Online Grocery shopping has been popular among younger generation, but COVID-19 outbreak pulled this novel form of shopping to mainstream. Apart from millennial, which account for more than 32% of the global population, online grocers also witnessed sizable traction from new customer archetypes. These customer groups were geriatric and sub-urban consumers. Witnessing traction from such a diverse customer archetype, online grocers also worked on their offering and expanded the portfolio of products and inventories.
Citing shifting consumer preferences, Study projects a massive 23% year-on-year growth for the online grocery market between 2020 and 2030. A latest report studies the scope for expansion of the market across the globe and examines investment feasibility in key segments.
Driven by the increasing consumer spending, improving rate of employment and overall economic growth, online grocery shopping has spurred. Several brands have reported a multifold surge in sales as a direct consequence of strategies undertaken to boost their online presence and portfolio.
Following e-commerce boom, online grocery shopping is gaining momentum – a trend which is unlikely to subside in the near future. Study offers valuable insights into the online grocery market. Some of these are:
- Personalized and smart packaging are likely to dominate the online grocery shopping scene. A recent market intelligence data, reveals that packed food has comfortable lead over other product types, reiterates the same observation
- Presence of a high percentage of millennial has sealed East Asia’s position as a highly lucrative market for online grocery
- Subscriptions segment is poised to surge at a higher CAGR among purchaser type. Subscription based online shopping is expected to gather steam as consumers look for better convenience and personalized solutions
Economists of the study say that online grocery shopping is one of the fastest growing sectors in the U.S. retail. As the number of online shoppers grow it is expected that e-retailers would focus on unique strategies. For instance, many of established e-retailers are partnering with small and medium service providers who would help them with door-step delivery to consumers.
Besides leveraging strategic collaborations, several e-retailers are innovating smart packaging solutions to improve overall purchase experience. QR codes are often used to offer special discounts and coupons to customers.
Overall, there is increasing focus on digitizing solutions to cater to the changing consumer needs. For instance, Amazon.Com Inc. has invested heavily in the development of its integrated and high-tech logistics. Through this, it intends to expand its network and geographical footprint.
With several innovations and technological developments underway, the online grocery market is poised to surge exponentially in the near future.
COVID-19 Outbreak Ushered a New Dawn for Online Shopping
COVID-19 outbreak has ushered a new era for online shopping. The unprecedented spread of the virus brought about several changes in consumer behavior. There is at least one spending shift that is bound to stick around even after coronavirus passes: buying grocery online.
The U.S., China, and India exhibit a high demand for groceries. Instant gratification has remained the unique selling proposition (USP) of brick and mortar stores, giving them an edge against online shopping. The table has however turned in favor of online grocery.
Stay-at-home orders have affected just over 300 million Americans, changing their retail habits forever. In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, daily ecommerce sales nearly doubled itself between March and April.
Grim sales outlook following the COVID-19 outbreak and onslaught brought about by ecommerce behemoths have compelled even the most formidable brands to rethink their strategies.
Target and Walmart are two retailers holding themselves up against the perils brought about by the pandemic. Both had realized that online grocery was the key to avoid further wounds by Amazon.com a long ago. Accordingly, they invested in improving their online presence.
This robust uptake of online grocery shopping among consumers is not a phrase rather experts believe this could might as well be a reflection of permanent change in consumer behavior.
Who is winning?
Some of the key players operating in the online grocery market are Amazon.com Inc., Walmart Inc., The Kroger Co., Peapod LLC, Fresh Direct LLC, Target Corporation, Publix Super Markets Inc., Best Buy Co. Inc., Instacart, Costco Wholesale Corporation, Safeway Inc., Carrefour S.A., Tesco PLC, Edeka Group, Aldi, Alibaba Group, JD. Com, Honestbee, Grofers India Pvt. Ltd., Avenue Supermarts Ltd. and among others.
Several online grocery/ e-retailer companies are entering into strategic partnerships with prominent retailers to cater to the growing demand for groceries and other essential items.
- Walmart Inc. has entered into a strategic partnership with four third-party delivery providers which are Point Pickup, Skipcart, AxleHire, and Roadie to help the company provide on-time delivery to its customers
- In India Domino’s Pizza, Uber, Rapido, Swiggy, Zomato, and other have ventured into grocery delivery in collaboration with online grocers such as BigBasket and Grofers and retail chains such as Big Bazaar and Spencer