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.

As Inflation Wanes and Competition Heightens, Metro NY, DelVal Retailers Find Landscape Tougher Than Ever

In a year "as difficult...as we’ve faced in a long time," as…

  • Let’s take a closer look at what the numbers are telling us in this year’s Food Trade News market study.
  • Easing inflation, tightening consumer spending, and cuts to SNAP added up to flat sales across the board.
  • Disrupters, led by Aldi, Lidl, and Trader Joe’s, continued to chip away at old-guard supermarkets and drugstores.
  • All signs point to malaise and gridlock in the year ahead.

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.