to $155.6 billion. Population growth will remain a key growth factor that stores rely on, as many continue a volume-driven business approach to generating revenue. Should the transparency-related recommendations from the ACCC's inquiry be implemented, some price-driven growth may be curtailed. Eventually, when inflationary pressures subside and consumer sentiment returns to a positive level, supermarkets and grocers will be well-positioned to take advantage of consumer appetite for value-added and premium goods. Strong growth in online sales is set to continue.

With a market size of XXX million and a CAGR of XX% from 2019 to 2033, the global grocery market offers substantial growth opportunities. Key drivers include rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and changing consumer preferences towards organic and healthy food options. Additionally, advancements in e-commerce and online grocery delivery services have expanded market reach and convenience. Market segments include type and application. By type, the market is divided into foods and non-foods, with foods holding a significant share. By application, the market is segmented into online and offline channels. Online grocery shopping is gaining popularity due to factors such as time-saving convenience, wider product selection, and home delivery services. Major players in the market include Walmart, Kroger, Costco, 7-ELEVEN, Amazon, and Albertsons, among others. Geographical regions covered in the market analysis include North America, South America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Asia Pacific. The report provides comprehensive data on market trends, restraints, and company profiles to help stakeholders make informed decisions and capitalize on growth opportunities.

Over the last several years, Costco has seen a yearly increase in its global net sales, rising from ***** billion U.S. dollars in 2014 to ***** billion U.S. dollars by 2024. Costco has made a name for itself worldwide as a members-only wholesale retailer with warehouse style stores. Costco in the U.S. Costco opened its first warehouse in Seattle, Washington in 1983 and has since expanded to become one of the most respected and valuable retailers in the United States and worldwide. Among the top three mass market retailers in the United States: Walmart, Costco, and Target; Costco had the highest average sales volume per store, at *** million U.S. dollars as of 2023. Costco Customers Costco sets itself apart from many other mass merchants by requiring customers to pay a yearly membership fee in order to shop at its locations. A 2023 survey found that the largest share of Costco’s American customer base is between the ages of 18 and 49 years. The company also prides itself in having the highest customer satisfaction rating of any department or discount store in the United States in 2023.

Cheddar: Cheddar holds the largest market share in the cheese segment, owing to its wide acceptance and versatility in various culinary applications.Mozzarella: Mozzarella is highly sought after for its use in pizzas and other Italian dishes. Its popularity is expected to continue due to the growing demand for convenience foods. Recent developments include: In 2019 Costco was good to go to sell cheese-filled shamrock ravioli for St. Patrick's Day. Nuovo Pasta shamrock-formed ravioli, as they are called, will be regular and green-shaded batter pockets which will be loaded up with imported Irish matured cheese, smooth white cheese, destroyed mozzarella, parmesan, and velvet ricotta..

The paid membership supermarket market, while exhibiting significant growth potential, faces a complex landscape. The market size (XXX), with a CAGR of XX%, and a value of unit million, demonstrates substantial expansion, driven primarily by increasing consumer demand for convenience, value-added services (like exclusive discounts and priority access), and the growing popularity of online grocery shopping. Key trends shaping this market include the integration of technology (e.g., advanced inventory management, personalized recommendations, and seamless omnichannel experiences), the rise of private-label brands offering competitive pricing, and a heightened focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing. However, the market faces significant restraints including intense competition from established players like Walmart Inc., Costco Wholesale, and Carrefour, who are aggressively expanding their membership programs. High initial membership fees can be a barrier to entry for price-sensitive consumers, while operational challenges associated with managing inventory and logistics for both online and offline sales (segmented by application) across diverse product types (own and purchased products) significantly impact profitability. Geographic variations also exist, with North America and Asia Pacific (particularly China and India) representing key growth regions due to high population density and rising disposable incomes. The competitive landscape includes a mix of large multinational corporations and regional players, highlighting varied business models and customer acquisition strategies. The market segmentation by product type (own vs. purchased) reveals distinct competitive dynamics. Companies like Costco excel with their own-brand products, achieving high profit margins while offering competitive pricing. Conversely, supermarkets offering a broader range of purchased products face tighter profit margins and are more susceptible to fluctuating supplier costs. Regional variations further complicate this picture, with consumer preferences and regulatory environments differing significantly across regions like North America (with a focus on convenience and speed), Europe (with an emphasis on sustainability and quality), and Asia Pacific (characterized by diverse consumer segments and rapid technological adoption). The study period (2019-2033), encompassing the historical (2019-2024), base (2025), and forecast (2025-2033) years, provides a comprehensive overview of market evolution. Successful players in this sector must effectively manage their supply chains, leverage technology for personalized experiences, and cultivate strong brand loyalty to overcome the challenges posed by high competition and consumer price sensitivity. The inclusion of players like Wumart Stores, Fresh Hema, and Yaodi Agricultural in the analysis indicates the significant presence of regional players particularly in the Asian market, each possessing unique strengths and strategies within their respective geographical markets.

Classic hummus retains its top spot due to its versatility and neutral flavor profile. Lentil hummus is gaining traction as a protein- and fiber-rich option. Edamame hummus offers a unique texture and flavor, while garlic hummus adds a spicy twist. Black hummus, renowned for its deep flavor and high antioxidant content, is another popular choice. White bean hummus provides a healthy and creamy alternative. Recent developments include: June 2021: The country's leading producer and co-manufacturer of hummus, CEDAR'S MEDITERRANEAN FOODS, INC., has increased distribution to include Amazon Fresh. With over 8,000 locations nationwide, including Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, Kroger, and Publix, Cedar's is a leading Mediterranean food brand in the natural and organic grocery channel. It will help the company expand its business and reach wider customer reach., November 2019: Hannah Foods launched a new product called roasted red pepper cauliflower hommus, which has been a huge success in the Costco Southeast Region. They are pleased to announce that roasted red pepper cauliflower hommus will be available at all Costco Southeast Region locations beginning in January. This enables the corporation to attract more clients who prefer ready-to-eat foods, increasing output and income..

The Food and Beverage Wholesaling revenue is forecast to drop at a compound annual rate of 4.4% over the five years through 2024 to reach a valuation of €1,691.0 billion, including an estimated dip of 3.8%, in 2024, while the average industry profit margin is expected to reach 4.8%. The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected Europe's food and beverage wholesaling industry. There's been a surge in grocery store sales due to a shift towards home cooking but a dip in catering service demand, resulting in higher food prices. Consumers have changed from buying in bulk to smaller packaged items, leading to increased production costs and squeezing wholesaler profit. The European Commission reported a severe 42% drop in the accommodation and food service sector's value in 2020 compared to 2019.

Wholesalers are enhancing their e-commerce operations to adapt to rising online shopping trends, particularly in the Netherlands, Denmark and Ireland. This is necessary to meet the fast delivery demands of online consumers, requiring better logistics and warehousing plans. Meanwhile, wholesalers in Belgium and Hungary face profitability challenges because of skyrocketing inflation, largely caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and supply chain disruptions.

The Food and Beverage Wholesaling revenue is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 2.2% over the five years through 2029 to reach a valuation of €1,888.4 billion. Wholesalers face potential threats as retailers and manufacturers aim to cut costs by bypassing them. Major UK supermarkets (like Morrisons and Asda) are sourcing locally, bypassing wholesalers. EIT Food, a food innovation community, draws attention to the increasing consumer demand for meat substitute food products across Europe due to rising health awareness. Over 60% of consumers in France, Spain, Germany and Italy actively seek alternatives to traditional animal farming. Therefore, wholesalers must improve their services and offer more value to maintain relevance.

The Canadian credit card market, valued at $574.36 million in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.34% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers. Increasing digitalization and the rising adoption of e-commerce are significantly boosting transaction volumes processed through credit cards. Furthermore, attractive rewards programs and flexible payment options offered by major players like Visa, MasterCard, and various Canadian financial institutions (CIBC, Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank, TD Bank, BMO, Tangerine Bank, and Desjardins Group, among others) are driving consumer adoption. The market is segmented by card type (general-purpose and specialty cards), application (spanning categories like food & groceries, health & pharmacy, travel, and entertainment), and provider. The prevalence of loyalty programs linked to credit cards, such as those offered by Canadian Tire Corporation and Costco, further stimulates market growth. While the market is experiencing strong growth, potential restraints include increasing regulatory scrutiny aimed at protecting consumers from high-interest rates and potential debt traps. Competition among providers also remains intense, necessitating continuous innovation in card features and benefits to maintain market share. The forecast period (2025-2033) anticipates sustained growth, primarily driven by a young and increasingly affluent population with a growing propensity for online transactions. The market segments related to online shopping and digital services are anticipated to witness particularly strong growth. Strategic partnerships between financial institutions and various retailers (e.g., Air Canada partnership) are also contributing to market expansion by offering targeted rewards and incentives. The continuous evolution of financial technology (FinTech) is expected to bring further innovations in payment methods and card functionalities, shaping the competitive landscape in the years to come. A focus on enhanced security measures and fraud prevention will also be crucial for maintaining consumer trust and driving further market growth. This report provides a detailed analysis of the Canada credit cards market, covering the period from 2019 to 2033. It offers valuable insights into market size, segmentation, trends, and future growth prospects, utilizing data from the historical period (2019-2024), base year (2025), and estimated year (2025), with a forecast extending to 2033. The report is designed to help businesses, investors, and stakeholders understand the competitive landscape and make informed decisions. High-search-volume keywords like "Canadian credit card market," "credit card industry Canada," "Canadian credit card trends," and "Canada credit card market size" are strategically integrated throughout. Recent developments include: March 2024: HSBC Holdings successfully concluded the sale of its Canadian unit, HSBC Bank Canada, to Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) for a total transaction value of CAD 13.5 billion (equivalent to USD 9.96 billion)., January 2023: Desjardins Group, North America's largest financial cooperative, announced its intention to shift its credit card processing operations to Finserv Inc. Finserv, a prominent global player in payments and financial services technology, will consolidate Desjardins' management of various card portfolios, including consumer, commercial, prepaid, and business lines of credit, onto a unified platform. This move is expected to generate synergies, enabling Desjardins to introduce enhanced offerings for both its consumer members and business clients.. Key drivers for this market are: Usage of Credit Card and Bonus and Reward Points Associated, Easy Re-payment Option such as EMI. Potential restraints include: Usage of Credit Card and Bonus and Reward Points Associated, Easy Re-payment Option such as EMI. Notable trends are: Offers and Discounts are Steadily Increasing the Usage of Credit Cards.

The global hooded jacket market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand for versatile and stylish outerwear across various demographics. The market size in 2025 is estimated at $15 billion, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6% from 2019 to 2024. This growth is fueled by several key factors: the rising popularity of athleisure wear, incorporating functionality and fashion; the increasing adoption of sustainable and ethically sourced materials; and the influence of key players such as KUIU, 4imprint, and Farfetch, who are driving innovation in design and technology within the hooded jacket segment. The market is segmented by material (e.g., cotton, polyester, down), style (e.g., parka, bomber, puffer), price point, and distribution channel (online retailers, brick-and-mortar stores). Regional variations exist, with North America and Europe currently holding significant market share, though growth potential is seen in emerging markets driven by increasing disposable incomes and changing fashion trends. The continued expansion of the hooded jacket market is expected through 2033. Factors such as technological advancements in fabric production (e.g., waterproof, breathable materials), increasing consumer awareness of outdoor activities and the resulting need for specialized jackets, and the ongoing influence of social media trends on fashion choices will continue to propel growth. While potential restraints such as fluctuations in raw material prices and economic downturns exist, the overall outlook remains positive. The diverse range of brands catering to different price points and consumer preferences, from luxury brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Stone Island to more affordable options such as Kohl's and DICK'S Sporting Goods, ensures market penetration across a wide spectrum of consumers. The market's future success hinges on continuous innovation, sustainability initiatives, and effective marketing strategies that connect with evolving consumer preferences.

The Food and Beverage Wholesaling revenue is forecast to drop at a compound annual rate of 4.4% over the five years through 2024 to reach a valuation of €1,691.0 billion, including an estimated dip of 3.8%, in 2024, while the average industry profit margin is expected to reach 4.8%. The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected Europe's food and beverage wholesaling industry. There's been a surge in grocery store sales due to a shift towards home cooking but a dip in catering service demand, resulting in higher food prices. Consumers have changed from buying in bulk to smaller packaged items, leading to increased production costs and squeezing wholesaler profit. The European Commission reported a severe 42% drop in the accommodation and food service sector's value in 2020 compared to 2019.

Wholesalers are enhancing their e-commerce operations to adapt to rising online shopping trends, particularly in the Netherlands, Denmark and Ireland. This is necessary to meet the fast delivery demands of online consumers, requiring better logistics and warehousing plans. Meanwhile, wholesalers in Belgium and Hungary face profitability challenges because of skyrocketing inflation, largely caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and supply chain disruptions.

The Food and Beverage Wholesaling revenue is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 2.2% over the five years through 2029 to reach a valuation of €1,888.4 billion. Wholesalers face potential threats as retailers and manufacturers aim to cut costs by bypassing them. Major UK supermarkets (like Morrisons and Asda) are sourcing locally, bypassing wholesalers. EIT Food, a food innovation community, draws attention to the increasing consumer demand for meat substitute food products across Europe due to rising health awareness. Over 60% of consumers in France, Spain, Germany and Italy actively seek alternatives to traditional animal farming. Therefore, wholesalers must improve their services and offer more value to maintain relevance.

The Food and Beverage Wholesaling revenue is forecast to drop at a compound annual rate of 4.4% over the five years through 2024 to reach a valuation of €1,691.0 billion, including an estimated dip of 3.8%, in 2024, while the average industry profit margin is expected to reach 4.8%. The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected Europe's food and beverage wholesaling industry. There's been a surge in grocery store sales due to a shift towards home cooking but a dip in catering service demand, resulting in higher food prices. Consumers have changed from buying in bulk to smaller packaged items, leading to increased production costs and squeezing wholesaler profit. The European Commission reported a severe 42% drop in the accommodation and food service sector's value in 2020 compared to 2019.

Wholesalers are enhancing their e-commerce operations to adapt to rising online shopping trends, particularly in the Netherlands, Denmark and Ireland. This is necessary to meet the fast delivery demands of online consumers, requiring better logistics and warehousing plans. Meanwhile, wholesalers in Belgium and Hungary face profitability challenges because of skyrocketing inflation, largely caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and supply chain disruptions.

The Food and Beverage Wholesaling revenue is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 2.2% over the five years through 2029 to reach a valuation of €1,888.4 billion. Wholesalers face potential threats as retailers and manufacturers aim to cut costs by bypassing them. Major UK supermarkets (like Morrisons and Asda) are sourcing locally, bypassing wholesalers. EIT Food, a food innovation community, draws attention to the increasing consumer demand for meat substitute food products across Europe due to rising health awareness. Over 60% of consumers in France, Spain, Germany and Italy actively seek alternatives to traditional animal farming. Therefore, wholesalers must improve their services and offer more value to maintain relevance.

In 2025, the leading grocery stores in the United States held close to two thirds of the total industry market share. Walmart held the top position with **** percent, followed by Kroger at just under **** percent. Kroger Co. As one of the leading supermarket chains, Kroger has been become a favorite among consumers. Founded by Bernard Kroger in 1883, the company opened its first store in Cincinnati, Ohio and now operates more than ***** grocery retail stores in the United States. Grocery shopping behavior Among the diverse options for food acquisition, supermarkets and superstores are the preferred for consumers. Even though online grocery shopping is on the rise, it is still not up to par with warehouse clubs or discount stores. When it comes to frequency, grocery shopping trips have decreased since the early 2000s, perhaps to adapt to economic pressures like inflation, which has drastically changed the way consumers shop.

The Food and Beverage Wholesaling revenue is forecast to drop at a compound annual rate of 4.4% over the five years through 2024 to reach a valuation of €1,691.0 billion, including an estimated dip of 3.8%, in 2024, while the average industry profit margin is expected to reach 4.8%. The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected Europe's food and beverage wholesaling industry. There's been a surge in grocery store sales due to a shift towards home cooking but a dip in catering service demand, resulting in higher food prices. Consumers have changed from buying in bulk to smaller packaged items, leading to increased production costs and squeezing wholesaler profit. The European Commission reported a severe 42% drop in the accommodation and food service sector's value in 2020 compared to 2019.

Wholesalers are enhancing their e-commerce operations to adapt to rising online shopping trends, particularly in the Netherlands, Denmark and Ireland. This is necessary to meet the fast delivery demands of online consumers, requiring better logistics and warehousing plans. Meanwhile, wholesalers in Belgium and Hungary face profitability challenges because of skyrocketing inflation, largely caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and supply chain disruptions.

The Food and Beverage Wholesaling revenue is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 2.2% over the five years through 2029 to reach a valuation of €1,888.4 billion. Wholesalers face potential threats as retailers and manufacturers aim to cut costs by bypassing them. Major UK supermarkets (like Morrisons and Asda) are sourcing locally, bypassing wholesalers. EIT Food, a food innovation community, draws attention to the increasing consumer demand for meat substitute food products across Europe due to rising health awareness. Over 60% of consumers in France, Spain, Germany and Italy actively seek alternatives to traditional animal farming. Therefore, wholesalers must improve their services and offer more value to maintain relevance.

According to estimates, Amazon claimed the top spot among online retailers in the United States in 2023, capturing 37.6 percent of the market. Second place was occupied by the e-commerce site of the retail chain Walmart, with a 6.4 percent market share, followed in third place by Apple, with 3.6 percent.

Amazon’s continued success

Amazon has long dominated the e-commerce market as the world’s favorite online marketplace. In 2022, company hit over half a trillion U.S. dollars in net sales. The United States is by far Amazon’s most profitable market, as the U.S. branch generated over 356 billion U.S. dollars in sales in 2022. Germany ranked second, with 33 billion dollars, followed closely by the United Kingdom with 30 billion dollars.

Online shopping on the rise

Online shopping has grown significantly over the past decade, with more people turning to the internet for their shopping needs. The proof is in the numbers: the U.S. e-commerce industry was worth almost a trillion dollars in 2023. By 2027, forecasts show that the online market will grow to more than 50 percent. U.S. online shoppers purchase fashion and food and beverages the most via the internet.

The Food and Beverage Wholesaling revenue is forecast to drop at a compound annual rate of 4.4% over the five years through 2024 to reach a valuation of €1,691.0 billion, including an estimated dip of 3.8%, in 2024, while the average industry profit margin is expected to reach 4.8%. The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected Europe's food and beverage wholesaling industry. There's been a surge in grocery store sales due to a shift towards home cooking but a dip in catering service demand, resulting in higher food prices. Consumers have changed from buying in bulk to smaller packaged items, leading to increased production costs and squeezing wholesaler profit. The European Commission reported a severe 42% drop in the accommodation and food service sector's value in 2020 compared to 2019.

Wholesalers are enhancing their e-commerce operations to adapt to rising online shopping trends, particularly in the Netherlands, Denmark and Ireland. This is necessary to meet the fast delivery demands of online consumers, requiring better logistics and warehousing plans. Meanwhile, wholesalers in Belgium and Hungary face profitability challenges because of skyrocketing inflation, largely caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and supply chain disruptions.

The Food and Beverage Wholesaling revenue is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 2.2% over the five years through 2029 to reach a valuation of €1,888.4 billion. Wholesalers face potential threats as retailers and manufacturers aim to cut costs by bypassing them. Major UK supermarkets (like Morrisons and Asda) are sourcing locally, bypassing wholesalers. EIT Food, a food innovation community, draws attention to the increasing consumer demand for meat substitute food products across Europe due to rising health awareness. Over 60% of consumers in France, Spain, Germany and Italy actively seek alternatives to traditional animal farming. Therefore, wholesalers must improve their services and offer more value to maintain relevance.