The 15 Largest Food Retailers in the World (2026 Update)

Walmart remains the world’s largest and most recognized food retailer, commanding over a quarter of the entire grocery industry’s annual sales. Despite its dominance, many other significant players thrive in the market due to innovative business strategies and niche markets.

In this article, we explore the 15 largest food retailers in the world, detailing their business models and market strategies.

Detailed List of the 15 Largest Food Retailers in the World

1. Walmart

   Headquarters: Bentonville, Arkansas
   Stock Ticker: WMT
   Market Cap: $408.52 billion
   2022 Revenue: $573 billion
   Net Income: $13.94 billion

   Walmart is the world’s largest food and general merchandise retailer, operating over 11,500 stores across 27 countries. These locations primarily consist of hypermarkets that stock not only groceries but also pet supplies, pharmacies, and electronics.

   The company operates:

   • Discount stores. Smaller than hypermarkets, these stores offer a limited range of products. There are currently 374 of these locations.

   • Neighborhood markets. Typically a fifth of the size of hypermarkets, these markets focus on groceries, pharmacy items, and fuel.

   Walmart employs over 2.2 million workers worldwide, generating more revenue than any other private company and maintaining a substantial workforce. The company also owns well-known subsidiary brands such as Sam’s Club.

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2. Costco Wholesale

   Headquarters: Issaquah, Washington
   Stock Ticker: COST
   Market Cap: $220.19 billion
   2022 Revenue: $226.954 billion
   Net Income: $5.84 billion

   Costco ranks as the second-largest food retailer globally, renowned for its membership-only warehouse clubs that sell groceries, frozen goods, clothing, and electronics. The company’s strategy emphasizes bulk purchasing and offering a limited selection of products, which allows for competitive pricing.

   Key strategies include:

   • Bulk purchasing and limited variety. With only 2,700 products compared to Walmart’s 140,000, Costco reduces labor costs and increases purchasing power.

   • Food courts. Offering affordable meals, these areas encourage customers to linger and shop longer.

   • Membership benefits. Incentives such as cashback rewards encourage customer loyalty.

   As of 2023, Costco operates 850 locations, with a significant presence in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the U.K., and is expanding rapidly in China.

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3. 7-Eleven

   Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
   Stock Ticker: N/A
   Market Cap: $37.37 billion
   2022 Revenue: $87.60 billion
   Net Income: $2.94 billion

   7-Eleven operates a global chain of convenience stores with 71,000 locations across 17 countries. While U.S. stores primarily sell snacks and beverages, international locations, particularly in Japan, offer a broader selection of groceries and prepared meals.

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4. Kroger

   Headquarters: Cincinnati, Ohio
   Stock Ticker: KR
   Market Cap: $34.04 billion
   2022 Revenue: $148.3 billion
   Net Income: $1.655 billion

   As the fifth-largest supermarket chain in the U.S., Kroger operates 2,750 multi-department stores and produces a significant portion of its inventory through 35 food processing facilities. The company is known for its private label brands like Private Selection and Simple Truth, which cater to various consumer preferences.

   Kroger employs approximately 435,000 people, with many positions secured through collective bargaining agreements.

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5. Aldi

   Headquarters: Essen, Germany (Aldi Nord), Mülheim, Germany (Aldi Süd)
   Stock Ticker: N/A
   Market Cap: N/A
   2022 Revenue: $121.1 billion
   Net Income: $968 million

   Aldi operates over 10,000 discount supermarkets across 20 countries, including 2,000 locations in the U.S. The company minimizes overhead by selling products in their original packaging and passing savings on to consumers, often focusing on private-label products.

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6. Lidl

   Headquarters: Neckarsulm, Germany
   Stock Ticker: N/A
   Market Cap: N/A
   2022 Revenue: $110.71 billion
   Net Income: $6.405 billion

   Lidl operates a discount supermarket chain with 12,000 stores, primarily in Europe, and has recently expanded into the U.S. market. The company utilizes cost-cutting measures, including limited staff and original packaging, to maintain low prices.

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7. Target

   Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota
   Stock Ticker: TGT
   Market Cap: $68.60 billion
   2022 Revenue: $109 billion
   Net Income: $2.80 billion

   Target, the eighth-largest retailer in the U.S., operates 1,844 stores featuring a blend of hypermarkets, small-format stores, and discount outlets. The company has been expanding its grocery offerings, with many newer stores featuring dedicated grocery sections.

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8. Carrefour

   Headquarters: Boulogne-Billancourt, France
   Stock Ticker: N/A
   Market Cap: $14.95 billion
   2022 Revenue: $87.543 billion
   Net Income: $1.42 billion

   Carrefour operates a mix of hypermarkets, supermarkets, and convenience stores with 12,225 locations primarily in Europe and Asia. The company continues to innovate with initiatives aimed at sustainability and product offerings.

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9. Tesco

   Headquarters: England, United Kingdom
   Stock Ticker: TSCO
   Market Cap: $25.13 billion
   2022 Revenue: $84.139 billion
   Net Income: $2.031 billion

   As the UK’s leading grocery retailer, Tesco operates in five European countries and has a strong market presence. The company focuses on high-volume, low-cost retailing, offering a wide range of products at competitive prices.

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10. Albertsons Co

    Headquarters: Boise, Idaho
    Stock Ticker: ACI
    Market Cap: $11.97 billion
    2022 Revenue: $71.887 billion
    Net Income: $1.514 billion

    Albertsons operates 2,253 stores and is the second-largest supermarket chain in the U.S. after Kroger. The company offers a variety of grocery and general merchandise products, maintaining a strong presence in the market.

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11. AEON

    Headquarters: Chiba, Japan
    Stock Ticker: TYO: 8267
    Market Cap: $17.578 billion
    2022 Revenue: $69.40 billion
    Net Income: $392.914 million

    AEON operates grocery and general merchandise stores primarily in Japan and the Greater China region, focusing on customer satisfaction and innovative retail solutions.

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12. Publix

    Headquarters: Lakeland, Florida
    Stock Ticker: N/A
    Market Cap: $13.0 billion
    2022 Revenue: $54.5 billion
    Net Income: $2.90 billion

    Publix operates as a private, employee-owned supermarket chain with 1,252 locations primarily in the Southeastern U.S. The company is known for its customer service and employee satisfaction, maintaining a positive reputation in the retail space.

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13. H-E-B

    Headquarters: Anderson, California
    Stock Ticker: N/A
    Market Cap: $23.0 billion
    2022 Revenue: $21.0 billion
    Net Income: N/A

    H-E-B is a privately-owned supermarket chain with 340 locations primarily in Texas and northeast Mexico. The company is recognized for its community involvement and commitment to sustainability.

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14. Whole Foods Market

    Headquarters: British Columbia, Canada
    Stock Ticker: N/A
    Market Cap: N/A
    2022 Revenue: $16.0 billion
    Net Income: $766 million

    Whole Foods operates 500 supermarkets across North America and the U.K., focusing on organic and natural foods. The company emphasizes transparency in sourcing and sustainability, enhancing customer trust.

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15. Hy-Vee

    Headquarters: West Des Moines, Iowa
    Stock Ticker: N/A
    Market Cap: N/A
    2022 Revenue: $12.0 billion
    Net Income: N/A

    Hy-Vee is a private, employee-owned supermarket chain with 245 locations in the Midwest. Known for its commitment to customer service, the company is investing in technology to enhance the shopping experience.

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U.S. Food Retail Industry Statistics FAQ

1. Where is the food retail industry headed over the next decade?

   The food retail industry is expected to grow steadily, with a projected CAGR of 5% through 2036. Online grocery sales have become increasingly significant, reflecting shifts in consumer behavior and preferences.

2. Should I take a job within the food retail industry?

   While the decision is personal, the food retail sector remains a robust employment option. The industry employs millions and has seen wage increases and improved working conditions in recent years.

3. What percentage of food retail are groceries?

   Grocery sales account for approximately 92.1% of all food retail store sales. Other segments, like convenience and specialty stores, represent a minor share of the market.

4. What percentage of Americans use grocery delivery?

   31% of Americans have utilized grocery delivery services. This trend continues to rise as more consumers embrace online shopping solutions.

As the food retail landscape evolves, understanding the dynamics of these major players is crucial for consumers and job seekers alike. The industry’s resilience and adaptability indicate a promising future for both retail giants and small businesses, making it an exciting sector to watch in the coming years.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.