The grocery industry is facing a plethora of challenges in 2025. 

Shoppers are continuing to worry about the cost of food and, as a result, trade down to less expensive brands or shop at several retailers in search of deals. In this environment, discounters and mass retailers like Aldi and Walmart are growing their presence, posing fierce competition to traditional supermarkets. 

Still, supermarkets have ways that they can stand out, experts told Grocery Dive, pointing to consumers’ increasing interest in health and wellness, private label popularity and efficiency benefits from electronic shelf labels as key areas to explore. 

Meanwhile, Albertsons, fresh off its failed merger proposal with Kroger, said in early January that it is looking to cut $1.5 billion in costs within three years. Industry observers and investors say that Albertsons needs to make significant sales investments this year in order to not lose steam. 

Below are three in-depth stories looking at what the grocery industry should keep an eye on throughout 2025.