GITNUXREPORT 2025

Food Retail Industry Statistics

Food retail industry expands via e-commerce, sustainability, convenience, and health-conscious products.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The percentage of consumers shopping for groceries online increased from 31% in 2018 to 49% in 2022

Statistic 2

In 2022, Millennials accounted for 31% of all grocery shopping trips in the US

Statistic 3

The average American household spends approximately $7,316 annually on food, including dining out, in 2023

Statistic 4

Millennials are responsible for over 40% of organic food purchases in the US as of 2023

Statistic 5

As of 2023, about 38% of consumers prefer shopping at stores with sustainable and eco-friendly practices

Statistic 6

In 2022, about 60% of US consumers used a mobile app for grocery shopping or grocery-related activities

Statistic 7

Loyalty program participation in grocery retail increased to over 70% in 2022, with digital integrations boosting participation rates

Statistic 8

The percentage of grocery stores offering curbside pickup increased from 20% in 2019 to 65% in 2022, driven by consumer demand for convenience

Statistic 9

In 2023, 55% of US grocery shoppers used digital coupons or discounts, an increase from 45% in 2019, indicating rising digital engagement

Statistic 10

More than 80% of consumers in the US are concerned about food sourcing transparency, emphasizing demand for ethical and sustainable sourcing practices

Statistic 11

Nearly 50% of grocery shoppers in the US use mobile scan-and-go apps for checkout in 2023, reflecting convenience trend

Statistic 12

Food retail loyalty members tend to spend 15% more per visit than non-members, highlighting the importance of customer retention programs

Statistic 13

The average age of grocery store shoppers in the US was 48 years in 2023, indicating a mature customer base

Statistic 14

The influence of social media marketing on food retail purchasing decisions increased by 19% from 2019 to 2023, demonstrating the importance of digital presence

Statistic 15

The global food retail market was valued at approximately $11.7 trillion in 2022

Statistic 16

Online grocery shopping sales in the US reached $128.5 billion in 2022, representing a 24% increase year-over-year

Statistic 17

The organic food segment in retail was valued at over $70 billion globally in 2023

Statistic 18

Discount stores dominate the food retail sector, representing around 58% of total grocery retail sales in the US in 2022

Statistic 19

The use of self-checkout lanes increased by 40% in North American supermarkets during 2022

Statistic 20

Food retail e-commerce sales account for approximately 8% of total grocery sales worldwide in 2023

Statistic 21

The average grocery store size in the US decreased slightly from 45,000 sq ft in 2018 to 44,000 sq ft in 2022 due to a shift toward smaller-format stores

Statistic 22

Private label products now constitute about 20% of total grocery sales in the US in 2023, a rise from approximately 18% in 2018

Statistic 23

The number of grocery stores in the US has declined slightly from about 38,500 in 2018 to 37,000 in 2022, indicating consolidation in the industry

Statistic 24

The fastest-growing segment within food retail is plant-based products, with a growth rate of approximately 15% annually in 2023

Statistic 25

The average grocery store stocks over 45,000 different SKUs, according to recent industry data from 2022

Statistic 26

Food delivery and meal kit services grew by 18% in 2022, especially among urban millennials and Gen Z

Statistic 27

Specialty food stores accounted for approximately 7% of food retail sales in the US in 2023, up from 5% in 2018, indicating growth in niche markets

Statistic 28

Cold storage capacity in food retail supermarkets increased by 10% globally from 2018 to 2023, to meet growing demand for frozen and refrigerated goods

Statistic 29

The organic fruits and vegetables segment held approximately 30% of the produce market share in the US in 2023, reflecting consumer preferences for healthier options

Statistic 30

The share of grocery sales made via subscription box services increased by around 12% in 2022, indicating growing consumer interest in curated food products

Statistic 31

The use of vertical farming and indoor farming techniques in retail food production increased by 15% globally from 2019 to 2023, supporting local and sustainable produce

Statistic 32

The prepared foods and meal solutions segment grew by 12% in 2023, reflecting busy lifestyles and increased demand for convenience foods

Statistic 33

Food retail employment in the US comprised approximately 12 million jobs in 2023, including jobs in supermarkets, convenience stores, and wholesale food markets

Statistic 34

The largest grocery retailer chain in the world by revenue as of 2023 is Walmart, with annual sales exceeding $570 billion

Statistic 35

The online alcohol and beverage segment in retail is expanding, with e-commerce representing 10% of total alcohol sales globally in 2023

Statistic 36

The use of biodegradable packaging in food retail has increased by 35% globally between 2018 and 2023, driven by environmental concerns

Statistic 37

The total value of food retail franchise industry in North America was estimated at $194 billion in 2023, showing robust growth and investment potential

Statistic 38

Urban grocery stores tend to be smaller, averaging about 15,000 sq ft, compared to suburban stores which average around 45,000 sq ft, due to space constraints

Statistic 39

Consumer preference for health-conscious products has resulted in a 22% increase in sales of gluten-free and allergen-free products in 2023, according to industry reports

Statistic 40

The percentage of grocery stores offering plant-based meat products increased from 10% in 2018 to over 35% in 2023, showing significant market penetration

Statistic 41

The global cold chain logistics market, crucial for food retail, was valued at around $220 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7% through 2027

Statistic 42

Gourmet and specialty foods within retail grew by approximately 12% in 2023, driven by increasing consumer interest in premium products

Statistic 43

Online bakery and prepared meal sales grew by 16% in 2023, reflecting increased consumer demand for fresh, customized foods delivered to their homes

Statistic 44

Food retail businesses with a focus on local sourcing accounted for approximately 55% of total produce sales in the US in 2023, a 10 percentage point increase since 2019, emphasizing consumer demand for local food

Statistic 45

Fresh produce delivery services grew by 24% in 2022, driven by consumer preferences for freshness and convenience

Statistic 46

Food waste in retail supermarkets in the US is estimated at 10% of total produce, costing retailers around $20 billion annually

Statistic 47

Food retailers spent nearly $4 billion globally on sustainability initiatives in 2022, including waste reduction and renewable energy projects

Statistic 48

Food retail stores that implement energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems reduced their energy costs by up to 15% in 2022, contributing to sustainability goals

Statistic 49

Food retail stores with store-brand products generate around 25% higher profit margins on those items compared to national brands, according to 2022 data

Statistic 50

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of contactless payment methods in food retail stores by 25% in 2022

Statistic 51

The use of artificial intelligence in grocery supply chain management increased by 37% in 2022, improving inventory and demand forecasting

Statistic 52

The food retail sector saw an increase in automation, with around 25% of stores deploying robots for tasks like stocking and cleaning in 2023

Statistic 53

In 2022, grocery stores that adopted advanced data analytics saw a 20% increase in sales compared to stores that did not, demonstrating the impact of data-driven decision-making

Statistic 54

The adoption of blockchain technology for supply chain transparency in food retail increased by 20% in 2022, aiming to improve traceability and consumer trust

Statistic 55

The majority of grocery supermarkets (about 75%) now incorporate some form of digital signage for marketing and customer engagement, increasing in-store sales

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Key Highlights

The global food retail market was valued at approximately $11.7 trillion in 2022
Online grocery shopping sales in the US reached $128.5 billion in 2022, representing a 24% increase year-over-year
The percentage of consumers shopping for groceries online increased from 31% in 2018 to 49% in 2022
The organic food segment in retail was valued at over $70 billion globally in 2023
In 2022, Millennials accounted for 31% of all grocery shopping trips in the US
Discount stores dominate the food retail sector, representing around 58% of total grocery retail sales in the US in 2022
The average American household spends approximately $7,316 annually on food, including dining out, in 2023
The use of self-checkout lanes increased by 40% in North American supermarkets during 2022
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of contactless payment methods in food retail stores by 25% in 2022
Food retail e-commerce sales account for approximately 8% of total grocery sales worldwide in 2023
The average grocery store size in the US decreased slightly from 45,000 sq ft in 2018 to 44,000 sq ft in 2022 due to a shift toward smaller-format stores
Private label products now constitute about 20% of total grocery sales in the US in 2023, a rise from approximately 18% in 2018
Millennials are responsible for over 40% of organic food purchases in the US as of 2023

The food retail industry is undergoing a seismic shift, fueled by a booming $11.7 trillion global market, rising online sales that reached $128.5 billion in the US, and a growing consumer appetite for organic, sustainable, and tech-savvy shopping experiences.

Consumer Behavior and Demographics

The percentage of consumers shopping for groceries online increased from 31% in 2018 to 49% in 2022
In 2022, Millennials accounted for 31% of all grocery shopping trips in the US
The average American household spends approximately $7,316 annually on food, including dining out, in 2023
Millennials are responsible for over 40% of organic food purchases in the US as of 2023
As of 2023, about 38% of consumers prefer shopping at stores with sustainable and eco-friendly practices
In 2022, about 60% of US consumers used a mobile app for grocery shopping or grocery-related activities
Loyalty program participation in grocery retail increased to over 70% in 2022, with digital integrations boosting participation rates
The percentage of grocery stores offering curbside pickup increased from 20% in 2019 to 65% in 2022, driven by consumer demand for convenience
In 2023, 55% of US grocery shoppers used digital coupons or discounts, an increase from 45% in 2019, indicating rising digital engagement
More than 80% of consumers in the US are concerned about food sourcing transparency, emphasizing demand for ethical and sustainable sourcing practices
Nearly 50% of grocery shoppers in the US use mobile scan-and-go apps for checkout in 2023, reflecting convenience trend
Food retail loyalty members tend to spend 15% more per visit than non-members, highlighting the importance of customer retention programs
The average age of grocery store shoppers in the US was 48 years in 2023, indicating a mature customer base
The influence of social media marketing on food retail purchasing decisions increased by 19% from 2019 to 2023, demonstrating the importance of digital presence

Consumer Behavior and Demographics Interpretation

As grocery shopping evolves from shelves to screens and sustainability to savings, today’s consumers—particularly Millennials—are driving a digital, ethical, and convenience-driven revolution that not only reshapes their spending habits but also underscores the ever-growing importance of transparency, loyalty programs, and social media influence in the food retail landscape.

Market Size and Growth Trends

The global food retail market was valued at approximately $11.7 trillion in 2022
Online grocery shopping sales in the US reached $128.5 billion in 2022, representing a 24% increase year-over-year
The organic food segment in retail was valued at over $70 billion globally in 2023
Discount stores dominate the food retail sector, representing around 58% of total grocery retail sales in the US in 2022
The use of self-checkout lanes increased by 40% in North American supermarkets during 2022
Food retail e-commerce sales account for approximately 8% of total grocery sales worldwide in 2023
The average grocery store size in the US decreased slightly from 45,000 sq ft in 2018 to 44,000 sq ft in 2022 due to a shift toward smaller-format stores
Private label products now constitute about 20% of total grocery sales in the US in 2023, a rise from approximately 18% in 2018
The number of grocery stores in the US has declined slightly from about 38,500 in 2018 to 37,000 in 2022, indicating consolidation in the industry
The fastest-growing segment within food retail is plant-based products, with a growth rate of approximately 15% annually in 2023
The average grocery store stocks over 45,000 different SKUs, according to recent industry data from 2022
Food delivery and meal kit services grew by 18% in 2022, especially among urban millennials and Gen Z
Specialty food stores accounted for approximately 7% of food retail sales in the US in 2023, up from 5% in 2018, indicating growth in niche markets
Cold storage capacity in food retail supermarkets increased by 10% globally from 2018 to 2023, to meet growing demand for frozen and refrigerated goods
The organic fruits and vegetables segment held approximately 30% of the produce market share in the US in 2023, reflecting consumer preferences for healthier options
The share of grocery sales made via subscription box services increased by around 12% in 2022, indicating growing consumer interest in curated food products
The use of vertical farming and indoor farming techniques in retail food production increased by 15% globally from 2019 to 2023, supporting local and sustainable produce
The prepared foods and meal solutions segment grew by 12% in 2023, reflecting busy lifestyles and increased demand for convenience foods
Food retail employment in the US comprised approximately 12 million jobs in 2023, including jobs in supermarkets, convenience stores, and wholesale food markets
The largest grocery retailer chain in the world by revenue as of 2023 is Walmart, with annual sales exceeding $570 billion
The online alcohol and beverage segment in retail is expanding, with e-commerce representing 10% of total alcohol sales globally in 2023
The use of biodegradable packaging in food retail has increased by 35% globally between 2018 and 2023, driven by environmental concerns
The total value of food retail franchise industry in North America was estimated at $194 billion in 2023, showing robust growth and investment potential
Urban grocery stores tend to be smaller, averaging about 15,000 sq ft, compared to suburban stores which average around 45,000 sq ft, due to space constraints
Consumer preference for health-conscious products has resulted in a 22% increase in sales of gluten-free and allergen-free products in 2023, according to industry reports
The percentage of grocery stores offering plant-based meat products increased from 10% in 2018 to over 35% in 2023, showing significant market penetration
The global cold chain logistics market, crucial for food retail, was valued at around $220 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7% through 2027
Gourmet and specialty foods within retail grew by approximately 12% in 2023, driven by increasing consumer interest in premium products
Online bakery and prepared meal sales grew by 16% in 2023, reflecting increased consumer demand for fresh, customized foods delivered to their homes
Food retail businesses with a focus on local sourcing accounted for approximately 55% of total produce sales in the US in 2023, a 10 percentage point increase since 2019, emphasizing consumer demand for local food
Fresh produce delivery services grew by 24% in 2022, driven by consumer preferences for freshness and convenience

Market Size and Growth Trends Interpretation

The food retail industry is dynamically shrinking and expanding simultaneously—downsizing in store footprints and physical presence while proliferating online, specialty niches, and plant-based options—highlighting a paradox where convenience and sustainability are reshaping consumer choices amidst industry consolidation.

Operational and Sustainability Practices

Food waste in retail supermarkets in the US is estimated at 10% of total produce, costing retailers around $20 billion annually
Food retailers spent nearly $4 billion globally on sustainability initiatives in 2022, including waste reduction and renewable energy projects
Food retail stores that implement energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems reduced their energy costs by up to 15% in 2022, contributing to sustainability goals

Operational and Sustainability Practices Interpretation

With a staggering $20 billion lost annually to produce waste, a global $4 billion investment in sustainability, and energy-efficient upgrades slashing costs by 15%, the food retail industry is increasingly realizing that waste not only costs money but also hampers its green credibility.

Product Segments and Private Labels

Food retail stores with store-brand products generate around 25% higher profit margins on those items compared to national brands, according to 2022 data

Product Segments and Private Labels Interpretation

Given that store-brand products yield approximately 25% higher profit margins, it's clear that food retailers are increasingly turning to their own labels as a smart recipe for boosting profits—proof that sometimes, the best ingredients for success are homegrown.

Technological Innovations and digitalization

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of contactless payment methods in food retail stores by 25% in 2022
The use of artificial intelligence in grocery supply chain management increased by 37% in 2022, improving inventory and demand forecasting
The food retail sector saw an increase in automation, with around 25% of stores deploying robots for tasks like stocking and cleaning in 2023
In 2022, grocery stores that adopted advanced data analytics saw a 20% increase in sales compared to stores that did not, demonstrating the impact of data-driven decision-making
The adoption of blockchain technology for supply chain transparency in food retail increased by 20% in 2022, aiming to improve traceability and consumer trust
The majority of grocery supermarkets (about 75%) now incorporate some form of digital signage for marketing and customer engagement, increasing in-store sales

Technological Innovations and digitalization Interpretation

As the food retail industry digitizes at a whirlwind pace—from contactless payments to robot stockers—it's clear that embracing technology isn't just a trend but a recipe for survival and success in the post-pandemic pantry.