The 22 Biggest Supermarkets in Malaysia in 2024

Introduction

The Malaysian supermarket sector is dynamic and rapidly evolving, with grocery retail overall being valued at US$14.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach US$18.6 billion by 2028. The market shows a robust growth trajectory, fueled by increasing consumer demand and a growing middle class. Modern grocery retailers dominate the market, making up over 75% of all grocery retail, with hypermarkets and supermarkets leading the charge.

In 2024, notable trends include the surge in premium supermarkets in Malaysia, catering to consumers seeking higher quality and imported goods. E-commerce and quick commerce (q-commerce) have also gained significant traction, with more consumers opting for online shopping and rapid delivery services. In the coming years, the supermarket retail sector in Malaysia is expected to continue its upward trend, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and strategic expansions by major retail players. This article explores the 22 biggest supermarkets in Malaysia, highlighting their impact and growth in the competitive retail market.

Malaysia's Grocery Retail Landscape

Malaysia's retail sector is diverse, encompassing large supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, traditional "mom and pop" shops, and specialty retailers.

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets:

• These are the primary channels, commanding a significant share of the market. In 2023, supermarkets alone were valued at US$1.53 billion, with small, independent supermarkets accounting for 53% of these sales. Hypermarkets were valued at US$2.1 billion, though they face declining sales due to competition from supermarkets and convenience stores.
• Major cities, urban centers, and larger towns are home to large retail stores such as supermarkets, hypermarkets, and department stores, catering primarily to middle and high-income consumers. These chains strategically position their outlets to effectively capture their target audience.

Convenience Stores

• Representing a growing channel, convenience stores were valued at US$2.9 billion in 2023 and are projected to reach US$4.6 billion by 2028. These stores cater to the demand for quick and easy shopping experiences.
• Convenience stores and petrol station outlets are commonly found in cities, larger towns, and along major highways like the North-South Highway. Most of these stores are franchises, benefiting from the support of their franchisers in advertising, staff training, financing, bulk purchasing, and distribution. 7-Eleven leads the convenience store segment, offering 24-hour service and a quick-stop solution for consumers. We will dive into convenience stores in detail in a future article.

Traditional Grocers

• While they account for a smaller market share compared to modern retail formats, traditional grocers remain a significant part of the landscape, especially in rural areas. They continue to serve price-sensitive consumers and those seeking convenience for daily essentials.
• Traditional stores still make up the majority of food retailers in Malaysia. These small, family-run businesses, often open-fronted grocery stores in shop houses or dry markets, are present in cities, towns, and villages. They target price-sensitive consumers and offer convenience for daily essentials, typically stocking local traditional and Asian products, with a limited selection of popular imported items.

E-commerce and Quick Commerce (q-commerce)

• These are rapidly emerging channels. In 2023, 14 million consumers spent US$364.2 million on F&B products online, with this number expected to rise significantly by 2025. Q-commerce, in particular, is growing in popularity, offering same-day delivery services that meet the demands of modern consumers.

How does Malaysia’s retail landscape compare to its neighbors? Check out the leading supermarkets in Singapore and the Philippines.

Consumer Landscape

Malaysia’s population stands at 34.3 million, with a median age of 30.8 years. Nearly 94% of the population is under the age of 65 years. Of the 8.8 million households, 45.6% are couples with children. The most common household size is four-person (19.6%), followed by two-person (19.2%) and five-person households (18.7%). By 2040, it is expected that 22.8% of the population will live in two-person households, surpassing those with four people.

A quarter of Malaysian households are middle class, with this expected to rise by 0.6% by 2040. The World Bank forecasts that Malaysia will transition to a high-income economy between 2024 and 2028.

Malaysian households have an average disposable income of US$25,631 and a median of US$20,465. Over 60% of the population is Muslim, driving a high demand for halal foods. Halal certification is required for foreign meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products, and all food ingredients, with Malaysia’s standards being among the strictest globally.

In urban and suburban areas, most consumers buy food and drink from traditional grocery retailers within local neighborhoods.

Methodology for Calculating the Biggest Supermarkets in Malaysia

GourmetPro's network of food and beverage experts collaborated extensively to research and compile the list of the 21 biggest supermarkets in Malaysia. They utilized a combination of publicly available data sources, including industry publications, market analysis, and proprietary insider knowledge. The ranking considered several key factors: annual revenue, number of stores, locations, and others. This comprehensive approach ensured a well-rounded and accurate representation of the leading supermarkets in Malaysia.

The 22 Biggest Supermarkets in Malaysia in 2024 According to Industry Experts

22 - The Food Merchant

• Annual Revenue: US$100 million
• Number of Stores: 3
• Parent Company: The Food Merchant Sdn Bhd
• Locations Present In: Kuala Lumpur

The Food Merchant is the epitome of luxury in the supermarket sector, offering an exclusive range of premium products aimed at high-income consumers.

21 - AEON MaxValu Prime

• Annual Revenue: US$120 million
• Number of Stores: 9
• Parent Company: AEON Co. (M) Bhd
• Locations Present In: Urban centers

AEON MaxValu Prime offers a premium shopping experience with a focus on high-quality fresh produce and imported goods.

20 - 7-Eleven

• Annual Revenue: US$130 million
• Number of Stores: 2,250
• Parent Company: 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings
• Locations Present In: Nationwide

7-Eleven is the largest convenience store chain in Malaysia, providing 24-hour service and a variety of quick-stop products for on-the-go consumers.

19 - Servay

• Annual Revenue: US$150 million
• Number of Stores: 45
• Parent Company: Servay Hypermarket Sdn Bhd
• Locations Present In: East Malaysia

Servay operates predominantly in East Malaysia, offering a variety of products to local consumers.

18 - Pacific Hypermarket

• Annual Revenue: US$200 million
• Number of Stores: 10
• Parent Company: The Store Corporation Berhad
• Locations Present In: Peninsular Malaysia

Pacific Hypermarket offers a wide range of products in Peninsular Malaysia, combining supermarket and department store formats.

17 - Billion

• Annual Revenue: US$250 million
• Number of Stores: 50
• Parent Company: Billion Shopping Centre Sdn Bhd
• Locations Present In: East Coast of Malaysia

Billion is known for its affordability and local focus, particularly strong in the East Coast regions.

16 - Qra

• Annual Revenue: US$300 million
• Number of Stores: 3
• Parent Company: Qra Sdn Bhd
• Locations Present In: Kuala Lumpur

Qra is a newcomer focusing on premium and imported products, with a few strategically located outlets.

15 - Sam’s Groceria

• Annual Revenue: US$350 million
• Number of Stores: 2
• Parent Company: Mydin Mohamed Holdings
• Locations Present In: Penang, Johor

Sam’s Groceria, owned by Mydin, focuses on premium products with a limited number of stores, offering a high-end shopping experience.

14 - HeroMarket

• Annual Revenue: US$400 million
• Number of Stores: 28
• Parent Company: HeroMarket Sdn Bhd
• Locations Present In: Peninsular Malaysia

HeroMarket offers a range of products at competitive prices, with a good non-halal section. It is a mid-range option for consumers.

13 - TF Value-Mart

• Annual Revenue: US$500 million
• Number of Stores: 41
• Parent Company: TF Value-Mart Sdn Bhd
• Locations Present In: Secondary towns in Malaysia

TF Value-Mart focuses on secondary towns, providing a wide range of products with an emphasis on affordability and accessibility.

12 - NSK Trade City

• Annual Revenue: US$550 million
• Number of Stores: 17
• Parent Company: NSK Grocer
• Locations Present In: Nationwide

NSK Trade City combines wholesale and retail, offering bulk purchase options. It is known for its vast range of fresh produce.

11 - The Store

• Annual Revenue: US$580 million
• Number of Stores: 49
• Parent Company: The Store Corporation Berhad
• Locations Present In: Peninsular Malaysia

The Store is a well-established chain, known for its variety and long-standing presence in the market, catering to a diverse consumer base.

10 - Econsave

• Annual Revenue: US$600 million
• Number of Stores: 90
• Parent Company: Econsave Cash & Carry Sdn Bhd
• Locations Present In: Nationwide

Econsave is known for being one of the cheapest supermarkets in Malaysia. It offers a wide range of household goods with better quality control and cleanliness compared to some competitors.

9 - Mercato

• Annual Revenue: US$700 million
• Number of Stores: 8
• Parent Company: Dairy Farm Group
• Locations Present In: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor

Mercato offers an upscale shopping experience with a variety of premium products, catering to high-income consumers.

8 - Cold Storage

• Annual Revenue: US$950 million
• Number of Stores: 16
• Parent Company: Dairy Farm Group
• Locations Present In: Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor

Cold Storage targets upper-middle to high-income consumers with a selection of imported and local goods. It is well-regarded for its quality and variety.

7 - Mydin

• Annual Revenue: US$1 billion
• Number of Stores: 61
• Parent Company: Mydin Mohamed Holdings
• Locations Present In: Nationwide

Mydin is Malaysia’s largest halal hypermarket chain, providing a wide range of halal products at affordable prices. It is a one-stop shop for the Muslim community.

6 - Ben’s Independent Grocer (B.I.G.)

• Annual Revenue: US$1.2 billion
• Number of Stores: 5
• Parent Company: Village Grocer Holdings
• Locations Present In: Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Selangor

Ben’s Independent Grocer is known for its premium shopping experience, even more exclusive than Village Grocer. It offers a curated selection of high-quality goods.

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5 - Village Grocer

• Annual Revenue: US$1.4 billion
• Number of Stores: 25
• Parent Company: Village Grocer Holdings
• Locations Present In: Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Johor

Village Grocer caters to high-income shoppers with its "atas" feel and extensive international section. Despite being expensive, it is favored for its quality products.

4 - Jaya Grocer

• Annual Revenue: US$1.8 billion
• Number of Stores: 35
• Parent Company: Trendcell Sdn Bhd
• Locations Present In: Peninsular Malaysia

Jaya Grocer is known for its premium offerings and fresh produce, although it is on the pricier side. Tied to Grab, it offers loyalty points, enhancing customer engagement.

3 - Tesco/Lotus’s

• Annual Revenue: US$2.9 billion
• Number of Stores: 64
• Parent Company: CP Group
• Locations Present In: Peninsular Malaysia

Lotus’s, formerly Tesco, is popular for bulk shopping and is a top choice for those looking to stock up on a variety of goods.

2 - Giant

• Annual Revenue: US$3.2 billion
• Number of Stores: 97
• Parent Company: Dairy Farm Group
• Locations Present In: Nationwide

Giant is renowned for its affordability and frequent discounts, making it a favorite among budget-conscious shoppers. Giant targets the mass market with its extensive range of value-for-money products.

1 - AEON

• Annual Revenue: US$4.6 billion
• Number of Stores: 63
• Parent Company: AEON Co. (M) Bhd
• Locations Present In: Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, Perak, Melaka, Penang, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, Sarawak

AEON is a major player in Malaysia, offering a variety of formats including AEON Stores, AEON Big, and AEON MaxValu. Known for its wide range of products and good quality seafood selection, AEON caters to a broad demographic with slightly lower prices compared to other premium supermarkets.

FAQs

1. What is the size of Malaysia’s grocery retail sector?

The size of Malaysia’s grocery retail sector was valued at US$14.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to US$18.6 billion by 2028, driven by increasing consumer demand and a rising middle class​.

2. Who is the biggest grocery retailer in Malaysia?

The biggest grocery retailer in Malaysia is AEON Co. (M) Bhd, which operates multiple formats including AEON Stores, AEON Big, and AEON MaxValu, with significant market presence across the country​​.

3. Which are the top 5 supermarkets in Malaysia and how much of the market do they account for?

The top 5 supermarkets in Malaysia are:

1. AEON
2. Giant
3. Lotus’s (formerly Tesco)
4. Jaya Grocer
5. Village Grocer

These top 5 supermarkets together account for a significant portion of the market, with AEON alone contributing a major share due to its extensive network and diversified formats. Together, they represent a substantial segment of the modern grocery retail market, which makes up 75.4% of the total grocery retail sector in Malaysia​.

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