The 21 Top Supermarkets in India in 2024

Table of Contents

Overview of India’s Retail Landscape

Over the last decade, top supermarkets in India have seen significant growth, transforming the overall retail sector. India has around 13 million grocery retail stores. Food and grocery account for the largest share of the Indian retail sector, at 65%. This sector is expected to be worth around US$850 billion by 2025, according to government estimates, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 10% during 2022-30.

India’s grocery sector is diverse, comprising various types of retail channels. These include traditional kirana stores, modern supermarkets, hypermarkets, and online grocery platforms. “Kirana” stores (mom-and-pop stores), though small and family-owned, remain a staple in Indian grocery shopping due to their accessibility and personalized service. Consequently, this unorganized segment accounts for around 75% of the retail sector, but is rapidly diminishing as consumer habits change.

Top supermarkets in India offer a more organized and expansive shopping experience, catering to urban consumers who seek variety and convenience. Online grocery platforms have gained significant traction, especially post-pandemic, offering doorstep delivery and a wide range of products.

The Indian consumer

Indian consumers exhibit distinct grocery shopping habits influenced by taste, price, convenience, and product quality. While urban shoppers prefer modern retail formats for their variety and organized layout, a significant portion of the population still relies on kirana stores for daily essentials. The rise of online grocery shopping has also altered consumer behavior, with many opting for the convenience of home delivery. In addition, seasonal discounts, loyalty programs, and the availability of fresh produce are also critical factors that drive consumer choices in the grocery segment.

Top supermarkets in India are expected to continue their upward trajectory, driven by urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and an increasing preference for organized retail. Notable trends in 2024 include the rapid adoption of e-commerce, with major retailers investing heavily in digital platforms to enhance customer convenience. Additionally, there's a growing emphasis on sustainability, with many supermarkets adopting eco-friendly practices and promoting organic products.

Growth of Online Grocery Shopping in India

The online grocery shopping market in India has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing internet penetration, the rise of digital payments, and changing consumer behaviors. The online grocery market in India was estimated to be worth US$11 billion in 2024 and projected to reach US$60 billion by 2030, according to Goldman Sachs.

This sector's rapid expansion can be attributed to the convenience of home delivery, a broad range of product offerings, and competitive pricing. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this trend as consumers preferred the safety of online shopping over traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Top supermarkets in India have also invested in the online space, but have not been as successful as pure-play online grocers.

The top five players in the online grocery market in India are:

BigBasket - Founded in 2011, BigBasket is one of the pioneers in the online grocery segment. It offers a wide range of products, including fresh produce, groceries, and household essentials, with a strong presence in multiple cities across India.
Grofers (now Blinkit) - Grofers, rebranded as Blinkit, started in 2013 and focuses on quick commerce, delivering groceries and daily essentials within minutes. Its partnership with Zomato has further strengthened its delivery capabilities.
Amazon Pantry and Amazon Fresh - Leveraging its vast logistics network, Amazon has established a significant presence in the online grocery market with Amazon Pantry and Amazon Fresh, offering a wide selection of products with fast delivery options.
Flipkart Supermart - Flipkart, India’s leading e-commerce platform, entered the grocery segment with Flipkart Supermart, providing a range of grocery items and leveraging its extensive distribution network for efficient delivery.
JioMart - Launched by Reliance Retail in 2020, JioMart has rapidly grown, combining offline and online retail strengths to offer competitive pricing and a wide product range across various categories.

Growth of Quick Commerce

Quick commerce, or q-commerce, is a rapidly emerging trend in the Indian retail landscape, focusing on the ultra-fast delivery of groceries and daily essentials within 10 to 30 minutes. The quick commerce market in India is estimated to be worth 45% of the online grocery market and is expected to reach 70% by 2030. This highlights impressive growth as consumers increasingly prioritize speed and convenience.

Key players in the quick commerce segment include:

Blinkit (formerly Grofers) - Specializing in delivering groceries and essentials within minutes, Blinkit has become synonymous with quick commerce in India.
Swiggy Instamart - Leveraging its extensive food delivery network, Swiggy Instamart offers fast delivery of groceries and daily needs, enhancing its customer base through speed and convenience.
Zepto - A relatively new entrant, Zepto has made a mark with its promise of 10-minute deliveries, focusing on young, urban consumers seeking quick solutions.
Dunzo Daily - Known for its hyper-local delivery services, Dunzo has expanded into quick commerce, offering a wide range of products delivered rapidly.
BigBasket BB Now - BigBasket's entry into quick commerce, BB Now, aims to leverage its existing infrastructure to offer faster delivery times for essential items.

Unique Market Dynamics in India

The online grocery and quick commerce sectors in India are unique due to the country's diverse demographics, vast geography, and evolving consumer preferences. Unlike developed countries where traditional retail models have dominated for decades, India's retail market has leapfrogged into digital and quick commerce solutions, driven by a young, tech-savvy population and widespread smartphone usage. This direct shift to digital platforms bypasses many traditional retail growth stages seen elsewhere, leading to a dynamic and rapidly evolving market landscape.

The US is one of the most dynamic retail markets in the world. Read here to check out which are the largest US grocery chains.

Methodology for Calculating the Top Supermarkets in India

GourmetPro's network of food and beverage experts collaborated to research and compile a list of the 21 top supermarkets in India. Using publicly available data sources and proprietary insider knowledge, the team gathered comprehensive information on each supermarket. The ranking factors included the number of stores, revenue, geographical reach, and future prospects.

Please note that revenue and store figures for the top supermarkets in India are just estimates, especially in the case of private companies. We cannot guarantee accuracy as exact sales figures and store numbers are proprietary. See a figure that doesn't look right? Let us know. We're happy to update our figures as long as you can share a credible source.

The 21 Top Supermarkets in India in 2024 According to Industry Experts

21 - Lulu Hypermarket

Number of stores across India: 10+
Annual Revenue: Operating revenue is over INR5 billion (US$59.7 million)
Headquarters: Kochi, Kerala
Owned by: Lulu Group International
Number of states present in: 5
Regional spread: Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh
Different retail formats or brands: Lulu Hypermarket, Lulu Mall

Lulu Hypermarket, part of the Lulu Group International, entered the Indian market in 2013. Lulu Hypermarkets are characterized by their spacious layouts, modern amenities, and high-quality products. The brand has a strong focus on customer satisfaction and quality, often incorporating international retail practices to enhance the shopping experience.

20 - SPAR

Number of stores across India: 25+
Annual Revenue: INR8.18 billion (US$98 million)
Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka
Owned by: Max Hypermarket India Pvt. Ltd. (part of Landmark Group) in partnership with SPAR International
Number of states present in: 6
Regional spread: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Delhi NCR, Kerala
Different retail formats or brands: SPAR Hypermarket

SPAR entered the Indian market in 2014 through a partnership between Max Hypermarket India Pvt. Ltd. (part of the Landmark Group) and SPAR International. These stores are known for their quality products, spacious layouts, and customer-centric services.

19 - Metro Cash & Carry

Number of stores across India: 30+
Annual Revenue: INR69.9 billion (US$830 million)
Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka
Owned by: METRO AG
Number of states present in: 10
Regional spread: Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Punjab, Delhi NCR, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh
Different retail formats or brands: Metro Wholesale, Metro Cash & Carry

Metro Cash & Carry, part of the German wholesale giant METRO AG, entered the Indian market in 2003. The brand focuses on serving business customers such as hotels, restaurants, caterers, and retailers, offering a wide range of products including groceries, fresh produce, dairy products, bakery items, meats, and non-food items. Metro Cash & Carry stores are known for their extensive product range, competitive pricing, and high-quality standards.

18 - Nature's Basket

Annual Revenue: Not specified
Number of stores across India: 31
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Owned by: Godrej Group
Number of states present in: 4
Regional spread: Maharashtra, Karnataka, West Bengal, Delhi NCR
Different retail formats or brands: Nature's Basket

Nature’s Basket, launched in 2005 by the Godrej Group, specializes in gourmet foods and organic produce. With 31 stores across large cities, Nature’s Basket is renowned for its premium product offerings and focus on health-conscious consumers. The brand offers a wide range of products, including fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, exotic spices, and organic products. Additionally, Nature’s Basket has embraced digital transformation, providing an online grocery service through its mobile app, reaching 125 cities across India. The company's commitment to quality and sustainability has made it a preferred destination for consumers seeking high-quality and specialty products.

17 - Food World

Number of stores across India: 60+
Annual Revenue: Not specified
Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka
Owned by: Spencer's Retail Limited
Number of states present in: 5
Regional spread: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala
Different retail formats or brands: Food World

Founded in 1995 in Bangalore, Food World is a well-established supermarket chain offering a wide range of groceries, fresh produce, dairy products, bakery items, and other household essentials. The brand is known for its focus on quality and customer service, maintaining a strong presence in southern India. Food World stores are designed to provide a convenient shopping experience with a variety of high-quality products.

16 - Ratnadeep Supermarket

Number of stores across India: 80+
Annual Revenue: Not specified
Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana
Owned by: Ratnadeep Retail Pvt. Ltd.
Number of states present in: 3
Regional spread: Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh
Different retail formats or brands: Ratnadeep Supermarket; Ratnadeep Select (large format stores); Ratnadeep Express (A pick & go format store neighborhood store)

Established in 1987, Ratnadeep Supermarket is a popular retail chain known for its high-quality fresh produce, dairy products, bakery items, and groceries. The first store was opened in Hyderabad, and the brand has since expanded to over 80 stores across multiple states. Ratnadeep Supermarket focuses on providing a premium shopping experience with a wide range of products, including their own line of branded goods.

15 - 24 Seven

Number of stores across India: 145
Annual Revenue: INR3.96 billion (US$47.30 million)
Headquarters: Gurgaon, Haryana
Owned by: Modi Enterprises
Number of states present in: 7
Regional spread: Delhi NCR, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan
Different retail formats or brands: 24 Seven

24 Seven, launched in 2001 by Modi Enterprises, is a convenience store chain operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Known for its focus on convenience and accessibility, 24 Seven offers a wide range of products including food, beverages, snacks, and non-food products. The brand has expanded to over 145 stores across various states in India, primarily focusing on urban areas. In 2024, it was announced that the Modi Group is in talks with Tata Trent, Reliance Retail, and Avenue Supermarts to sell the chain 24 Seven.

14 - Heritage Fresh

Number of stores across India: 150+
Annual Revenue: Not specified
Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana
Owned by: Future Group
Number of states present in: 5
Regional spread: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala
Different retail formats or brands: Heritage Fresh

Heritage Fresh, launched in 2006, specializes in fresh produce, dairy products, bakery items, and groceries. The chain has grown to over 150 stores across several southern states in India, known for its high-quality and fresh products.

13 - Nilgiris

Number of stores across India: 160+
Annual Revenue: Not specified
Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka
Owned by: Future Group
Number of states present in: 7
Regional spread: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, West Bengal
Different retail formats or brands: Nilgiris

Nilgiris, established in 1905, is one of the oldest supermarket chains in India, known for its high-quality dairy products, fresh produce, and bakery items. Initially started as a dairy farm in the Nilgiri Hills, the brand has grown to include over 160 stores across several states. Nilgiris is renowned for its focus on quality and freshness, offering a wide range of products including packaged foods and its own line of branded goods. The acquisition by Future Group has helped Nilgiris expand its reach and modernize its retail operations, while maintaining its commitment to quality and customer service. The brand continues to be a trusted name in South India.

12 - Vishal Mega Mart

Number of stores across India: 400+
Annual Revenue: INR75.9 billion (US$917 million)
Headquarters: Gurgaon, Haryana
Owned by: TPG Capital and Shriram Group
Number of states present in: 20+
Regional spread: Nationwide
Different retail formats or brands: Vishal Mega Mart

Vishal Mega Mart, founded in 2001, is known for its focus on value and affordability, making it popular among middle-class and lower-income households. It has expanded rapidly, with over 400 stores across more than 120 cities in India. Its extensive product range and competitive pricing have made it a significant player in the Indian retail market.

11 - Future Retail

Number of stores across India: 1,500+
Annual Revenue: Not specified
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Owned by: Future Group
Number of states present in: 25+
Regional spread: Nationwide
Different retail formats or brands: Big Bazaar (now owned by Reliance Retail), Easyday, fbb, Foodhall

Future Retail Limited, founded by Kishore Biyani in 1987, is one of the largest retail companies in India. The company operates a diverse range of retail formats, including Big Bazaar, Easyday, fbb, and Foodhall, catering to various consumer needs. Known for its wide product range and customer-centric approach, Future Retail has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern retail landscape in India. Despite recent financial challenges and restructuring efforts, Future Retail remains a significant player. In 2020, Big Bazaar was acquired by Reliance Retail and renamed Reliance Smart Bazaar.

10 - Canteen Store Department (CSD)

Number of stores across India: 4,000
Annual Revenue: Not specified
Headquarters: New Delhi
Owned by: Ministry of Defence, Government of India
Number of states present in: 29
Regional spread: Nationwide
Different retail formats or brands: Unit Run Canteens (URCs)

Canteen Store Department (CSD) was established by the Ministry of Defence in 1948 to provide daily essentials to armed forces personnel, ex-servicemen, and their families. With around 4,000 stores nationwide, CSD operates through Unit Run Canteens (URCs) located across the country. These stores offer a wide range of products, including groceries, at subsidized rates. CSD works closely with over 500 suppliers to ensure a variety of high-quality products for its customers. The department's extensive network and commitment to serving the armed forces community make it a unique and essential player in the Indian retail landscape.

9 - Patanjali

Number of stores across India: 6,000
Annual Revenue: INR317.21 billion (US$3.79 billion)
Headquarters: Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Owned by: Patanjali Ayurved Ltd.
Number of states present in: 29
Regional spread: Nationwide
Different retail formats or brands: Mega Stores, Chikitsalaya, Arogya Kendra, Gramin Arogya Kendra

Patanjali, one of India's largest operators of brick-and-mortar stores, was founded by Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna. Patanjali focuses on promoting traditional Ayurvedic products alongside modern FMCG goods. The brand operates four main retail formats: Mega Stores, which range from 2,000-10,000 sq. ft., Chikitsalaya, which combines pharmacies and grocery stores, Arogya Kendra, and Gramin Arogya Kendra catering to rural areas. Patanjali's rapid expansion and focus on health and wellness have made it a significant player in the Indian retail market, with a strong commitment to supporting local agriculture and promoting traditional Indian medicine.

8 - Easyday

Number of stores across India: 500+
Annual Revenue: Not specified
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Owned by: Future Group
Number of states present in: 12
Regional spread: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi NCR, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu
Different retail formats or brands: Easyday, Easyday Club

Easyday, launched in 2008 by Future Group, aims to provide convenient and affordable grocery shopping solutions and has grown rapidly across the country. Easyday stores are known for their modern layout and design, offering a wide range of products including groceries, fresh produce, apparel, home furnishings, and electronics. The Easyday Club membership program offers additional benefits and discounts to loyal customers. Easyday's focus on customer service and competitive pricing has made it a popular choice among Indian consumers.

7 - HyperCity

Number of stores across India: 20+
Annual Revenue: Not specified
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Owned by: K Raheja Corp Group
Number of states present in: 8
Regional spread: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat
Different retail formats or brands: HyperCity

HyperCity, launched in 2006 by K Raheja Corp, is known for its spacious stores and diverse product range. The brand offers a wide variety of products, including groceries, fresh produce, and others. HyperCity stores are designed to provide a premium shopping experience, focusing on high-quality products and customer satisfaction. The stores feature modern layouts and are equipped with various amenities such as food courts and entertainment zones, making them popular shopping destinations for families.

6 - Star Bazaar

Number of stores across India: 66
Annual Revenue: Not specified
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Owned by: Trent (Tata Group)
Number of states present in: 10
Regional spread: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal
Different retail formats or brands: Star Bazaar, Star Hyper, Star Daily

Star Bazaar, launched in 2004 by Trent, a subsidiary of the Tata Group, is a prominent retail chain in India. The brand operates as a joint venture with Tesco, combining local expertise with international retail practices. Star Bazaar offers a wide range of groceries and household products, known for their quality and competitive pricing. The stores are designed to provide a modern shopping experience, with a focus on freshness and customer service. Star Bazaar also emphasizes sustainability and community empowerment through various initiatives.

Before we move on to the 5 top supermarkets in India, don’t forget - we also found out which are the biggest supermarkets in Australia!

5 - Spencer's Retail

Number of stores across India: 120+
Annual Revenue: Not specified
Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal
Owned by: RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group
Number of states present in: 8
Regional spread: West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Karnataka
Different retail formats or brands: Spencer’s Hyper, Spencer’s Daily

Spencer's Retail, founded in 1863 and part of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, is one of the oldest retail chains in India. The brand began its journey as a retail chain in the early 1990s, focusing initially on Southern India. Spencer’s operates more than 120 stores across over 35 cities. The brand is known for its 'Food First' format, specializing in fresh and packaged food, groceries, and household items. Spencer’s Retail has been recognized for its innovative marketing strategies and customer-centric approach, continuing to evolve and meet modern retail needs while maintaining its rich history.

4 - More Supermarket

Number of stores across India: 878 supermarkets, 42 hypermarkets
Annual Revenue: INR45.07 billion (US$0.54 billion)
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Owned by: Amazon and Samara Capital
Number of states present in: 10
Regional spread: Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, NCR, Punjab, West Bengal, Odisha, Maharashtra
Different retail formats or brands: More Supermarkets, More Hypermarkets

More Supermarket was launched in 2007 by the Aditya Birla Group and later acquired by Amazon and Samara Capital. The chain operates two main formats: More Supermarkets and More Hypermarkets, offering a wide range of products including groceries, fresh produce, and everyday essentials. The brand is known for its quality products and excellent customer service, contributing significantly to the revenue of its parent company.

3 - Big Bazaar (part of Reliance Smart Bazaar now)

Number of stores across India: 300+
Annual Revenue: INR3,067 billion (US$36 billion) (Turnover for Reliance Retail)
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Owned by: Reliance Industries
Number of states present in: 29
Regional spread: Nationwide
Different retail formats or brands: Big Bazaar, Food Bazaar, fbb, Big Bazaar Direct

Big Bazaar, launched in 2001 by Future Group under the leadership of Kishore Biyani, is one of the oldest and most recognized hypermarket chains in India. Known for its wide range of products and attractive discounts, Big Bazaar became a household name across the country. In 2022, Reliance Industries acquired over 200 Future Group stores, rebranding many of them as Reliance Smart Bazaar. Despite the transition, Big Bazaar's legacy continues to influence the retail market. The chain is renowned for its extensive product range, catering to a diverse consumer base across urban and rural India.

2 - DMart

Number of stores across India: 365
Annual Revenue: INR509.5 billion (US$6.1 billion)
Headquarters: Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Owned by: Avenue Supermarts Ltd.
Number of states present in: 12
Regional spread: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, NCR, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Rajasthan, and others
Different retail formats or brands: DMart, DMart Ready

DMart was founded in 2002 by Radhakishan Damani, a prominent stock broker. The first store was opened in Powai, Mumbai, and the brand quickly gained popularity for its cost-effective pricing and extensive product range. DMart operates under Avenue Supermarts Ltd. and is known for its customer-centric approach and efficient supply chain management. The stores offer a wide variety of products, including groceries, fresh produce, and non-food products. DMart has also embraced digital transformation with its DMart Ready platform, allowing customers to shop online with ease. The company’s strategic store placement and volume-based pricing model have been key factors in its success and rapid expansion.

1 - Reliance Fresh

Number of stores across India: 18,836
Annual Revenue: INR3,067 billion (US$36 billion) (Turnover for Reliance Retail)
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Owned by: Reliance Industries
Number of states present in: 29
Regional spread: Nationwide
Different retail formats or brands: Reliance Fresh, Reliance Smart, Reliance Market, Reliance Trends, Reliance Digital

Reliance Fresh, founded in 2006, is a subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures Limited, which itself is a part of the conglomerate Reliance Industries. The brand was created to meet the growing demand for fresh produce and groceries in urban India. Over the years, it has grown into one of the largest supermarket chains in the country, offering a wide range of products including fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, packaged foods, and household essentials. Reliance Fresh has also been a pioneer in adopting digital initiatives like the JioMart platform, enhancing the online grocery shopping experience for its customers.

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FAQs

1. How big is the grocery market in India?

The grocery market in India was valued at INR61.5 trillion (US$750 billion) in 2023. This substantial market size underscores the importance and growth potential of the grocery sector in India.

2. What is the most popular grocery store in India?

Reliance Fresh is considered the most popular grocery store in India, with over 18,836 locations nationwide. Its extensive reach and diverse product range contribute to its popularity.

3. Which is the fastest growing supermarket chain in India?

DMart is the fastest growing supermarket chain in India. With annual revenue of INR509.35 billion (US$6.1 billion) in 2023, its rapid expansion is driven by cost-effective pricing, efficient supply chain management, and a customer-centric approach.

Which is the first online grocery store in India?

BigBasket, founded in 2011, is recognized as the first major online grocery store in India. It pioneered the online grocery shopping trend and has maintained a leading position in the market.

The future prospects for supermarket retailing in India are promising. For F&B executives, understanding these dynamics is crucial for successful market entry and expansion in India. To learn how you can leverage India’s booming retail sector, contact us today!