U.S. Grocery Unit Sales Fall 1.8% in June as 33% Higher Prices Crimp Demand
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Jul 16
U.S. Grocery Unit Sales Fall 1.8% in June as 33% Higher Prices Crimp Demand
1 articles · Updated · CNBC · Jul 16
Summary
June grocery unit sales fell 1.8% from a year earlier, reversing 0.1% growth in June 2025 as rising prices no longer kept total sales expanding.
Bain said shoppers are pulling back after grocery prices climbed roughly 33% since 2019, fuel costs jumped and some lower-income households lost SNAP support or faced tighter eligibility.
May survey data showed 80% of Americans were still trying to spend less and 28% were cutting grocery spending; among them, 56% traded down to cheaper brands and 49% bought fewer items.
PepsiCo said the same pressure hit North America in the second quarter, with food revenue down 2% and executives citing weaker demand, higher gas prices and heavier promotions.
Walmart, Kroger and suppliers are responding with price cuts, promotions and private-label pushes as the industry shifts its focus back to unit growth rather than dollar growth.