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

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.

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.

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.

In 2024, total retail and food service sales reached **** trillion U.S. dollars for the first time in the United States. This is more than **** times the sales numbers that were generated in 1992, not adjusting for inflation. Leading retailers and store types In 2023, the leading food and grocery retailer in the United States was by far Walmart, which generated sales numbers of close to *** billion U.S. dollars that year. The Kroger Co., Costco Wholesale Club, and Ahold Delhaize were also among the top U.S. retailers. With a grocery market share of almost ** percent, the supermarket was the top store type in 2018. The warehouse clubs and superstores category stood in second place, accounting for almost a quarter of the U.S. market. Consumer habits The American consumer made an average of a little more than *** and a half trips to the grocery store per week in 2023. The average amount of trips has noticeably decreased, compared to a decade earlier. In recent times, online grocery shopping has also become an option for consumers. The concept is projected to grow considerably in the coming years, reaching roughly *** billion U.S. dollars’ worth of sales numbers in the United States by 2024.

Valuation of the global food retail market is estimated at US$ 12,588.8 billion in 2024 and has been evaluated to rise at a CAGR of 5.5% to reach US$ 21,503.5 billion by the end of 2034. The market is projected to expand at a steady rate over the coming years as food retail companies opt for innovative strategies to expand their customer base and increase their investment budgets.

Report Attribute	Detail
Food Retail Market Size (2024E)	US$ 12,588.8 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2034F)	US$ 21,503.5 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	5.5% CAGR
Canada Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	6% CAGR
China Market Value (2034F)	US$ 2,359.5 Billion
North America Market Share (2024E)	23.9%
East Asia Market Share (2034F)	23.1%
Key Companies Profiled	The Kroger Company; Amazon.com Inc.; 7-Eleven; The Schwarz Group; Tesco Plc; Target Corporation; Costco Wholesale Corporation; Amartex Family Mart; Walmart Inc.; Anay Groceries.

Country-wise Evaluation

Attribute	United States
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 1,338.9 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	5.9% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 2,382.8 Billion

Attribute	South Korea
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 626 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	6.2% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 1,147.4 Billion

Category-wise Evaluation

Attribute	Convenience Stores
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 2,882.8 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	6.4% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 5,354.4 Billion

Employment statistics on the Supermarkets & Grocery Stores industry in the US

Graph and download economic data for Employment for Retail Trade: Supermarkets and Other Grocery (Except Convenience) Stores (NAICS 445110) in the United States (IPUHN445110W010000000) from 1987 to 2024 about groceries, NAICS, retail trade, sales, retail, employment, and USA.

The number of food and beverage retailers in the United States in 2022 amounted to about 162,000. Supermarkets and other grocery retailers were the most represented, numbering around 66,000, followed by beer, wine, and liquor stores numbering more than 36,600. Employment size Concerning the number of employees each retailer has, most of them fall on each end of the spectrum. Some retailers have less than five employees, relating them to smaller convenience stores. Other retailers have over 500 employees, which could be connected to bigger supermarkets chains or warehouse stores. Evolution of grocery shopping Due to inflation and global events, grocery shopping sales have grown exponentially across the years. Walmart, and online store Amazon are the leading retailers in the United States, which also shows the rapid expansion of online grocery shopping since the pandemic, and it is projected to continue growing. Traditional supermarkets are nevertheless not out of the picture, since shoppers still prefer to get groceries at a physical store.

Number of Businesses statistics on the Specialty Food Stores industry in United States

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.

Attributes	Description
Estimated Global Industry Size (2025E)	USD 12.8 Trillion
Projected Global Industry Value (2035F)	USD 17.7 Trillion
Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035)	3.3%

Country wise Insights

Countries	CAGR 2025 to 2035
USA	2.7%
Germany	2.2%
India	4.2%

Grocery store sales have grown dramatically since the 90’s. Since 1992, sales have more than doubled. The total sales generated by grocery stores in the United States in 2024 amounted to ***** billion U.S. dollars. Top Supermarket Chains The U.S. grocery retail market is dominated by chain supermarkets. In 2018 there were around ****** chain supermarket locations in the United States, compared to only ***** independent supermarkets. The leading American supermarket in terms of sales is the Kroger Company, which owns and operates several smaller supermarket chains across the United States. In 2023, Kroger’s total retail sales reached close to *** billion U.S. dollars. The runner-up, Albertsons, generated some **** billion U.S. dollars in sales that year. Americans at the Grocery Store Going to the grocery store is a familiar and comforting ritual for many Americans. In 2017, a survey of American households found that ** percent of Americans make a weekly trip to the grocery store, while some *** percent went to the grocery store four to seven times in a week. Although many products on the shelves of U.S. supermarkets claim to have various health benefits or that they were produced or sourced ethically, American consumers are most drawn to food products that claim to be fresh or farm-fresh.

Graph and download economic data for Retail Sales: Grocery Stores (MRTSSM4451USS) from Jan 1992 to Apr 2025 about groceries, retail trade, sales, retail, and USA.

Online grocery sales have surged as online shopping has shot up. The surge in the popularity of online shopping, along with an increase in per capita disposable income and consumer spending, contributed to significant revenue growth for the industry. Overall, industry revenue will climb at a CAGR of 16.3% over the five years to 2024 to reach an estimated $43.3 billion in 2024, including expected growth of 4.3% in 2024. Over the past five years, strengthening incomes and climbing food prices have benefited online grocery sales. Sensing heightened demand for internet-based delivery services, major companies like Amazon and Walmart have scaled up their industry-relevant operations and captured much of this rising demand. Meanwhile, a new group of highly focused online grocers, including Door-to-Door Organics, have targeted niche markets across the United States by selling organic and other specialty groceries online. Moving forward, online grocery services will continue to enjoy revenue growth through the end of 2029, though at a muted pace when compared to the previous five years. Competition from brick-and-mortar grocery stores will continue to pressure the industry as many consumers prefer to shop for groceries, specifically produce, in person to assess the quality. Online grocers will invest in advanced technology to attempt to strengthen operational efficiency and reduce consumer hesitations. The use of drones for delivery and virtual reality will be key trends over the next five years. Price competitiveness will also climb, contributing to declining profit. Over the five years to 2029, industry revenue will expand at a CAGR of 3.5% to reach an estimated $51.5 billion in 2029.

To create this layer, OCTO staff used ABCA's definition of “Full-Service Grocery Stores” (https://abca.dc.gov/page/full-service-grocery-store#gsc.tab=0)– pulled from the Food System Assessment below), and using those criteria, determined locations that fulfilled the categories in section 1 of the definition.Then, staff reviewed the Office of Planning’s Food System Assessment (https://dcfoodpolicycouncilorg.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/2018-food-system-assessment-final-6.13.pdf) list in Appendix D, comparing that to the created from the ABCA definition, which led to the addition of a additional examples that meet, or come very close to, the full-service grocery store criteria. The explanation from Office of Planning regarding how the agency created their list:“To determine the number of grocery stores in the District, we analyzed existing business licenses in the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (2018) Business License Verification system (located at https://eservices.dcra.dc.gov/BBLV/Default.aspx). To distinguish grocery stores from convenience stores, we applied the Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration’s (ABCA) definition of a full-service grocery store. This definition requires a store to be licensed as a grocery store, sell at least six different food categories, dedicate either 50% of the store’s total square feet or 6,000 square feet to selling food, and dedicate at least 5% of the selling area to each food category. This definition can be found at https://abca.dc.gov/page/full-service-grocery-store#gsc.tab=0. To distinguish small grocery stores from large grocery stores, we categorized large grocery stores as those 10,000 square feet or more. This analysis was conducted using data from the WDCEP’s Retail and Restaurants webpage (located at https://wdcep.com/dc-industries/retail/) and using ARCGIS Spatial Analysis tools when existing data was not available. Our final numbers differ slightly from existing reports like the DC Hunger Solutions’ Closing the Grocery Store Gap and WDCEP’s Grocery Store Opportunities Map; this difference likely comes from differences in our methodology and our exclusion of stores that have closed.”Staff also conducted a visual analysis of locations and relied on personal experience of visits to locations to determine whether they should be included in the list.

Grocery wholesalers act as a middleman between food producers and retailers. Improving per capita disposable income has allowed consumers to trade up to more expensive options at grocery stores or switch to dining out. Grocery wholesalers benefit either way as they distribute products to both markets. However, the growing trend of eliminating the middleman has pressured revenue expansion during the period. Still, grocery wholesalers' revenue shrunk at an estimated 1.7% CAGR to $298.2 billion over the past five years, including an anticipated 0.8% gain in 2025 alone. Although grocery wholesalers have a moderate market share concentration, businesses vary in size depending on their target market and geographical scope. The disproportionate size of grocery wholesalers has contributed to industry consolidation over the past decade as large wholesalers constantly seek new inorganic expansion opportunities. Grocery wholesalers' profit is also susceptible to change depending on the size of an organization and relevant industry prices such as produce and fuel. During the five years, significant disruptions in the supply chain and increases in the price of gas and energy pushed up transportation costs and contributed to decreasing profit. Over the next five years, grocery wholesalers' revenue expansion is anticipated to expand. The industry will be impacted by strengthened economic uncertainty and changes in downstream consumer preferences. Recent hikes in inflation will negatively impact grocery wholesalers' performance as consumers are forced to change their purchasing habits to manage expenses. However, growing per capita disposable income and a boost in the number of households will drive industry expansion. Moreover, agricultural product prices are expected to dwindle during the same period. Also, rising demand for specialized goods will lead smaller companies to carve out niche markets, supplying locally produced foods, ethnic foods and specialty imported foods. As a result, industry revenue will climb at an expected CAGR of 0.4% over the next five years to reach $303.6 billion in 2030.

Food Retail Market Outlook

The global food retail market size was valued at approximately $12.3 trillion in 2023 and is forecasted to reach around $17.9 trillion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period. The significant growth factor driving this market includes the increasing global population, urbanization, and the rising demand for convenient and healthy food options. The food retail market has been witnessing substantial transformation due to the integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to enhance supply chain efficiency and customer experience.

One of the primary growth factors for the food retail market is the rising global population. The United Nations projects that the world population will reach approximately 9.7 billion by 2050, which translates to a higher demand for food products. Urbanization is another key driver, as more people move to urban areas, the need for accessible and diverse food retail options increases. Urban consumers typically favor quick and convenient shopping experiences, further propelling the growth of supermarkets, hypermarkets, and online retail channels.

Technological advancements play a pivotal role in the growth of the food retail market. The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and big data analytics has revolutionized the way retailers manage inventory, forecast demand, and personalize customer experiences. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants enhance customer service, while data analytics provides insights into consumer behavior and preferences. These technologies contribute to improving operational efficiency and reducing costs, which in turn supports market growth.

Another significant growth factor is the increasing consumer preference for healthy and organic food products. Growing awareness about health and wellness, coupled with the rising incidence of lifestyle-related diseases, has led consumers to seek healthier food options. This shift in consumer behavior has created a surge in demand for fresh produce, organic food, and minimally processed products. Retailers are responding by expanding their product offerings and promoting health-focused brands, thereby driving market expansion.

Regionally, the food retail market is witnessing robust growth across various regions. North America and Europe have well-established food retail infrastructures, with a high penetration of supermarkets and hypermarkets. In contrast, the Asia Pacific region is experiencing rapid urbanization and economic growth, leading to a burgeoning middle class with increased purchasing power. This region is expected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by countries like China and India. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also emerging markets with significant potential for growth, supported by improving economic conditions and increasing consumer spending on food and beverages.

Product Type Analysis

The food retail market is segmented by product type, encompassing fresh produce, packaged food, beverages, dairy products, bakery and confectionery, meat and seafood, and others. Fresh produce remains a staple category in food retail, driven by the increasing consumer preference for healthy and organic foods. Retailers are investing in farm-to-table supply chains to ensure the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables. Additionally, the trend towards locally sourced produce is gaining traction, with consumers willing to pay a premium for high-quality, fresh, and organic products.

Packaged food is another significant segment within the food retail market. This segment includes a variety of processed and convenience foods that cater to the fast-paced lifestyle of modern consumers. The demand for packaged food is fueled by busy schedules, dual-income households, and the growing popularity of ready-to-eat meals. Innovations in packaging technology, such as resealable and microwaveable packaging, are enhancing the convenience factor, making packaged food an attractive choice for consumers.

The beverages segment encompasses a broad range of products, including soft drinks, juices, bottled water, tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. The rise in health consciousness among consumers has led to an increased demand for functional beverages, such as fortified drinks, energy drinks, and plant-based beverages. The growing trend of premiumization, where consumers are willing to spend more on high-quality and innovative beverage options, is also driving growth in this segment. Additio

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.

Graph and download economic data for Quarterly Financial Report: U.S. Corporations: Food and Beverage Stores: All Other Operating Costs and Expenses (QFR103445USNO) from Q4 2000 to Q1 2025 about operating, cost, beverages, finance, retail trade, expenditures, corporate, food, sales, retail, industry, and USA.

The rapid ascent of e-commerce and omnichannel strategies is reshaping consumer engagement and purchasing patterns, driving a wave of transformation across the retail trade sector. As of 2025, the sector is expected to log $7.4 trillion in revenue, although its growth is anticipated to decelerate slightly to 0.4% in the current year. Gen Z and millennials have championed the digital shopping revolution, pushing retailers to prioritize online sales and customer engagement platforms. However, brick-and-mortar stores retain a pivotal role in supporting ongoing customer engagement alongside the online momentum as retailers blend physical and digital experiences. As automation has augmented efficiency across operations, retailers have also strategically diversified product lines and incorporated sustainability into their brands to meet changing consumer expectations. Over the past five years, the retail sector has seen a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%, which underscores the impact of diversified strategies in maintaining momentum. The adoption of automation has produced mixed results. Self-checkout systems, for example, have reduced payroll expenses for businesses while streamlining the customer experience, though several studies have reported that some customer segments dislike self-checkout due to technological glitches and some retailers have struggled with implementation and reported a rise in theft. Major chains like Target have honed their product diversification strategies, transforming their stores into one-stop shops that blend essential goods with discretionary items and healthcare, driving up revenue in multiple categories. Sustainability is another theme of the current period, with the sector’s commitment marked by increased budgets for eco-friendly practices and a growing market for pre-owned goods. Despite high inflation during the period giving way to high interest rates that stayed stagnant for a year before beginning to fall again in September 2024, retailers managed to navigate the challenges of economic fluctuations and keep consumer interest high through diversification. A projected compound annual growth rate of 0.9% for the next five years would set revenue on a steady path toward an expected $7.7 trillion through the end of 2030. Artificial intelligence is set to further revolutionize retail operations, enhancing stock management, logistics and consumer personalization. Augmented and virtual reality technologies will prove integral to engaging the tech-savvy younger generations by offering novel ways to interact with products before purchase. However, global trade tensions and tariffs could challenge profitability as retailers manage higher import costs. Reverse logistics will thrive as consumers’ eco-consciousness continues to grow, turning returns into revenue opportunities and aligning with trends toward sustainable consumption. The sector’s profit is expected to remain steady over the next five years, bolstered by consumers’ willingness to trade up to items that mix luxury and affordability.