Market Snapshot from SAP, NTT DATA & Incisiv
In today’s rapidly evolving grocery landscape, winning retailers are turning disruption into competitive advantage. Our latest report, “Grocery’s New Imperatives: The Last (Mile) Wake-Up Call,” reveals how forward-thinking grocers are redefining convenience, building trust, and expanding their value proposition.
The New Grocery Reality
The grocery landscape faces unprecedented transformation:
• Inflation has fundamentally changed shopping behaviors, making store-switching the new normal
• Community engagement now drives traffic more effectively than traditional marketing
• Fresh departments have become competitive flashpoints that define brand reputation
• Private labels have evolved from budget alternatives to cult favorites driving loyalty
• Value perception extends beyond price to meal solutions and digital savings tools
• Quick commerce is reshaping expectations, with 30-minute delivery becoming the new standard
Five Key Imperatives for Success
Our research identifies five essential transformations that winning grocers must embrace:
1. Make Every Customer Interaction Count
Transform from transaction processors to strategic merchandisers, using customer insights to drive assortment, space, and promotion decisions.
2. Turn Convenience Into Loyalty
Convert digital convenience into meaningful relationships by combining speed with personalized service across every touchpoint.
3. Master The Fresh Food Supply Chain
Transform traditional supply chains into dynamic networks that prioritize freshness while balancing efficiency with local sourcing.
4. Make Every Store A Digital Hub
Evolve stores from single-channel sales points into multi-purpose hubs that orchestrate commerce, fulfillment, and services seamlessly.
5. Build Operations For Speed & Freshness
Transform operations from rigid processes into flexible systems that protect margins while delivering on speed and freshness promises.
The Path Forward
The future belongs to grocers who can orchestrate these capabilities into a seamless whole, transforming from traditional supermarkets into food and wellness destinations that turn shoppers into advocates and communities into competitive advantages.
