Key Takeaways: The Supermarkets Landscape in the Philippines
Supermarket chains in the Philippines have evolved significantly over the past few years. In 2023, the market was valued at approximately US$55 billion, with a notable portion attributed to food and beverage sales. The sector is driven by increasing urbanization, a growing middle class, and rising consumer spending on convenience and quality.
Currently, there is a trend towards more modern retail formats, with supermarkets expanding their presence in both urban and rural areas. Consumers are increasingly favoring well-maintained, spacious, and comfortable shopping environments, reflecting a shift from traditional wet markets to modern retail outlets. This evolution is setting the stage for robust growth in the supermarket sector, offering promising prospects for both domestic and international players in the Philippine market.
Consumers in the Philippines exhibit a mix of shopping behaviors when it comes to groceries. While there is a growing preference for organized supermarkets due to their convenience, variety, and quality, traditional grocery stores and wet markets still hold a significant share. Traditional markets are particularly favored for fresh produce, such as meat, seafood, fruits, and vegetables. However, supermarket chains in the Philippines are becoming increasingly popular for their broader range of products, hygienic conditions, and enhanced shopping experience. This blend of traditional and modern shopping habits highlights the dynamic nature of the Filipino retail market.
Growth of the Online Grocery Shopping Sector
The e-commerce sector in the Philippines has seen significant growth over the last few years, driven by increasing internet penetration, smartphone usage, and a young, tech-savvy population. In 2023, the online grocery market was worth nearly US$1 billion and is projected to grow at a significant CAGR of 15% in the coming five years. Key trends driving this growth include the demand for convenience, time-saving solutions, and the expanding reach of digital payment systems.
Local consumers, particularly from middle to upper-income brackets, are increasingly adopting online grocery shopping due to its convenience and the wide range of products available. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, as more people turned to online platforms for their grocery needs. With continued investments in logistics and delivery infrastructure, the online grocery sector is set to become an integral part of the Filipino retail landscape.
Methodology for Calculating the Biggest Supermarket Chains in the Philippines
GourmetPro's network of food and beverage experts collaborated extensively to compile the list of the 20 biggest supermarkets in the Philippines. They used a combination of publicly available data alongside their own expertise. The ranking considered key factors, including number of stores, annual revenue, geographical reach, as well as company ownership. This comprehensive approach ensures a well-rounded and accurate representation of the Philippines’ leading supermarket chains.
The 10 Biggest Supermarket Chains in the Philippines in 2024 According to Industry Experts
10 - Super Metro Supermarket
- Number of stores across Philippines: 30
- Parent company: Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc.
- Locations present in: Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and Luzon
- Annual revenue: Not available
- Headquarters: Cebu City
- Owner of the supermarket: Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc.
- Whether local or foreign owner: Local
Super Metro Supermarket is known for its competitive pricing and extensive product range. It focuses on providing a broad selection of fresh produce and household essentials, catering to the needs of local communities in Visayas and Luzon.
9 - WalterMart
- Number of stores across Philippines: 40
- Parent company: Walter Mart Group of Companies
- Locations present in: Metro Manila, Luzon
- Annual revenue: Not available
- Headquarters: Quezon City
- Owner of the supermarket: Walter Mart Group of Companies
- Whether local or foreign owner: Local
WalterMart is a well-established supermarket chain known for its customer-centric approach. It offers a mix of grocery items, electronics, and home essentials, and frequently runs community engagement programs to enhance customer loyalty.
8 - The Marketplace
- Number of stores across Philippines: 50
- Parent company: Rustan's Supercenters, Inc.
- Locations present in: Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao
- Annual revenue: US$271 million
- Headquarters: Makati City
- Owner of the supermarket: Rustan's Supercenters, Inc.
- Whether local or foreign owner: Local
The Marketplace is a premium supermarket known for its high-quality imported goods and gourmet selections. It caters to an upscale market and offers a unique shopping experience with a focus on premium and specialty products.
7 - Super8 Grocery Warehouse
- Number of stores across Philippines: 60
- Parent company: Super8 Retail Systems, Inc.
- Locations present in: Metro Manila, Luzon
- Annual revenue: Not available
- Headquarters: Quezon City
- Owner of the supermarket: Super8 Retail Systems, Inc.
- Whether local or foreign owner: Local
Super8 Grocery Warehouse is popular for its wholesale and retail grocery options, targeting both end consumers and small businesses. Known for its cost-effective pricing, it attracts a diverse customer base looking for bulk purchasing.
6 - Prince Hypermart
- Number of stores across Philippines: 70
- Parent company: Prince Retail Group of Companies
- Locations present in: Visayas, Mindanao, Luzon
- Annual revenue: Not available
- Headquarters: Cebu City
- Owner of the supermarket: Prince Retail Group of Companies
- Whether local or foreign owner: Local
Prince Hypermart is widely recognized for its focus on serving provincial areas. It provides a wide range of affordable products, from groceries to general merchandise, making it a one-stop-shop for many Filipino families.
5 - PureGold
- Number of stores across Philippines: 100
- Parent company: Puregold Price Club, Inc.
- Locations present in: Nationwide
- Annual revenue: US$354 million
- Headquarters: Manila
- Owner of the supermarket: Lucio Co
- Whether local or foreign owner: Local
PureGold is a major player in the Philippine retail sector, known for its broad assortment of goods and competitive prices. It operates both supermarket and hypermarket formats, catering to a wide demographic across the country.
4 - Save More Supermarkets
- Number of stores across Philippines: 217
- Parent company: SM Retail, Inc.
- Locations present in: Nationwide
- Annual revenue: US$1.08 billion
- Headquarters: Pasay City
- Owner of the supermarket: SM Investments Corporation
- Whether local or foreign owner: Local
Save More Supermarkets are part of the SM Markets brand and are strategically located in urban and suburban areas. Known for their convenience, these stores focus on providing a variety of daily essentials at competitive prices.
3 - SM Supermarket
- Number of stores across Philippines: 250
- Parent company: SM Retail, Inc.
- Locations present in: Nationwide
- Annual revenue: Not available
- Headquarters: Pasay City
- Owner of the supermarket: SM Investments Corporation
- Whether local or foreign owner: Local
SM Supermarket is a key component of SM Retail's portfolio, offering a comprehensive range of groceries, fresh produce, and household items. It is known for its strong brand presence and commitment to quality and customer service.
2 - SM Hypermarket
- Number of stores across Philippines: 270
- Parent company: SM Retail, Inc.
- Locations present in: Nationwide
- Annual revenue: Not available
- Headquarters: Pasay City
- Owner of the supermarket: SM Investments Corporation
- Whether local or foreign owner: Local
SM Hypermarket combines the features of a supermarket and a department store, providing a wide range of products under one roof. This format appeals to a broad customer base looking for convenience and variety in their shopping experience.
1 - Robinsons Supermarket
- Number of stores across Philippines: 300
- Parent company: Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc.
- Locations present in: Nationwide
- Annual revenue: US$1.3 billion
- Headquarters: Quezon City
- Owner of the supermarket: JG Summit Holdings, Inc.
- Whether local or foreign owner: Local
Robinsons Supermarket is the leading supermarket chain in the Philippines by store count. It is renowned for its emphasis on health and wellness, offering a wide array of fresh and organic products. Robinsons Supermarket continues to innovate with customer loyalty programs and community engagement initiatives, solidifying its top position in the market.
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FAQs
1. What is the market size of supermarkets in the Philippines?
The supermarket market in the Philippines was valued at approximately US$55 billion in 2023. This robust market size reflects the growing consumer demand for modern retail formats and a wide range of grocery products. Urbanization, rising middle-class incomes, and increasing consumer spending on convenience and quality drive this market. The supermarket sector continues to expand, with leading chains opening new stores across both urban and rural areas, catering to the evolving shopping preferences of Filipino consumers.
2. What is the largest supermarket chain in the Philippines?
Robinsons Supermarket is the largest supermarket chain in the Philippines by store count, with 300 stores nationwide. In terms of annual revenue, it generated US$1.3 billion in 2023, making it a dominant player in the market. Robinsons Supermarket is known for its emphasis on health and wellness, offering a wide selection of fresh and organic products. Its innovative customer loyalty programs and community engagement initiatives further solidify its leading position in the industry.
3. How big is the Philippines’ online grocery market?
The online grocery market in the Philippines was valued at approximately US$1 billion in 2023. This market is experiencing rapid growth, with a projected CAGR of 15% over the next five years. The increasing adoption of online shopping, driven by convenience and time-saving benefits, has made online grocery platforms popular among middle- to upper-income consumers. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated this trend, pushing more consumers to opt for home delivery services for their grocery needs.