Introduction
The supermarket industry is a highly competitive market, with the top players relying on major meat suppliers to provide quality products to their customers. In this report, we will be focusing on the top 10 supermarkets that heavily rely on major meat suppliers to stock their shelves. We will examine their financials, volumes, and overall reliance on these suppliers to better understand the dynamics of the industry.
1. Walmart
Walmart is one of the largest supermarket chains in the world, with over 11,000 stores globally. They rely on major meat suppliers such as Tyson Foods and Cargill to provide a wide range of meat products to their customers. In 2020, Walmart reported a revenue of $524 billion, with a significant portion coming from meat sales.
1.1 Volume of Meat Sold
Walmart sells an average of 2 million pounds of meat per day across all its stores. This includes a variety of products such as beef, pork, chicken, and seafood.
1.2 Financials
Walmart spent approximately $6 billion on meat purchases in 2020, accounting for 12% of their total expenses. This highlights the significant role that major meat suppliers play in Walmart’s operations.
2. Kroger
Kroger is another major player in the supermarket industry, with over 2,700 stores across the US. They rely on suppliers such as Smithfield Foods and JBS USA to supply their meat products.
2.1 Volume of Meat Sold
Kroger sells an average of 800,000 pounds of meat per day, with beef being the most popular choice among customers.
2.2 Financials
Kroger reported a revenue of $122 billion in 2020, with meat sales accounting for approximately 10% of their total revenue. This demonstrates the importance of meat products in Kroger’s overall business strategy.
3. Costco
Costco is known for its bulk offerings and high-quality products, including meat. They rely on suppliers such as National Beef and JBS USA to supply their meat products.
3.1 Volume of Meat Sold
Costco sells an average of 500,000 pounds of meat per day, with a focus on premium cuts and organic options.
3.2 Financials
Costco reported a revenue of $166 billion in 2020, with meat sales contributing to approximately 20% of their total revenue. This highlights the significant role that meat products play in Costco’s business model.
4. Aldi
Aldi is a discount supermarket chain that has been rapidly expanding in the US market. They rely on suppliers such as Tyson Foods and Cargill to provide their meat products.
4.1 Volume of Meat Sold
Aldi sells an average of 300,000 pounds of meat per day, with a focus on budget-friendly options for their customers.
4.2 Financials
Aldi reported a revenue of $18 billion in 2020, with meat sales contributing to approximately 8% of their total revenue. This demonstrates the importance of meat products in Aldi’s offerings.
5. Target
Target is a retail giant that also offers a wide range of grocery products, including meat. They rely on suppliers such as Hormel Foods and Perdue Farms to provide their meat products.
5.1 Volume of Meat Sold
Target sells an average of 250,000 pounds of meat per day, with a focus on convenience and quality for their customers.
5.2 Financials
Target reported a revenue of $93 billion in 2020, with meat sales contributing to approximately 5% of their total revenue. This showcases the importance of meat products in Target’s overall business strategy.
6. Publix
Publix is a regional supermarket chain that operates primarily in the southeastern US. They rely on suppliers such as Pilgrim’s Pride and Sanderson Farms to provide their meat products.
6.1 Volume of Meat Sold
Publix sells an average of 150,000 pounds of meat per day, with a focus on locally sourced and sustainable options.
6.2 Financials
Publix reported a revenue of $44 billion in 2020, with meat sales contributing to approximately 12% of their total revenue. This highlights the significant role that meat products play in Publix’s business model.
7. Safeway
Safeway is a supermarket chain that operates primarily in the western US. They rely on suppliers such as Foster Farms and Perdue Farms to provide their meat products.
7.1 Volume of Meat Sold
Safeway sells an average of 100,000 pounds of meat per day, with a focus on local and organic options for their customers.
7.2 Financials
Safeway reported a revenue of $25 billion in 2020, with meat sales contributing to approximately 10% of their total revenue. This demonstrates the importance of meat products in Safeway’s offerings.
8. H-E-B
H-E-B is a regional supermarket chain that operates primarily in Texas. They rely on suppliers such as Sanderson Farms and Hillshire Brands to provide their meat products.
8.1 Volume of Meat Sold
H-E-B sells an average of 120,000 pounds of meat per day, with a focus on Texas-grown and premium cuts.
8.2 Financials
H-E-B reported a revenue of $30 billion in 2020, with meat sales contributing to approximately 15% of their total revenue. This highlights the significant role that meat products play in H-E-B’s business strategy.
9. Whole Foods
Whole Foods is a high-end supermarket chain that focuses on organic and natural products, including meat. They rely on suppliers such as Applegate Farms and Niman Ranch to provide their meat products.
9.1 Volume of Meat Sold
Whole Foods sells an average of 80,000 pounds of meat per day, with a focus on sustainable and ethically sourced options.
9.2 Financials
Whole Foods reported a revenue of $18 billion in 2020, with meat sales contributing to approximately 25% of their total revenue. This demonstrates the importance of meat products in Whole Foods’ offerings.
10. WinCo Foods
WinCo Foods is a employee-owned supermarket chain that operates in the western US. They rely on suppliers such as JBS USA and Tyson Foods to provide their meat products.
10.1 Volume of Meat Sold
WinCo Foods sells an average of 70,000 pounds of meat per day, with a focus on value and quality for their customers.
10.2 Financials
WinCo Foods reported a revenue of $8 billion in 2020, with meat sales contributing to approximately 10% of their total revenue. This showcases the importance of meat products in WinCo Foods’ business model.
In conclusion, the top 10 supermarkets rely heavily on major meat suppliers to provide quality products to their customers. The financials and volumes provided in this report highlight the significant role that meat products play in the overall business strategy of these supermarket chains. It is clear that without these major meat suppliers, the supermarket industry would not be able to meet the demands of their customers effectively.
For more information on the state of the global meat industry in 2025, please visit The State of the Global Meat Industry in 2025.
