Annual Special Issues

2025 Food World and Food Trade News Market Studies

June 2025

Each June, since 1979, Food World and Food Trade News have been publishing detailed Market Studies for the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast and Southeast regions. The annual survey reviews retailer sales and market share data for 151 counties for all channels of food, drug and general merchandise/HBC. 

In our 12-month study period, an uncertain economic outlook, continued overstoring and the diversification of retail operating styles made it a challenging year for most food merchants, particularly supermarkets. Those who fared best were retailers whose price/value image resonated most strongly with consumers. 

We invite you read our full coverage, including full data and charts in our complete Food Trade News and Food World Market Study issues, presented below.

Most Supermarkets More Vulnerable Than Ever Against Price/Value Alternate Retailers

What a difference a year can make. Or not. Twelve months ago…

  • Most supermarkets more vulnerable than ever against price/value alternate retailers
  • C&S’s $1.77 billion acquisition of Spartan Nash, combined with the addition of Key Food, represents a real threat to faltering UNFI’s Central Region business
  • Prime Days ratcheting up sales this year by expanding from 2 days to 4 and adding “Today’s Big Deals” for Prime members
  • Most new store activity this past month was by non-traditional supermarkets operating stores smaller than 30,000 square feet

Discounters Continue to Erode Market Share from Most Traditional Supermarkets

Discounters loom large in the 2026 Food Trade News Market Study...

👉 Discounters continue gaining market share as consumers prioritize affordability.

👉 Traditional supermarkets face mounting pressure from high development costs and reduced SNAP spending.

👉 Walmart, Aldi, Lidl, Costco, and BJ’s continue to lead the region in growth and expansion.

👉 ShopRite/Wakefern remains the strongest traditional supermarket operator in the Mid-Atlantic.