GET READY TO CHOW DOWN AS WE REVEAL THE TOP GROCERY AND SUPERMARKET TRENDS OF 2024

Grocery shopping in 2024 undergoes significant transformations thanks to several prevalent consumer tech and retail trends coming into focus. As innovations reshape behaviors and expectations around everything from ordering to in-store experiences, grocers adapt to meet shifting household needs.

The rise of online grocery shopping fuels predictions that one in five households will order groceries exclusively online by 2024. Curbside pickup options explode in popularity thanks to fast fulfillment. Grocers enhance ecommerce playbooks with subscriptions of regularly purchased items and personalized recommendations based on purchase histories.

In tandem is the proliferation of cashierless, automated checkout capabilities leveraging computer vision, sensor fusion and machine learning. Amazon Go’s “just walk out” model spreads across mainstream chains so customers skip lines while their app-connected carts tally items and process payment. This tech-driven convenience dovetails with labor shortages facing many retailers presently. It also enables smaller-format, grab-and-go community stores gaining share.

Loyalty programs also overhaul under mobile wallets centralizing everything from payment credentials to digital coupons and rewards points on customers’ phones. Contextual offers prompt engagement based on location and purchase data for targeted savings opportunities. Gamification elements like progress meters and status tier upgrades increase usage as grocers focus loyalty efforts on driving incremental revenue.

Eyeing environmental impact, chains trial subscription reuse models for containers, incorporating RFID tags on bottles, jars and bags. Automated return points provide credits toward future purchases to limit product and packaging waste. Supply chain transparency powered by blockchain also answers consumer demands for ethical ingredient sourcing.

Many changes originate from Silicon Valley, but improve daily customer experiences rapidly. Bringing ease, personalization and consciousness to essential grocery needs means food retail holds strong competitive ground as ecommerce booms across categories. Omnichannel operations with smart integrations between online and brick-and-mortar capabilities help grocers retain market baskets in 2024 and the months ahead.