Grocers started 2023 with pandemic worries fading and hoped that the high inflation of 2022 would start to come down. As the year progressed, consumer concerns about high food prices remained and grocers battled with mass retailers on pricing and value as people not only returned to in-store shopping, but also embraced omnichannel offerings.
After booming business during the pandemic, grocers saw financial headwinds return as consumers’ spending power tightened, partly due to the end of a temporary boost to SNAP during COVID, and as they continued to grapple with shrink and e-commerce costs.
In the face of these challenges, ongoing innovation with private brands, personalization, value messaging and foodservice helped food retailers stand out against competitors.
2023 is coming to an end with major questions about what’s ahead. What will happen to the proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger? How will inflation — and consumer perception of it — change? How will retailers further tap into artificial intelligence?
Grocery Dive will try to answer those questions in the new year. In the meantime, here’s a roundup of some of our top trend stories from 2023. We’re currently on a publishing break through Jan. 3, when our next daily newsletter will be distributed.
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