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.

Supermarkets and grocery stores have significantly transformed in recent years, driven by technological advancements and shifting consumer preferences. E-commerce has become a cornerstone of the industry, with over 70.0% of grocery retailers integrating online ordering and fulfillment into their operations in 2025. This shift has been fueled by consumer demand for convenience and efficient shopping experiences, prompting retailers to invest heavily in curbside pickup and home delivery services. Major players like Kroger have leveraged these innovations to maintain a competitive edge, while third-party delivery platforms like Instacart have enabled smaller grocers to compete with larger chains. The adoption of "dark stores" and AI-driven technologies has further optimized operations but heightened competition has limited revenue expansion. Over the past five years, revenue has been slipping at a CAGR of 0.1%, reversing course in 2025 to climb 1.1%, reaching $883.1 million. Over the past five years, the industry has faced rising labor costs and competition from discount grocers and private-label products. Automation has played a crucial role in managing these pressures, with more than 50.0% of transactions in major chains processed through self-checkout systems in 2025. Despite these advancements, wages have continued to rise, accounting for an estimated 10.7% of revenue. This has led retailers to focus on strategic pricing and the promotion of high-margin private-label products to sustain profit. The proliferation of discount grocers like Aldi and Lidl has intensified competition, forcing traditional supermarkets to innovate and adapt to retain market share. Looking ahead, supermarkets and grocery stores are likely to endure steady but marginal revenue growth over the next five years, influenced by economic and demographic factors. Increases in per capita disposable income and consumer spending suggest a stable economic environment that could bolster sales of premium and specialty grocery items. However, declines in the agricultural price index may pressure revenue growth, as lower prices could reduce sales value. Urban population growth will continue to drive demand for grocery products, encouraging retailers to adopt urban-centric strategies. Upcoming FDA regulations on product labeling and ongoing geopolitical tensions will present challenges and opportunities for the industry. Retailers that can navigate these complexities and align with evolving consumer preferences, such as the rise of functional foods and the "quiet luxury" trend, will be well-positioned to thrive in a rapidly changing market landscape. Revenue is anticipated to expand marginally over the next five years at a CAGR of less than 0.1%, totaling $883.3 million in 2030.

Walmart captured a **** percent share of the U.S. food and beverage market, making it the top food and beverage retailer in the United States in 2016. Kroger came in second place, with an *** percent share of the market. Walmart in the United States Walmart is by far the biggest retailer in the United States. In 2017, the company generated about ***** billion U.S. dollars in retail sales in the United States. To put that figure in perspective, the e-commerce giant Amazon.com only had retail sales of about *** billion U.S. dollars. Between 2015 and 2019, the U.S. segment of Walmart has experienced positive and increasingly larger sales growth rates. Between 2018 and 2019, Walmart U.S. sales increased by *** percent. U.S. Supermarkets As of 2018, there were about ****** supermarkets in the United States. Most of these supermarkets are categorized as conventional supermarkets. Some other common types of supermarkets are supercenters, limited assortment supermarkets, and natural/gourmet food markets. About ** percent of all U.S. supermarket sales are attributed to the perishables department. This department includes meat, fresh produce, and dairy, among other categories.

Market Size statistics on the Supermarkets & Grocery Stores industry in the US

Walmart was far and away the leader of the grocery industry in the United States in 2017, controlling over ********* of the market. Kroger, the next largest grocer, was a distant second with a ** percent market share. Over ** percent of the grocery market is occupied by smaller retailers. Retail giant Walmart, headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, was founded by Sam Walton in 1962. The company not only has the largest share of the U.S. grocery market but is the largest retailer overall in the world. In 2017, Walmart’s revenue exceeded *** billion U.S. dollars. E-commerce giant Second only to Amazon, a recent survey shows that Walmart is a leading player in the online grocery market space. Food and beverage e-commerce sales of the retailer topped out at over *** billion dollars for the U.S. market in 2018. Growth of the company’s e-commerce sales have been extremely strong. Average quarterly growth over the last fiscal year was ** percent.

As of 2023, ICA Gruppen AB had, based on sales, a market share of about ** percent in Sweden. It was ahead of Axfood, Coop, Lidl and City Gross. In 2021, the Swedish grocery retail group ICA operated almost *** thousand stores in the country. Most of these stores were from the ICA Nära chain, followed by ICA Supermarket, ICA Kvantum and Maxi ICA Stormarknad. Operating profit of ICA Sweden In the period from 2014 to 2021, ICA’s operating profit fluctuated slightly. It reached its peak in 2020, with an operating profit of approximately *** billion Swedish kronor. Second largest player: Axfood Group From 2012 to 2021, Axfood’s operating profit in Sweden increased constantly. The grocery retailer generated its highest operating profit by the end of this period, amounting to around *** billion Swedish kronor.

Global Food And Grocery Retail market size is expected to reach $14586.54 billion by 2029 at 3.4%, segmented as by fresh food, fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, dairy products, bakery items

The global food and grocery retail market is expected to grow from USD 12.8 trillion in 2025 to USD 17.7 trillion by 2035, reflecting a CAGR of 3.3%. The food and grocery retail market is growing rapidly due to several important factors. Increasing urbanization is a major driver as more people move to cities, which boosts demand for organized retail formats like supermarkets and hypermarkets.

Country wise Insights

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Grocery Store market size will be USD XX million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.80% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3% from 2024 to 2031.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% from 2024 to 2031.
The Retail Chain category is the fastest growing segment of the Grocery Store industry

Market Dynamics of Grocery Store Market

Key Drivers for Grocery Store Market

Growing Consumer Interest in Organic and Fresh Foods to Boost Market Growth

The market for grocery stores is significantly influenced by consumers' increased interest in fresh and organic foods. Organic vegetables, dairy, meats, and other minimally processed foods are becoming more and more popular among health-conscious consumers because of their perceived quality, environmental impact, and health benefits. Growing consumer awareness of pesticide use, genetically modified organisms, and additives has led them to favour products with organic labels and those supplied locally. In response, grocery stores have increased the variety of organic products they provide and established special areas, which draw in a devoted clientele and strengthen their brand identity. This change further supports the expansion of the grocery business by being in line with trends toward eco-friendly and sustainable practices.

Growth of Private Label Goods to Drive Market Growth

As private label items provide merchants with larger profit margins and competitive pricing, their expansion is a key factor in the grocery store industry. Store-branded private labels are popular among budget-conscious shoppers seeking high-quality substitutes for national brands. More control over pricing and production allows supermarkets and grocery stores to customize products to consumer tastes and new trends, such as organic or gluten-free options. Because consumers are drawn to unique products that aren't found anywhere else, private labels also encourage customer loyalty, which eventually improves store distinction and boosts total grocery sector sales.

Restraint Factor for the Grocery Store Market

Increasing Online Retailer Competition Will Limit Market Growth

The grocery store sector is being restrained by the growing competition from online retailers, as customers are attracted to the ease of online shopping and doorstep delivery. With their extensive assortment, affordable costs, and easy-to-use platforms that simplify shopping, e-commerce behemoths and grocery delivery services are alluring substitutes for conventional grocery stores. Due to this change, fewer people are visiting physical businesses, particularly younger, tech-savvy shoppers. Online merchants also frequently provide subscription-based discounts and tailored promotions, which help them gain market share. Digital trends are difficult for traditional grocery stores to adopt, which may hinder their expansion and financial success.

Key Trends for

Grocery Stores

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Initiatives: Consumers are increasingly favoring retailers that are dedicated to minimizing plastic consumption, food waste, and carbon emissions. Grocery stores are embracing sustainable packaging, providing locally sourced produce, and establishing recycling initiatives to resonate with eco-conscious consumer values and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) criteria.

Personalization Through Data Analytics and Loyalty Programs: Retailers are utilizing purchase hist...

The Zero Waste Grocery Stores Market is Segmented by Store Format (Stand-Alone Zero-Waste Stores, In-Store Refill Corners and More), Product Category (Food Staples, Fresh Produce and More), Packaging Model (Bulk Dry Dispensing, Liquid Refill Stations and More), Distribution Channel (Offline and Online), Consumer Demographic ( Millennials, Generation Z and More), Geography ( North America, South America, and More).

In 2023, Norgesgruppen was the leading grocery retailer in Norway, reaching a market share of almost ** percent, based on sales. It was ahead of Coop, Rema 1000 and Bunnpris. The Norwegian grocery retail and wholesaling group Norgesgruppen operates the supermarkets Kiwi, Meny, Jacob’s, Spar, Eurospar, Joker and Nærbutikken, the kiosks Deli de Luca and MIX, the Dolly Dimple’s restaurants as well as the wholesaler ASKO. In 2022, the group generated an operating revenue of approximately *** billion Norwegian kroner.  Second largest player: Coop In the period from 2011 to 2021, the operating revenue of Coop in Norway grew. It was highest in 2022, when the Norwegian cooperative made an operating revenue of approximately ** billion Norwegian kroner.    Grocery retailer’s combined revenue In recent years, the revenue of grocery retailers in Norway increased constantly. As of 2021, the total revenue generated with the sale of groceries was just over *** billion Norwegian kroner.

The global grocery store market exhibits robust growth, driven by several key factors. Consumer spending on groceries remains consistently high, fueled by population growth and rising disposable incomes in developing economies. Technological advancements, such as online grocery shopping and delivery services, are transforming the industry, improving customer convenience and driving sales. Furthermore, the increasing demand for healthier and organic food options presents significant growth opportunities for grocery retailers who adapt to these evolving consumer preferences. While supply chain disruptions and inflation pose challenges, the overall market trajectory remains positive. Let's assume, for illustrative purposes, a 2025 market size of $5 trillion and a CAGR of 3% over the forecast period (2025-2033). This indicates a steady and consistent growth, with the market expected to surpass $6.7 trillion by 2033. Key players like Walmart, Tesco, and Carrefour are strategically investing in technology, private labels, and omnichannel strategies to maintain competitiveness and capture a larger market share. The competitive landscape is intensely dynamic. Established players are facing pressure from both online retailers and smaller, specialized grocery stores focusing on niche markets (e.g., organic, ethnic foods). Successful players will need to effectively leverage data analytics to understand customer behavior, optimize inventory management, and personalize the shopping experience. Maintaining a strong supply chain, managing rising operating costs, and adapting to shifting consumer demands will be critical for success in the coming years. The regional distribution of market share is likely to see variations based on existing infrastructure and economic conditions. Developed markets will likely experience a slower but steady growth, while developing markets will see more rapid expansion due to increased urbanization and changing consumption patterns.

European supermarkets’ revenue is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 4.5% over the five years through 2024 to reach €1.6 trillion. A handful of supermarkets dominate each country, with the only new entrants being well-established supermarkets looking to expand to new regions – independents struggle to grab market share from the well-entrenched stores. Soaring operating costs, driven by purchase price and wage, are eating into the profitability of supermarkets. For many supermarket executives, scaling e-commerce operations has taken a backseat as they seek to combat falling sales volumes and downtrading, with customers foregoing brands for value or own-brand products. Consumer preferences for organic produce and premium products have also been sidelined during the cost-of-living as customers tighten their purse strings. Price inflation is expected to push revenue up by 2.6% in 2024. Over the five years through 2029, supermarkets’ revenue is slated to climb at a compound annual rate of 0.9% to €1.6 trillion. As disposable incomes recover from the cost-of-living crisis, consumers will switch back to organic and premium produce will return and demand for convenient shopping experiences will intensify. Expanding e-commerce offerings will be central to many supermarkets’ strategies as they look to widen their sales channels. Investment will be required to fully automate warehouse procedures, such as with automated picking and depalletising, as will decarbonising fleets. Advances in analytics, Generative AI and automation will help minimise costs in what is already a tight operating model for many grocery retailers, giving some relief to profitability. Sustainability will move to the forefront of supermarkets’ decision-making process when they select new suppliers as green concerns continue to mount.

Global Grocery Retail Market reached USD 8,695 billion in 2022 and is projected to witness lucrative growth by reaching up to USD 14,772 billion by 2031

Supermarkets and grocery stores have endured a transformative journey since 2019, shaped by the pandemic, geopolitical tensions and an ever-changing market landscape. Grocers first encountered unprecedented demand as lockdowns redirected consumers' spending from entertainment to at-home essentials. Sales spiked, but the boom was fleeting; by 2021, factors like declining disposable income and soaring food prices reversed the trend. Even post-pandemic, the industry is evolving—more consumers than ever are embracing online grocery shopping, prompting traditional retailers to bolster their digital presence. Those unable or unwilling to adapt were largely forced out, while the largest supermarket chains maintained dominance through aggressive merger and acquisition activity and by leveraging vertically integrated operations. This momentous period caused heightened revenue volatility that still persists. Revenue has been rising at a CAGR of 0.1% over the past five years and is expected to dip 0.9% in 2024 when revenue will reach $111.9 billion. Amid this transformation, significant profit disparities worsened in an incredibly concentrated industry. Geopolitical instabilities like the war in Ukraine intensified supply chain disruptions, impacting costs for retailers. Rising energy prices compound this issue, squeezing profit as transportation expenses mount. Meanwhile, climate change injects further unpredictability into production costs, forcing grocers to manage these pressures by cautiously adjusting consumer prices. A class-action lawsuit against Loblaw Cos. Ltd. underscores market concentration challenges, spotlighting potential anti-competitive behaviours and their implications. This legal scrutiny, combined with governmental pressure for price transparency, could foster a more equitable marketplace. Should dominant players like Loblaw adjust their pricing strategies, it may level the playing field for smaller competitors, expanding competition and consumer choice. Over the next five years, a stable economic backdrop will support modest revenue growth for supermarkets. As disposable incomes stabilize, a return to preferred brands could uplift grocers' revenue. A more tempered rise in food prices will allow for strategic pricing decisions, providing grocers with a favourable environment for maintaining consumer loyalty. Technological advancements will be pivotal, with retailers expected to deepen investments in e-commerce and in-store technologies like AI-powered inventory management. This investment will be crucial as online grocery shopping and big-box retailers thrive. Governmental regulatory efforts may also reshape industry dynamics, offering smaller grocers a greater chance to compete by enhancing pricing equity. Continued inventory diversification reflecting health-conscious consumer preferences will likely continue, driven by rising interest in plant-based and ethical products. Retailers that navigate these shifts adeptly, leveraging both technology and emerging consumer trends, are poised to gain a competitive edge. Revenue is forecast to climb at a CAGR of 1.7% over the next five years, reaching $122.0 billion in 2029.

Supermarkets have had to adapt to changes in consumer behaviour and competition from online retailers in recent years. The supermarket industry in France is dominated by a number of large supermarket chains, which are experiencing increasing competition from online-only retailers like Amazon Fresh. Thanks to the expansion of its omnichannel strategy, Drive, the market leader, is also leading the way in the click-and-collect food sector with offerings like Leclerc Drive or Carrefour Drive. Customers can purchase online and collect the ordered goods from a drive-in counter at an agreed time. Many start-ups also specialise in fast home delivery of food products and compete with supermarkets. However, providers like Gorillas are primarily active in large cities. Revenue is expected to grow by 1.1% to €276.3 billion in 2025. Between 2020 and 2025, industry revenue has increased at a compound annual rate of 0.6%, although high inflation has reduced consumers' willingness to spend. Despite the lower sales volume, supermarkets recorded a slight revenue growth resulting from higher consumer prices. High consumer prices are prompting more and more consumers to buy supermarkets' private-label products at low prices or to do all their shopping at discounters like Lidl. Sustainability aspects, technological innovations and private labels will shape supermarkets' product range and strategy in the coming years. Industry revenue is expected to climb at a compound annual rate of 2.3% to €309.8 billion through 2030. To remain competitive in this fiercely contested market, supermarkets must invest in new technologies to improve the customer shopping experience and retain loyalty.

The global Food Grocery Retail Market was valued at USD 674.52 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 922.77 million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.38% during the forecast period. The growth of the market is attributed to the increasing population, rising disposable income, and changing consumer preferences for convenience and quality food products. The increasing urbanization and the expansion of retail stores are also contributing to the growth of the market. Supermarkets/hypermarkets and convenience stores are the dominant sales channels in the market, while fresh produce and packaged foods are the major product types. Key drivers of the market include the increasing adoption of online grocery shopping, the growing popularity of meal kits, and the rising demand for organic and natural food products. The market is also benefiting from the increasing awareness of the importance of healthy eating and the growing number of health-conscious consumers. The growing popularity of e-commerce and the increasing penetration of smartphones and the internet are also driving the growth of the market. However, the market is facing challenges such as the rising costs of food production and transportation, the increasing competition from non-traditional retailers, and the growing pressure on profit margins. Key drivers for this market are: 1. E-commerce Expansion 2. Private Label Growth 3. Health and Wellness Focus 4. Convenience and Delivery Services 5. Sustainability Initiatives . Potential restraints include: 1. Rising Urbanization 2. E-commerce Penetration 3. Health-conscious Consumers 4. Growing Demand for Convenience 5. Technological Advancements .

European supermarkets’ revenue is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 4.5% over the five years through 2024 to reach €1.6 trillion. A handful of supermarkets dominate each country, with the only new entrants being well-established supermarkets looking to expand to new regions – independents struggle to grab market share from the well-entrenched stores. Soaring operating costs, driven by purchase price and wage, are eating into the profitability of supermarkets. For many supermarket executives, scaling e-commerce operations has taken a backseat as they seek to combat falling sales volumes and downtrading, with customers foregoing brands for value or own-brand products. Consumer preferences for organic produce and premium products have also been sidelined during the cost-of-living as customers tighten their purse strings. Price inflation is expected to push revenue up by 2.6% in 2024. Over the five years through 2029, supermarkets’ revenue is slated to climb at a compound annual rate of 0.9% to €1.6 trillion. As disposable incomes recover from the cost-of-living crisis, consumers will switch back to organic and premium produce will return and demand for convenient shopping experiences will intensify. Expanding e-commerce offerings will be central to many supermarkets’ strategies as they look to widen their sales channels. Investment will be required to fully automate warehouse procedures, such as with automated picking and depalletising, as will decarbonising fleets. Advances in analytics, Generative AI and automation will help minimise costs in what is already a tight operating model for many grocery retailers, giving some relief to profitability. Sustainability will move to the forefront of supermarkets’ decision-making process when they select new suppliers as green concerns continue to mount.

European supermarkets’ revenue is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 4.5% over the five years through 2024 to reach €1.6 trillion. A handful of supermarkets dominate each country, with the only new entrants being well-established supermarkets looking to expand to new regions – independents struggle to grab market share from the well-entrenched stores. Soaring operating costs, driven by purchase price and wage, are eating into the profitability of supermarkets. For many supermarket executives, scaling e-commerce operations has taken a backseat as they seek to combat falling sales volumes and downtrading, with customers foregoing brands for value or own-brand products. Consumer preferences for organic produce and premium products have also been sidelined during the cost-of-living as customers tighten their purse strings. Price inflation is expected to push revenue up by 2.6% in 2024. Over the five years through 2029, supermarkets’ revenue is slated to climb at a compound annual rate of 0.9% to €1.6 trillion. As disposable incomes recover from the cost-of-living crisis, consumers will switch back to organic and premium produce will return and demand for convenient shopping experiences will intensify. Expanding e-commerce offerings will be central to many supermarkets’ strategies as they look to widen their sales channels. Investment will be required to fully automate warehouse procedures, such as with automated picking and depalletising, as will decarbonising fleets. Advances in analytics, Generative AI and automation will help minimise costs in what is already a tight operating model for many grocery retailers, giving some relief to profitability. Sustainability will move to the forefront of supermarkets’ decision-making process when they select new suppliers as green concerns continue to mount.

With a market share of close to 38 percent, Albert Heijn was the leading supermarket in the Netherlands in 2024. Jumbo ranked second with a market share of 20.3 percent. Online grocery retail market  As of 2023, Albert Heijn’s market share in online grocery sales was similar, amounting to 37 percent. This was a decrease in comparison with the previous eight years, since Jumbo and especially online-only supermarket Picnic started expanding. In 2023, Picnic became market leader with a 39 percent market share of online grocery sales.
Number of supermarkets per chain
Albert Heijn was not just the supermarket with the largest market share, it was also the supermarket chain with the largest number of stores nationwide. In 2024, there were 1,195 Albert Heijn supermarkets in the Netherlands. Meanwhile, Jumbo had 691 stores.