Florida is known by many for its crystal-clear beaches and amusement parks. But for those in the grocery business, the Sunshine State these days looks more like a battleground than a breezy getaway.
A longtime stronghold for the beloved Publix chain, Florida is getting shaken up as new players enter the stage while legacy players evolve to gain market share. This includes Walmart, which has 231 supercenters and 97 Neighborhood Markets in the state, along with Aldi, Whole Foods and natural grocers like Sprouts Farmers Market and Lucky’s Market. Cities like Orlando, Miami and Tampa have seen a surge in new store builds.
