Top 10 Largest Supermarket Chains in the World

The world’s leading supermarket chains continue to innovate to stay competitive. From discount giants like Walmart and Lidl to technology-driven retailers like Amazon, these companies dominate the industry. With diverse business models, including membership and omni-channel strategies, they continue to shape the future of grocery retail globally.

The global supermarket industry is a dynamic and competitive landscape characterized by a handful of dominant players that have established significant market shares. This article explores the world’s top ten supermarket chains, focusing on their revenue, operating strategies and market share.

Overview of the largest supermarket chains

The largest supermarket chains are ranked primarily based on their total revenue, which reflects not only their retail operations but also their impact on the global economy.

Also Read | 30+ Greatest Innovations and New Technologies of 2024

rank

Retailer

Headquarters

Revenue ($ billion)

Number of stores (global)

1

Walmart

Bentonville, United States

$573

11,500

2

amazon.com

Seattle, USA

$502

Chapter 589

3

Schwarz Group (Lidl)

Neckarsulm, Germany

$159.8

13,756

4

Aldi

Essen, Germany

$130.4

13,325

5

costco

Issaquah, United States

$219.2

Chapter 842

6

Kroger

Cincinnati, USA

$150.4

2,750

7

Carrefour

massy, ​​france

$108.4

14,474

8

Ahold Delhayz

Zaandam, Netherlands

$94.50

7,793

9

Tesco

Welwyn Garden City, UK

$94.6

3,400

10

Qiyi Holdings

Tokyo, Japan

$94.6

40,325

1. Walmart

Walmart is the world’s largest retailer, with revenue of approximately $573 billion. The company operates more than 11,500 stores of various formats in multiple countries. Walmart’s business model focuses on low prices and large quantities of products, including groceries and general merchandise.

2. Amazon

Amazon, once an e-commerce site, has branched out into grocery retail through its acquisition of Whole Foods Market and online grocery delivery services. With revenue approaching $502 billion, Amazon’s approach to retail has changed consumer shopping behavior.

3. Schwarz Group (Lidl)

Lidl supermarkets owned by Schwarz Gruppe offer discounted prices. It has revenue of approximately $159.8 billion and has more than 13,700 stores. Lidl emphasizes on providing quality products at cheaper prices.

4. Aldi

Aldi is another major player in the discount grocery space, with revenue of approximately $130.4 billion. The chain, which operates more than 13,300 stores worldwide, is known for its efficient supply chain and simple store design that helps keep prices low.

Also Read | Top 10 Most Expensive Chocolates in the World

5. Costco

Costco operates through a membership model and has become synonymous with buying in bulk at discounted prices. The company generates approximately $219.2 billion in revenue from approximately 842 locations worldwide, but focuses more on quality products and customer loyalty.

6. Kroger

As the largest traditional supermarket chain in the United States, Kroger earns approximately $150.4 billion in revenue from its very diversified store formats, including grocery stores and pharmacies. There are currently over 2,750 stores operating innovatively through technology-driven grocery delivery solutions.

7. Carrefour

Carrefour is one of Europe’s largest supermarket chains, with annual revenue of approximately US$108.4 billion. Carrefour operates more than 14,000 stores worldwide and is the largest, offering a range focused on sustainability.

Also Read | India’s Ranking in Different Global Indexes [Latest 2024 Ranks]

8. Ahold Delhaize

Ahold Delhaize has revenues of approximately $94.5 billion and has more than 7,700 stores in more than two dozen countries. Its business revolves around omnichannel retail and leveraging loyalty programs to engage customers.

9. Tesco

Tesco is the UK’s largest supermarket chain, with approximately 3,400 stores and revenue of approximately US$94.6 billion. The company has been a pioneer in customer loyalty programs and continues to adapt to changing consumer preferences.

10. Qiyi Holdings

The Japanese conglomerate, which operates convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, reports revenue of approximately $94.6 billion from more than 40,000 stores worldwide.

The supermarket industry is known for fierce competition among giants, who are constantly changing their strategies and operations to meet consumer demand. As these retailers expand their global footprint and enhance their digital capabilities, they will continue to shape the way people shop for groceries around the world.