The global supermarket industry is experiencing e-commerce expansion and omnichannel strategies are at the forefront, as retailers blend physical and digital shopping experiences to meet the demands of consumers.
Sustainability initiatives, including carbon footprint reduction and eco-friendly sourcing, have also become critical focus areas.
Currently, major retailers report strong sales growth, particularly in grocery, as they continue to attract value-seeking customers and gain market share.
However, the sector faces headwinds such as supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures, and intense competition from discount and online-only retailers.
In response, leading supermarket chains are leveraging advanced technologies like artificial intelligence for inventory management and personalised customer experiences.
Many are also diversifying into financial services and healthcare to create new revenue streams.
We take a look at the largest supermarket chains in the world, measured by market cap, and what they are doing in this volatile time for the market.
10. Woolworths Group
Revenue: US$27.39bn
Employees: 200,000
CEO: Brad Banducci
Founded: 1924
As Australia's largest retailer, Woolworths operates supermarkets, convenience stores and online platforms across Australia and New Zealand.
The company collaborates with FoodForward, the non-profit organisation dedicated to fighting hunger and reducing food waste, to alleviate hunger in South Africa.
It also partners with suppliers like LJM Produce and Isaac's Snacks to enhance its product range.
Woolworths aims to extend its retail leadership, maximise value and nurture talent.
It was the first variety store globally to use cash registers that print customer receipts.
9. Tesco
Revenue: US$29.08bn
Employees: 330,000
CEO: Ken Murphy
Founded: 1919
Tesco operates supermarkets, convenience stores, and online platforms across Europe, offering groceries, general merchandise and financial services through Tesco Bank.
Tesco is the UK's largest retailer and collaborates with Booker Group, a food wholesaler, to strengthen its supply chain.
The company was also the first supermarket to introduce a loyalty card programme in the UK, launching the Clubcard in 1995, which revolutionised customer engagement and data collection.
8. Ahold Delhaize
Revenue: US$30.19bn
Employees: 414,000
CEO: Frans Muller
Founded: 2016 (merger of Ahold and Delhaize Group)
Ahold Delhaize, a global food retail leader, operates supermarkets and e-commerce platforms across 11 countries.
With brands that serve over 60 million customers weekly through 7,659 stores.
The company, like Tesco, also collaborates with Booker Group to strengthen its supply chain.
Ahold Delhaize aims to drive omni channel growth, promote healthy and sustainable choices and cultivate talent.
7. 7-Eleven
Revenue: US$31.26bn
Employees: 57,189
CEO: Joseph M. DePinto
Founded: 1927
7-Eleven aims to provide fast, personalised convenience through its network of over 13,000 stores in the U.S. and Canada.
It is a global leader in convenience retailing and partners with companies like Citgo Petroleum for fuel supply and Seven-Eleven Japan for international operations.
Citgo Petroleum is a US-based oil refining and marketing company, specialising in fuel distribution, Whilst Seven-Eleven JapanM is a Japanese retail company that operates and franchises 7-Eleven convenience stores throughout Japan and internationally.
7-Eleven introduced the first self-serve soda fountain and to-go coffee cups.
6. Loblaw Companies
Revenue: US$37.30bn
Employees: 220,000
CEO: Per Bank
Founded: 1919
Loblaw Companies, Canada’s largest food retailer, partners with Victim Services Toronto to enhance community safety and Stingray Advertising to expand retail audio advertising.
The company operates supermarkets, pharmacies and financial services.
Loblaw Companies launched "PC Insulin," making insulin available over-the-counter at its pharmacies, improving access for diabetic patients.
This initiative reflects Loblaw's aims to enhance healthcare accessibility in Canada.
5. Kroger
Revenue: US$39.39bn
Employees: 420,000
CEO: W. Rodney McMullen
Founded: 1883
Kroger operates supermarkets, multi-department stores and pharmacies.
It is the largest supermarket operator in the U.S. and partners with Ocado, the UK-based online grocery retailer and technology company, for automated grocery fulfilment and Microsoft for digital transformation.
Kroger also developed its delivery network expansion in new facilities in Texas, Alabama, and Colorado using Ocado technology.
In 1972, Kroger pioneered retail technology by becoming the first supermarket chain to test electronic scanners, revolutionising checkout efficiency and inventory management in grocery stores.
4. Walmex
Revenue: US$58.55bn
Employees: 200,000
CEO: Guilherme Loureiro
Founded: 1958 (as Almacenes Aurrerá)
Walmex, officially Walmart de México y Centroamérica, is the Mexican and Central American division of Walmart.
It operates a vast network of retail stores, including supermarkets, discount stores and membership warehouse clubs.
The company collaborates with numerous suppliers and partners to offer a wide range of products and services.
Walmex aims to be the leading omnichannel retailer in Mexico and Central America, focusing on providing everyday low prices.
The company has set ambitious goals for expansion, sustainability and digital transformation.
Walmex was the first foreign subsidiary of Walmart and has become one of the largest employers in Mexico.
3. Target
Revenue: US$68.77bn
Employees: 440,000
CEO: Brian Cornell
Founded: 1902
Target Corporation, a major American retail chain, collaborates with numerous brands and suppliers to offer a diverse product range.
Notable partnerships include Apple, creating in-store experiences and Ulta Beauty, integrating beauty shops within Target stores.
Key goals include expanding its private-label offerings and enhancing sustainability practices.
Target's mascot, Bullseye the dog, has featured in marketing since 1999 and is so well known, that it has its own wax figure at Madame Tussauds, the world-famous wax museum featuring lifelike celebrity and historical figures.
2. Costco
Revenue: US$360.96bn
Employees: 304,000
CEO: Ron Vachris
Founded: 1983
Costco operates a chain of membership-only warehouse clubs, offering bulk products at discounted prices across America.
The company collaborates with various brands, including its own Kirkland Signature line, which partners with manufacturers like Starbucks for private-label products.
Costco aims to provide high-quality goods at the lowest possible prices, focusing on operational efficiency.
Costco is rapidly expanding its e-commerce capabilities and international presence, with new warehouses opening in China and New Zealand.
The company is investing heavily in sustainable sourcing initiatives, particularly for fresh produce and has committed to significant renewable energy projects, including solar installations at its warehouses.
Costco is the world's largest retailer of choice and prime beef, wine and rotisserie chicken. The company sold 106 million rotisserie chickens in 2021 alone.
1. Walmart
Revenue: US$550.82bn
Employees: 2.1 million
CEO: Doug McMillon
Founded: 1962
Walmart, the world's largest retailer, collaborates with numerous global brands to offer a vast array of products.
The company has partnered with Microsoft for cloud technology and Google for voice-activated shopping, enhancing Walmart's digital capabilities.
It operates a diverse portfolio of retail formats and e-commerce platforms, aiming to provide everyday low prices and convenient shopping experiences.
Walmart's goals include expanding its omnichannel presence, improving sustainability and investing in its workforce.
Walmart revolutionised retail by adopting barcode technology early, streamlining inventory management and checkout processes.
This innovation significantly improved efficiency and accuracy in stock control.
Additionally, Walmart's Project Gigaton, aims to reduce one billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from its global supply chain by 2030, engaging suppliers in climate action.
Walmart's annual revenues exceed the GDP of many countries, underscoring its significant economic impact.
--------------
Make sure you check out the latest news at Food Digital, a BizClik brand.
