H-E-B leads Houston grocery market
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Tough decisions inside an H-E-B. Photo: Brandon Bell/Getty Images
H-E-B and its affiliates remained on top of the Houston region's grocery marketplace in 2024, new data shows.
Why it matters: Texans' loyalty toward the San Antonio-based grocer runs deep, fueled by local goods, quality, convenience and state pride.
Driving the news: H-E-B, including Central Market, H-E-B Plus, Joe V's Smart Shop and Mi Tienda, maintained its lead over Kroger from 2023 to 2024, according to new data shared with Axios by Chain Store Guide, which tracks the retail and food service industries.
- H-E-B had 25.2% of the region's market share in 2024, compared with Kroger's 21.7%.
- Walmart took third place in 2024 with 19.8% of the market.
The big picture: H-E-B and Kroger combined made up nearly 47% of the region's grocery market in 2024.
Flashback: H-E-B took the cake in 2022 with 23.9% of the region's market share and 2023 with 24.9%.
- In 2023, Kroger was third with 20% of the market, behind Walmart with 22.3%.
The bottom line: H-E-B just gets Texans — like knowing we'd need a butter tortilla-scented candle.