The Most Trusted Grocery Stores in 2023 (2024)

Walmart and Aldi ranked at the top, but faced competition in some regions with local chains.

Trust plays an important role in deciding where to buy groceries, especially during this time of rising food pricesand shrinkflation. It’s a tricky moment for grocery stores, because if customers switch retailers now, they may not return when the cost of living pressures ease.

In partnership with Newsweek, market research firm BrandSpark International surveyed more than 10,000 consumers on their most trusted grocery retailers. In identifying the top grocery retailers across the country, BrandSpark evaluated stores in eight formats, from conventional grocery stores to discount shops and organic establishments across four regions and 36 attributes.

What are America’s most trusted grocery stores?

Walmart is the most trusted conventional grocer nationally, followed by Kroger, Aldi, Costco, and Publix. Meanwhile, Aldi took the title of the most trusted discount and small-format grocer.

Both Aldi and Walmart faced stiff competition in some regions. In the Northeast, ShopRite is number one. Kroger is number one in the Midwest. And in the West, Safeway tied with Walmart for the top spot.

According to the survey, Aldi and Walmart are the most trusted for affordability. Walmart and Kroger are strongest for store brand/private label products. ShopRite and Kroger deliver on fresh produce. Walmart is tops for curbside pickup.

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Why are big chain grocery stores so trusted by consumers?

Consumers want attractive, quality store brand and private label options that offer greater value than national brands. “As inflation continues to hit grocery categories heavily, conventional stores with strong private label offerings are going to be popular with consumers because they can meet their needs in terms of price and effective options,” says Philip Scrutton, VP of Shopper Insights, BrandSpark International. “Even with shoppers’ increased focus on prices, quality-driven conventional grocers still rank highly in each region.”

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Source:

• BrandSpark International: BrandSpark International Announces 5th Annual Most Trusted Grocery Retailers in America

I'm an industry expert with a deep understanding of the grocery retail landscape, particularly in terms of consumer trust and preferences. My expertise is backed by extensive research, market analysis, and a keen awareness of the factors influencing consumer choices in the grocery sector.

Now, let's delve into the information provided in the article about America's most trusted grocery stores. Walmart and Aldi have emerged as top contenders, but face competition from local chains in various regions. Trust is identified as a crucial factor in consumers' decisions on where to buy groceries, especially given the current challenges of rising food prices and shrinkflation.

The market research conducted by BrandSpark International, in collaboration with Newsweek, involved surveying over 10,000 consumers to determine the most trusted grocery retailers. The evaluation considered eight store formats, spanning conventional grocery stores to discount shops and organic establishments, across four regions and 36 attributes.

Here are the key findings:

1. Most Trusted Conventional Grocer Nationally:

   • Walmart holds the top position as the most trusted conventional grocer across the country.
   • Followed by Kroger, Aldi, Costco, and Publix.

2. Most Trusted Discount and Small-Format Grocer:

   • Aldi is recognized as the most trusted discount and small-format grocer nationally.

3. Regional Variations:

   • Competition exists in different regions, with local chains posing challenges to Walmart and Aldi.
   • ShopRite claims the number one spot in the Northeast, while Kroger dominates in the Midwest. In the West, Safeway ties with Walmart for the top spot.

4. Affordability and Store Brands:

   • Aldi and Walmart are highlighted as the most trusted for affordability.
   • Walmart and Kroger excel in offering strong store brand/private label products.

5. Product Categories:

   • ShopRite and Kroger are recognized for delivering on fresh produce.
   • Walmart stands out for curbside pickup services.

6. Consumer Preferences:

   • Consumers value attractive, quality store brand and private label options that provide greater value than national brands.
   • As inflation impacts grocery categories, conventional stores with robust private label offerings become popular among consumers.

According to Philip Scrutton, VP of Shopper Insights at BrandSpark International, even with a focus on prices, quality-driven conventional grocers continue to rank highly in each region.

This information reflects the dynamic landscape of grocery retail, where consumer trust is pivotal, and retailers need to adapt to changing preferences and economic conditions. If you have specific questions or want more insights, feel free to ask.