Why inflation is the issue: not grocery stores

Supermarket News wrote that “shoppers are frustrated about grocery shopping.” While the recent inflationary period has understandably strained consumers, I fundamentally object to this premise. The poll cited in the article shows that shopper frustration extends beyond the grocery store because inflation has broadly impacted the price of everything—from food to gasoline to other goods and services. Shoppers are frustrated with inflation – not grocery stores – a problem that has plagued most of the U.S. economy. 

The complexities of food price inflation can be difficult to fully capture, but according to the U.S. Grocery Shopper Sentiment Index, the overall grocery shopping experience remains resilient and positive.  

Despite decreasing trust in other institutions like government and medical providers, trust in grocery stores remains high. Ninety percent of American shoppers trust their grocery store to ensure food safety, and 48% believe their store is an ally supporting their health and well-being. Consumers continue to say their primary food retailer does an excellent job of meeting their needs, with 79% of shoppers reporting that getting a “good value” when grocery shopping is their top priority. 

The food industry is competitive by nature, with an average of 1.6% net profit margins, but when times get tough — especially in times of crisis — we deliver food, water, and necessary supplies to the communities that we help feed every day. We come together regardless of competition to ensure we keep the nation fed, as evidenced by our unflappable work during a global COVID-19 pandemic and the recent devastation from deadly hurricanes. 

I am honored to work in the food industry, and believe our customers appreciate our dedication to feeding their families and our resilience during difficult times.