GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Grocery Industry Statistics

The grocery industry is a significant sector of the economy, with steady growth driven by changing consumer preferences and increasing online purchasing.

Highlights: Grocery Industry Statistics

  • In the US, the grocery industry is an estimated $1.03 trillion business
  • The US grocery market employs nearly 5 million people
  • Kroger is the largest supermarket chain in the US, by revenue
  • There are over 38,000 supermarkets in the US
  • Retail sales in food and beverage stores in the United States amounted to approximately 798.46 billion U.S. dollars in 2019
  • The average American shopper visits a grocery store about 1.6 times per week
  • Major grocery retailers are expected to grow their online sales by an average of 67.3% in 2020
  • Walmart is the world's largest company in the grocery sector, with an estimated $523 billion in sales in 2020
  • Nielsen projects that in 2021 online groceries will account for 13% of all grocery sales, that's about $100 billion in consumer spending
  • The grocery store industry in the U.S. has a market share of $641.8 billion
  • Private label products make up about 17.5% of all US grocery store sales
  • The sales of organic food in U.S. grocery stores was $52.5 billion in 2018
  • There are over 400,000 people working in grocery wholesale in the US
  • In the UK, the grocery market is valued at approximately £191 billion
  • The average grocery store in the US is 40,000 square feet
  • US grocery ecommerce sales hit $59.5 billion in 2019
  • Consumers in the US spend nearly $800 billion in grocery stores annually
  • 98% of US households purchase milk, the most commonly bought grocery item
  • The online grocery market was worth $26.87 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $59.5 billion by 2023

Discover our favorite AI Writing Tool

Write scientific papers in minutes thanks to AI

Jenni's AI-powered text editor helps you write, edit, and cite with confidence. Save hours on your next paper

Table of Contents

The Latest Grocery Industry Statistics Explained

In the US, the grocery industry is an estimated $1.03 trillion business

The statistic that the grocery industry in the United States is estimated to be a $1.03 trillion business signifies the immense scale and economic significance of this sector within the country. This figure reflects the total value of sales generated by all grocery stores across the nation over a specified time period, underlining the crucial role that the industry plays in serving the daily needs of consumers. The size of the grocery market highlights the substantial consumer demand for food and household essentials, reflecting the consistent nature of this market even in times of economic fluctuation. The statistic also underscores the competitive landscape within the industry, with various players vying for market share and innovative approaches to meet evolving consumer preferences and behaviors.

The US grocery market employs nearly 5 million people

The statistic that the US grocery market employs nearly 5 million people indicates the significant role this industry plays in job creation and employment in the United States. With such a large workforce, the grocery market serves as a crucial source of employment opportunities for millions of individuals across the country. This statistic also underscores the scale and importance of the grocery market within the US economy, highlighting its substantial contribution not only to job creation but also to consumer access to essential goods and services. The employment of nearly 5 million people in the US grocery market reflects the industry’s vast reach and impact on both the labor market and overall economic landscape.

Kroger is the largest supermarket chain in the US, by revenue

The statistic “Kroger is the largest supermarket chain in the US, by revenue” indicates that Kroger, an American retail company, generates the highest amount of sales and income among all supermarket chains operating in the United States. This suggests that Kroger has a significant market presence and customer base, leading to higher revenue as compared to its competitors in the supermarket industry. The size and scale of Kroger’s operations likely enable it to leverage economies of scale, negotiate better deals with suppliers, and offer a wide range of products and services to consumers, contributing to its top position in terms of revenue within the US supermarket market.

There are over 38,000 supermarkets in the US

The statistic that states there are over 38,000 supermarkets in the US highlights the extensive presence of grocery retail establishments in the country. This figure underscores the vast array of options available to consumers for purchasing food and other household items. With such a large number of supermarkets spread across the United States, it indicates a competitive market landscape where various retailers vie for consumer attention and loyalty. Additionally, the sheer volume of supermarkets reflects the importance of the grocery industry in the US economy, as these establishments not only provide essential goods to the public but also create numerous job opportunities and contribute significantly to local communities.

Retail sales in food and beverage stores in the United States amounted to approximately 798.46 billion U.S. dollars in 2019

The statistic indicates that the total value of retail sales in food and beverage stores in the United States reached approximately 798.46 billion U.S. dollars in 2019. This figure represents the collective amount spent by consumers on food and beverages from various retail outlets such as grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty food shops. The high value of sales demonstrates the significant demand for food and beverages in the U.S. market, reflecting the essential nature of these products in consumers’ daily lives. This statistic provides key insights into the size and importance of the food and beverage retail sector within the U.S. economy, highlighting its substantial contribution to overall consumer spending and economic activity.

The average American shopper visits a grocery store about 1.6 times per week

The statistic “The average American shopper visits a grocery store about 1.6 times per week” indicates the frequency at which American consumers typically shop for groceries. With an average of 1.6 visits per week, it suggests that most shoppers in the US tend to make at least one trip to the grocery store every week, with some making additional visits. This statistic highlights the regularity of grocery shopping habits among Americans, pointing to the importance of these stores in providing essential goods and indicating the frequency at which consumers are likely to engage in food purchasing and restocking activities.

Major grocery retailers are expected to grow their online sales by an average of 67.3% in 2020

The statistic that major grocery retailers are projected to increase their online sales by an average of 67.3% in 2020 indicates a significant shift towards e-commerce within the grocery industry. This growth can be attributed to the rapid adoption of online shopping platforms due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as consumers sought safer and more convenient ways to purchase essential goods. The substantial increase in online sales suggests that grocery retailers have successfully adapted to meet changing consumer preferences and demands, reinforcing the importance of a strong digital presence in the retail sector. This statistic reflects a notable trend towards increased online shopping for groceries and highlights the industry’s response to evolving market dynamics.

Walmart is the world’s largest company in the grocery sector, with an estimated $523 billion in sales in 2020

The statistic that Walmart is the world’s largest company in the grocery sector, with an estimated $523 billion in sales in 2020, highlights the company’s dominant position in the global retail industry. This figure not only underscores Walmart’s immense scale and market influence but also signifies its significant share of the grocery market around the world. The substantial sales figure reflects the extensive reach of Walmart’s grocery operations and its ability to cater to diverse consumer demands. Overall, this statistic portrays Walmart as a key player in the grocery sector, setting the company apart as a formidable force in the retail landscape.

Nielsen projects that in 2021 online groceries will account for 13% of all grocery sales, that’s about $100 billion in consumer spending

Nielsen projects that online groceries will continue to experience significant growth in 2021, accounting for approximately 13% of total grocery sales. This indicates a notable shift in consumer behavior towards online shopping for groceries, driven by factors such as convenience, safety concerns, and the increasing availability of online grocery delivery services. With this projected market share, online groceries are estimated to generate around $100 billion in consumer spending, highlighting the significant impact of e-commerce on the grocery industry and emphasizing the importance for traditional brick-and-mortar retailers to adapt to the evolving landscape of retail.

The grocery store industry in the U.S. has a market share of $641.8 billion

The statistic “The grocery store industry in the U.S. has a market share of $641.8 billion” refers to the total sales revenue generated by grocery stores operating within the United States. This figure represents the value of goods and services purchased by consumers from grocery stores across the country within a specified time period, typically a year. The market share of $641.8 billion indicates the significance and scale of the grocery store industry within the U.S. economy, highlighting the substantial consumer demand for food and household products provided by these retail establishments. Analyzing this statistic can provide insights into consumer purchasing behavior, industry competitiveness, and overall economic trends within the retail sector.

Private label products make up about 17.5% of all US grocery store sales

The statistic that private label products make up about 17.5% of all US grocery store sales indicates the significant market share that store brands hold in the consumer retail sector. Private label products are those that are manufactured by or exclusively for a particular retailer, offering consumers a more affordable alternative to national brands. The 17.5% share highlights the growing popularity and acceptance of private label products among consumers due to factors such as cost savings, perceived quality, and increasing retailer investment in product development and marketing. This statistic also suggests intense competition between private label brands and national brands within the grocery industry, making it essential for retailers to continue innovating and diversifying their product offerings to meet consumer demands.

The sales of organic food in U.S. grocery stores was $52.5 billion in 2018

The statistic that the sales of organic food in U.S. grocery stores was $52.5 billion in 2018 indicates the total value of purchases made by consumers on organic food products within the specified time frame. This figure highlights the increasing demand for organic food options among U.S. consumers, reflecting a growing trend towards healthier eating habits and sustainable agriculture practices. The data suggests a significant market for organic food products, with consumers willing to pay a premium for items perceived to be more environmentally friendly and free from synthetic additives. Analyzing such statistics can provide insights into consumer preferences, market trends, and opportunities for businesses operating in the organic food sector.

There are over 400,000 people working in grocery wholesale in the US

The statistic indicates that there are more than 400,000 individuals employed in the grocery wholesale industry in the United States. This figure highlights the significant workforce within this sector, reflecting the essential role that grocery wholesale plays in the country’s economy. The presence of such a large number of workers suggests a considerable level of demand for goods and services within this industry. Additionally, the employment opportunities provided by grocery wholesale contribute to job creation and economic growth, further emphasizing the sector’s importance in supporting the overall labor market.

In the UK, the grocery market is valued at approximately £191 billion

The statistic “In the UK, the grocery market is valued at approximately £191 billion” represents the total estimated value of the grocery industry in the United Kingdom. This figure includes the sales of various food and beverage products across different retail channels such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and online platforms. The size of the grocery market provides insight into the significance of the sector within the UK economy, showcasing the level of consumer demand for essential goods and the scale of business operations within the industry. Analyzing trends and fluctuations in this market value can help stakeholders make informed decisions regarding investment, pricing strategies, and overall market performance in the UK grocery sector.

The average grocery store in the US is 40,000 square feet

The statistic ‘The average grocery store in the US is 40,000 square feet’ represents the typical size of grocery stores across the United States. This average is calculated by summing the square footage of all grocery stores in the country and dividing by the total number of stores. A grocery store with a size of 40,000 square feet is considered to be representative of the industry standard. Understanding this statistic is essential for various stakeholders, such as real estate developers, retail planners, and consumers, as it provides insight into the scale and scope of grocery store operations in the US. It can also be valuable for market analysis, urban planning, and assessing industry trends.

US grocery ecommerce sales hit $59.5 billion in 2019

The statistic ‘US grocery ecommerce sales hit $59.5 billion in 2019’ represents the total value of online grocery sales in the United States for the year 2019. This figure includes all transactions made through ecommerce platforms for groceries, such as fresh produce, packaged foods, and household essentials. The significant increase in online grocery sales reflects the growing trend of consumers turning to digital channels for their shopping needs, driven by factors such as convenience, time savings, and the expansion of ecommerce offerings by retailers. This data point underscores the rapid evolution of the grocery industry towards digital platforms and highlights the immense market opportunity for both traditional and online grocery retailers to capitalize on this shifting consumer behavior.

Consumers in the US spend nearly $800 billion in grocery stores annually

The statistic that consumers in the US spend nearly $800 billion in grocery stores annually conveys the significant economic impact of grocery shopping in the United States. This figure represents the total amount of money spent by consumers on various food and household items in grocery stores over the course of a year. This statistic highlights the essential role that grocery stores play in the economy, as well as the substantial expenditure and consumption behavior of American households. It also underscores the competitiveness and size of the grocery retail industry in the US, emphasizing the importance of understanding consumer behavior and market trends within this sector.

98% of US households purchase milk, the most commonly bought grocery item

The statistic stating that 98% of US households purchase milk, making it the most commonly bought grocery item, indicates that milk is a widely consumed and essential food product for the majority of American families. The high percentage of households buying milk reflects its nutritional value and versatility in consumption. Additionally, this statistic suggests that milk is a staple ingredient in many households, often used for various purposes such as drinking, cooking, baking, and more. The widespread popularity of milk as a grocery item highlights its importance in American diets and domestic food consumption habits.

The online grocery market was worth $26.87 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $59.5 billion by 2023

The statistic indicates that the online grocery market experienced significant growth from $26.87 billion in 2020 to a projected value of $59.5 billion by 2023. This data suggests a rapid increase in consumer interest and adoption of online grocery shopping, likely driven by factors such as convenience, changing consumer behaviors, and advancements in technology. The substantial projected growth in market value highlights the potential for continued expansion and opportunities in the online grocery industry, making it an increasingly important sector within the overall retail market.

Conclusion

Overall, the grocery industry statistics reveal a dynamic and ever-changing landscape characterized by evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and market trends. By staying informed and adapting to these shifts, grocery businesses can position themselves for success in this competitive market.

References

0. – https://www.www.ibisworld.com

1. – https://www.www.statista.com

2. – https://www.www.fmi.org

3. – https://www.www.adroitmarketresearch.com

4. – https://www.www.iriworldwide.com

5. – https://www.www.supermarketnews.com

6. – https://www.www.emarketer.com

7. – https://www.www.networkworld.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!