Jan. 21, 2013: Alternative Formats Lead Top 75 Growth

Acquisitions and new-store development among nontraditional operators propelled much of the growth illustrated in this year’s list of the Top 75 food retailers and wholesalers in North America. The report shows that 55 of the Top 75 companies grew their sales in 2012, and 43 of the Top 75 added net stores. Wal-Mart Stores again topped the list this year, with sales volume in the U.S. and Canada estimated at $369 billion, up about 11.5% over the preceding fiscal year. The largest traditional operators for the most part grew sales during the year, but continued to shutter more stores than they opened. Kroger Co. is expected to finish the year with 23 fewer supermarkets and convenience stores; Safeway with 34 fewer supermarkets (reflecting the sale of Genuardi’s); and Supervalu with 22 fewer stores (not counting the pending sale of 877 locations to an investor group).

Related story: Changes Brewing in 2013 Top 75

This year's Top 75 list

Click here to purchase a pdf of the 2013 Top 75 that includes fiscal year sales, store counts, footnotes, top alternative formats, top wholesalers and more.