Hot List: Ten grocery retailers to watch in 2010

New York City Planet Retail has issued its first-ever list of grocery retailers to watch in North America. The report, “10 to Watch in North America Grocery Retail, 2010,” features both national and regional companies that London-based Planet Retail believes are poised for growth -- either as a result of acquisition, organic growth, or the potential to be a successful new format.

The companies to watch are:

1. Ahold USA, Quincy, Mass. 2. Price Chopper, Schenectady, N.Y. 3. Delhaize, Salisbury, N.C. 4. WinCo, Boise, Idaho 5. Dollar General, Goodlettsville, Tenn. 6. Aldi, Batavia, Ill. 7. Save-A-Lot, St. Louis 8. Tops Markets, Williamsville, N.Y. 9. H-E-B Grocery Co., San Antonio 10. The Market by Safeway, Pleasanton, Calif.

According to the Planet Retail report, regional grocers will lead the way in organic expansion opportunities in 2010 while the national players focus on remodeling existing stores. It also sees further grocery store consolidation on a regional scale as local players strengthen their positions.