The global food retail industry is dominated by a few giants that have become household names for the breadth of their networks and for innovation in service delivery and customer experience. These chain stores, with long and turbulent histories, play an important role in meeting the food needs of the global community. In this article, compiled by the Vira team, we will examine the world’s largest and most famous food chain stores and the number of branches, types of products, and innovative technologies they use.
1. Walmart chain stores
History
Walmart was founded in 1962 by Sam Walton in Rogers, Arkansas. Walton’s goal from the beginning was to provide products with low prices and excellent customer service. Walmart’s rapid growth over the following decades made it the world’s largest retailer.
Number of branches
Walmart has more than 11,500 stores in 27 countries under different banners.
Product Types
Walmart offers a wide selection of products, including:
- Dairy products: milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, etc.
- Meats: fresh beef, pork, chicken, fish and other seafood.
- Agricultural products: fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Pantry items: canned goods, pasta, grains, and basic cooking ingredients.
- Frozen foods: ready meals, vegetables, and desserts.
- Drinks: carbonated drinks, juices, water, and alcoholic drinks.
Technologies used in Walmart chain stores
Walmart uses several advanced technologies to improve the shopping experience and increase operational efficiency:
- Online shopping and grocery delivery/pickup: Walmart’s website and app allow customers to order groceries online.
- ATM kiosks: These kiosks reduce waiting time and increase payment efficiency.
- Inventory Management Systems: Advanced inventory systems track inventory in real-time so that products are always available.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning: These technologies are used for personalized marketing, demand forecasting, and supply chain optimization.
- Robotics: Walmart uses robots for tasks such as shelf scanning and inventory management to improve store operations.
2. Carrefour chain stores
History
Carrefour was founded in France in 1959 and quickly became one of the leaders in the retail industry in Europe. This company opened the first hypermarket in Europe in 1963 and since then it has been known as one of the largest and most innovative chain stores in the world.
Number of branches
Carrefour has more than 12,000 stores in more than 30 countries, making it one of the largest supermarket chains in the world.
Product Types
Carrefour offers a wide selection of groceries, including:
- Dairy products: milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products.
- Meats: fresh and processed meats, poultry, and seafood.
- Agricultural products: a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Dry items: pasta, rice, cereals, and canned goods.
- Frozen foods: vegetables, ready meals, and desserts.
- Beverages: juices, carbonated drinks, wines, and alcoholic beverages.
Technologies used in Carrefour chain stores
Carrefour uses several technologies to improve operations and customer experience:
- E-commerce platform: Customers can order food online.
- Mobile app: The Carrefour app helps with easy shopping, personalized offers, and loyalty points tracking.
- Service ATMs: These kiosks make the payment process faster and more efficient.
- Digital price tags: These tags ensure pricing accuracy and allow for dynamic price adjustments.
- Sustainability initiatives: Carrefour uses technology to reduce food waste and promote sustainable sourcing practices.
3. Tesco chain stores
History
Tesco was founded in 1919 by Jack Cohen in England. The company grew rapidly by opening new stores and expanding its products and is now one of the largest retailers in the world.
Number of branches
Tesco has more than 6,800 stores worldwide and has a significant presence in the UK, Ireland, and several other countries.
Product Types
Tesco’s wide range of products includes the following:
- Dairy products: milk, cheese, butter, and other dairy products.
- Meats: fresh and processed meats, poultry, and seafood.
- Agricultural products: fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Pantry items: canned goods, pasta, rice, and basic cooking ingredients.
- Frozen foods: ready meals, vegetables, and desserts.
- Drinks: carbonated drinks, juices, water, and alcoholic drinks.
Technologies used in Tesco chain stores
Tesco uses a variety of technologies to improve the shopping experience and increase operational efficiency:
- Online grocery shopping: Tesco’s website and app allow customers to order groceries for delivery or pickup.
- Clubcard Loyalty Program: This program offers personalized discounts and rewards based on shopping habits.
- Service ATMs: These kiosks help reduce waiting time and increase payment efficiency.
- Automated warehouses: Tesco uses automated systems in warehouses to increase efficiency and accuracy in order fulfillment.
- AI and data analytics: These technologies are used for personalized marketing, demand forecasting, and supply chain optimization.
4. Aldi chain stores
History
Aldi was founded in Germany in 1946 by brothers Karl and Theo Albrecht. The company quickly became famous for its low-cost business model and high-quality products, and today it is one of the largest retailers in the world.
Number of branches
Aldi has more than 10,000 stores in 20 countries and has a strong presence in Europe, the United States and Australia.
Product Types
Aldi focuses on providing high-quality products at low prices, including:
- Dairy products: milk, cheese, butter and yogurt.
- Meats: fresh and processed meats, poultry, and seafood.
- Agricultural products: all kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Pantry items: canned goods, pasta, rice, and basic cooking ingredients.
- Frozen foods: ready meals, vegetables, and desserts.
- Drinks: carbonated drinks, juices, water, and alcoholic drinks.
Technologies used in Aldi chain stores
Aldi uses several technologies to maintain its low-cost model and improve customer experience:
- Streamlined operations: Aldi uses streamlined store layouts and limited product lines to reduce complexity and costs.
- Service ATMs: These kiosks help reduce labor costs and increase payment speed.
- Online shopping platform: Aldi recently launched online shopping and delivery in some markets.
- Digital price tags: These tags ensure pricing accuracy and allow for dynamic price adjustments.
- Sustainability initiatives: Aldi invests in sustainable sourcing and environmentally friendly practices.
5. Lidl chain stores
History
Lidl was founded in Germany in the 1930s and became famous as a discount store chain from the 1970s. Today, Lidl is one of the world’s largest retailers and is known for its low-cost model and high-quality products.
Number of branches
Lidl has more than 11,000 stores in 32 countries and a significant presence in Europe and the United States.
Product Types
Lidl offers a wide range of products with a focus on quality and competitive prices:
- Dairy products: milk, cheese, butter and yogurt.
- Meats: fresh and processed meats, poultry, and seafood.
- Agricultural products: fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Pantry items: canned goods, pasta, rice, and basic cooking ingredients.
- Frozen foods: ready meals, vegetables, and desserts.
- Drinks: carbonated drinks, juices, water, and alcoholic drinks.
Technologies used in Lidl chain stores
Lidl uses several technologies to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction:
- Online shopping platform: Lidl’s website and app provide online shopping options.
- Service ATMs: These kiosks help speed up payment and reduce waiting time.
- Efficient store designs: Lidl’s simple and efficient store designs reduce costs and improve the shopping experience.
- Supply chain optimization: Advanced logistics and inventory management systems ensure that products are efficiently distributed and managed.
- Sustainability initiatives: Lidl invests in sustainable sourcing and environmentally friendly practices.
6. Costco chain stores
History
Costco was founded in the United States in 1976 by James Singleton and Jeffrey Bratman. With its membership model that offers wholesale discounts to members, Costco quickly became popular and became one of the world’s largest retailers.
Number of branches
Costco has more than 800 warehouses worldwide and has a significant presence in the United States, Canada, and several other countries.
Product Types
Costco offers a wide selection of bulk and wholesale products, including:
- Dairy products: milk, cheese, butter and yogurt.
- Meats: fresh and processed meats, poultry, and seafood.
- Agricultural products: fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Pantry items: canned goods, pasta, rice, and basic cooking ingredients.
- Frozen foods: ready meals, vegetables, and desserts.
- Drinks: carbonated drinks, juices, water, and alcoholic drinks.
Technologies used in Costco chain stores
Costco uses several technologies to improve the shopping experience and increase operational efficiency:
- Membership Model: Costco’s membership system provides exclusive access to discounted prices and major products.
- Online Shopping Platform: Costco’s website allows members to order products online.
- Automated checkout: Costco uses efficient checkout systems to reduce wait times and improve customer service.
- Inventory Management Systems: Advanced inventory systems track inventory in real-time so that products are always available.
- Sustainability initiatives: Costco invests in sustainable sourcing and environmentally friendly practices.
7. Kroger chain stores
History
Kruger was founded in 1883 by Bernard Kruger in Cincinnati, Ohio. With an emphasis on providing quality products at reasonable prices, the company grew rapidly and is now one of the largest grocery chains in the United States.
Number of branches
Kroger has more than 2,700 stores in the United States, making it one of the largest grocery chains in the country.
Product Types
Kroger offers a wide range of products, including:
- Dairy products: milk, cheese, butter and yogurt.
- Meats: fresh and processed meats, poultry, and seafood.
- Agricultural products: fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Pantry items: canned goods, pasta, rice, and basic cooking ingredients.
- Frozen foods: ready meals, vegetables, and desserts.
- Drinks: carbonated drinks, juices, water, and alcoholic drinks.
Technologies used in the Kroger chain of stores
Kroger uses several technologies to improve customer experience and increase operational efficiency:
- Online shopping and delivery: Kroger’s website and app provide online shopping options.
- Service ATMs: These kiosks help reduce waiting time and increase payment efficiency.
- Kroger Plus Card: This loyalty program offers personalized discounts and rewards based on shopping habits.
- AI and data analytics: These technologies are used for personalized marketing, demand forecasting, and supply chain optimization.
- Sustainability initiatives: Kroger invests in sustainable sourcing and environmentally friendly practices.
8. Ahold Delhaize chain stores
History
Ahold Delhaize was founded in Belgium in 1887 and has since become one of the largest and most famous food chains in the world. With the merger of Ahold and Dollar in 2016, the company became a global powerhouse in retail.
Number of branches
Ahold Delhaize has more than 6,500 stores in Europe, the United States, and Indonesia.
Product Types
Ahold Delhaize stores offer a wide selection of groceries, including:
- Dairy products: milk, cheese, butter and yogurt.
- Meats: fresh and processed meats, poultry, and seafood.
- Agricultural products: fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Pantry items: canned goods, pasta, rice, and basic cooking ingredients.
- Frozen foods: ready meals, vegetables, and desserts.
- Drinks: carbonated drinks, juices, water, and alcoholic drinks.
Technologies used in Ahold Delhaize chain stores
Ahold Delhaize uses several technologies to improve operations and customer satisfaction:
- Online shopping platform: Customers can order food online.
- Mobile App: The Ahold Delhaize app helps with easy shopping, personalized offers, and loyalty points tracking.
- Service ATMs: These kiosks help reduce waiting time and increase payment efficiency.
- Digital price tags: These tags ensure pricing accuracy and allow for dynamic price adjustments.
- Sustainability initiatives: Ahold Delhaize uses technology to reduce food waste and promote sustainable sourcing practices.
Conclusion
The largest and most famous food chain stores in the world have achieved their position with a combination of extensive branch networks, diverse products, and innovative technologies. From Walmart’s vast inventory and advanced logistics to Carrefour’s digital integration and sustainability initiatives, these chains have become essential parts of millions of people’s daily lives. Their commitment to using technology to improve customer experience and operational efficiency ensures they remain at the forefront of the grocery retail industry. As these giants continue to evolve, they set new standards for a successful global grocery chain in the 21st century. Also, at the end, we invite you to read the article on the largest red meat and chicken packaging factories in the world.