List of Supermarkets in United Kingdom
list-of-supermarkets-in-united-kingdom
#UK supermarkets list #United Kingdom supermarket chains #Tesco Sainsbury's Asda Morrisons #Aldi Lidl UK discount supermarkets #Waitrose M&S Food Iceland #Co-op Food UK grocery stores #British supermarket market share #UK grocery retailers directory
£200B+ UK Grocery Market Value
12,000+ Total Supermarket Stores
95.5% Top 10 Chains Market Share
1919 Tesco Founded (Oldest Major)
The United Kingdom has one of the most concentrated and competitive grocery retail markets in the world, with total market value exceeding £200 billion annually. The UK supermarket sector is dominated by a handful of large national chains, with the top 10 retailers controlling approximately 95.5% of the market. This page provides a comprehensive list of supermarkets operating in the United Kingdom, sourced from Wikipedia's "List of supermarket chains in the United Kingdom" and supplemented with current market data.
The UK grocery market is characterized by intense competition between traditional "Big Four" supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons), rapidly growing German discount chains (Aldi, Lidl), premium retailers (Waitrose, M&S Food), convenience store operators (Co-op, Tesco Express, Sainsbury's Local), and frozen food specialists (Iceland, Farmfoods). In recent years, the discounters have fundamentally reshaped the market, with Aldi overtaking Morrisons to become the UK's fourth-largest supermarket chain.
Key Market Insight The UK grocery market has undergone dramatic change since 2020. Aldi and Lidl (combined ~18% share) have disrupted the traditional "Big Four" dominance. Tesco maintains market leadership at ~27.3%, while Sainsbury's (~15.3%) and Asda (~13.5%) hold #2 and #3 positions. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated online grocery adoption, with Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Asda all expanding delivery and click-and-collect capabilities significantly.
National Supermarket Chains
The table below lists the major national supermarket chains operating across the United Kingdom, including their approximate market share, store count, headquarters location, and a brief description of each chain. These are the primary grocery retailers that operate nationwide and account for over 90% of UK grocery sales.
| # | Chain Name | Market Share | Stores | Headquarters | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tesco | ~27.3% | ~4,000+ | Welwyn Garden City | Largest UK supermarket chain. Founded 1919 by Jack Cohen. Includes Tesco Extra (hypermarkets), Tesco Superstores, Tesco Metro, Tesco Express (convenience), and One Stop. |
| 2 | Sainsbury's | ~15.3% | ~1,400+ | London (Holborn) | Second largest UK supermarket. Founded 1869 by John James Sainsbury. Includes Sainsbury's Superstores, Sainsbury's Local (convenience), and Argos (acquired 2016). |
| 3 | Asda | ~13.5% | ~630+ | Leeds | Founded 1949. Formerly owned by Walmart (1999-2021). Now owned by TDR Capital and Issa brothers. Known for low prices and George clothing brand. |
| 4 | Aldi | ~10.2% | ~1,000+ | Atherstone | German discount chain. UK operations since 1990. Rapidly growing market share. Known for limited assortment, private labels, and low prices. |
| 5 | Lidl | ~7.7% | ~960+ | Wimbledon | German discount chain. UK operations since 1994. Similar model to Aldi. Growing rapidly with focus on fresh produce and bakery. |
| 6 | Morrisons | ~8.8% | ~500+ | Bradford | Founded 1899 by William Morrison. Fourth largest traditional supermarket. Owns fresh food manufacturing. Acquired by CD&R (2021). Includes Morrisons Daily convenience stores. |
| 7 | Co-op Food | ~5.5% | ~2,500+ | Manchester | Operated by The Co-operative Group. Founded 1844 (Rochdale Pioneers). Largest convenience store operator in UK. Community-owned cooperative business model. |
| 8 | Waitrose | ~4.7% | ~330+ | Bracknell | Upmarket supermarket owned by John Lewis Partnership. Founded 1904. Known for premium products, own-label ranges, and Partnership business model. |
| 9 | Londis | ~2.0% | ~2,200+ | Hemel Hempstead | Convenience store symbol group. Independently owned stores trading under Londis brand. Part of Booker Group (Tesco). |
| 10 | Iceland | ~2.1% | ~1,000+ | Deeside | Founded 1970. Specializes in frozen foods. Includes The Food Warehouse (larger format stores). Known for frozen food expertise and value pricing. |
| 11 | M&S Food | ~3.5% | ~600+ | London (Paddington) | Marks & Spencer Food division. Premium grocery and ready meals. Founded 1884. M&S Food halls within M&S department stores plus standalone Simply Food stores. |
| 12 | Costcutter | ~1.0% | ~1,500+ | York | Convenience store symbol group. Independently owned stores. Part of Bibby Line Group. Supplies independent retailers with branded and own-label products. |
UK Supermarket Market Share Distribution
The chart below visualizes the market share of the top 10 UK supermarket chains. Tesco's dominance is clear, followed by Sainsbury's and Asda. The German discounters (Aldi and Lidl) have been the fastest-growing segment, collectively capturing nearly 18% of the market and fundamentally changing UK grocery retail dynamics.
UK Supermarket Market Share (Top 10 Chains)
Tesco
Sainsbury's
Asda
Aldi
Morrisons
Lidl
Co-op
Waitrose
M&S Food
Iceland
Regional and Symbol Group Supermarket Chains
Beyond the national chains, the UK has a vibrant sector of regional supermarkets and symbol groups. Symbol groups are wholesale-supplied independent retailers that trade under a common brand (e.g., Spar, Londis, Premier). Regional chains tend to serve specific geographic areas with localized product ranges.
| # | Chain Name | Stores | Region | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Booths | ~28 | Lancashire/Yorkshire | Founded 1847 in Blackpool. Upmarket regional supermarket focused on NW England. Known for quality and local sourcing. 'Waitrose of the North'. |
| 2 | Budgens | ~150 | Southern England | Convenience store brand operated by independent retailers. Previously owned by Booker Group. Community-focused stores. |
| 3 | Farmfoods | ~300+ | Scotland/UK | Scottish frozen food chain founded 1955. Operates across UK. Focus on frozen foods, ambient groceries, and value pricing. |
| 4 | Heron Foods | ~300+ | Northern England | Value frozen food retailer founded 1979. Acquired by B&M (2021). Operates in Northern England and Midlands. |
| 5 | McColls | ~1,100 | UK-wide | Convenience store operator. Runs Martin's and McColls branded stores. Also operates Post Office counters. In administration 2022, acquired by Morrisons. |
| 6 | NISA Local | ~1,000+ | UK-wide | Symbol group for independent retailers. Part of Co-op Group (acquired 2018). Wholesaler and brand for independent shop owners. |
| 7 | One Stop | ~1,000+ | UK-wide | Convenience store chain owned by Tesco. Operates as separate brand from Tesco Express. Focus on neighborhood convenience. |
| 8 | Spar | ~2,600+ | UK-wide | International symbol group. UK stores operated by independent retailers. Includes Spar Express and EuroSpar formats. 5 Star Superspar larger format. |
| 9 | Premier Stores | ~1,500+ | UK-wide | Symbol group owned by Booker (Tesco). Independent retailers trading under Premier brand. Convenience store format. |
| 10 | Bestway | ~1,000+ | UK-wide | Cash and carry wholesaler with retail stores. Family-owned business. Includes Bestway, Best-One, and Costcutter brands. |
Discount and Value Retailers
The discount retail sector has been the fastest-growing segment of UK grocery retail over the past decade. German-owned Aldi and Lidl have led this growth, but UK-owned variety discounters like B&M, Home Bargains, and Poundstretcher have also expanded rapidly, offering branded FMCG products at significantly reduced prices.
| # | Chain Name | Stores | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aldi | ~1,000+ | UK discount leader. German-owned. Limited assortment model (~1,800 SKUs vs 30,000+ in traditional supermarkets). ~90% private label. 'Aldi Price Match' influence on Tesco/Sainsbury's. |
| 2 | Lidl | ~960+ | German discount chain. Similar model to Aldi. Known for fresh bakery, weekly 'Middle of Lidl' non-food offers, and award-winning wines. |
| 3 | B&M | ~700+ | Variety discount retailer. Founded 1978. Sells branded FMCG, toys, seasonal, and home products at discount prices. Also owns Heron Foods. |
| 4 | Home Bargains | ~500+ | TJ Morris founded 1976. Variety discount store. Branded FMCG, health & beauty, home, toys at discounted prices. Growing rapidly. |
| 5 | Poundstretcher | ~450+ | Value variety retailer. Founded 1989. Sells household, food, and seasonal products at value prices. |
| 6 | Greggs | ~2,400+ | Not a supermarket but UK's largest bakery chain. Founded 1939. Sausage rolls, pastries, sandwiches. Increasingly competitive with convenience food retail. |
The "Big Four" UK Supermarkets
For decades, the UK grocery market was dominated by the "Big Four" supermarket chains: Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Morrisons. While Aldi's rise has disrupted this hierarchy (Aldi overtook Morrisons in 2022), these four chains remain the traditional pillars of UK grocery retail.
Tesco (Market Leader)
Founded in 1919 by Jack Cohen, Tesco is the UK's largest supermarket with ~27.3% market share and ~4,000 stores. Formats include Tesco Extra (hypermarkets), Tesco Superstores, Tesco Metro, and Tesco Express (convenience). Owns One Stop convenience chain. Clubcard loyalty program has 20+ million active members. Online grocery leader with Tesco.com.
Sainsbury's
Founded in 1869 by John James Sainsbury. Second-largest UK supermarket with ~15.3% share and ~1,400 stores. Acquired Argos (2016) and Habitat (2016), integrating general merchandise. Sainsbury's Local is a major convenience format. Nectar loyalty program. Strong in London and Southeast England.
Asda
Founded in 1949. Third-largest with ~13.5% share and ~630 stores. Owned by Walmart (1999-2021), now owned by TDR Capital and Issa brothers. Known for low prices and George clothing brand. Strong in Northern England. Acquired Co-op's forecourt business (2022) expanding convenience presence.
Morrisons
Founded in 1899 by William Morrison. Fourth-largest traditional supermarket with ~8.8% share and ~500 stores. Uniquely owns fresh food manufacturing (Market Street concept, abattoirs, produce growing). Acquired by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) in 2021. Morrisons Daily convenience format expanding rapidly. Strong in Northern England.
Aldi (Discounter Leader)
German discount chain, UK operations since 1990. ~10.2% market share and ~1,000+ stores. Limited assortment model (~1,800 SKUs vs 30,000+ in traditional supermarkets). ~90% private label products. Overtaken Morrisons in 2022 to become #4. Known for "Aldi Price Match" influence on Tesco and Sainsbury's pricing strategies.
Lidl (Discounter #2)
German discount chain, UK operations since 1994. ~7.7% market share and ~960+ stores. Similar model to Aldi with limited assortment and high private label. Known for fresh bakery, weekly "Middle of Lidl" non-food offers, and award-winning wines. Growing rapidly alongside Aldi, targeting 1,100 UK stores.
Premium Supermarket Chains
The UK has a distinct premium supermarket segment catering to affluent consumers who prioritize quality, provenance, and specialty products over price. Waitrose and M&S Food are the two main players in this segment.
Waitrose
Upmarket supermarket owned by John Lewis Partnership (employee-owned). Founded 1904. ~4.7% market share, ~330 stores. Known for premium own-label ranges (Waitrose No.1, Waitrose Duchy Organic). Strong in Southern England. Partnership model means employees share in profits. Online grocery partnership with Ocado (ended 2020).
M&S Food
Marks & Spencer Food division. ~3.5% market share, ~600 Food halls/stores. Founded 1884. Premium ready meals, sandwiches, and own-label products. M&S Food halls within department stores plus standalone Simply Food convenience stores. Strong lunchtime food-to-go range. Restructuring to focus on food over clothing.
Booths (Regional Premium)
Founded 1847 in Blackpool. Regional premium supermarket focused on Northwest England (Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cumbria). ~28 stores. Known as "Waitrose of the North." Family-owned. Strong focus on local sourcing, quality, and customer service. Competes with Waitrose and M&S in the premium segment.
Convenience Store Formats
Convenience retail is a major segment of UK grocery, with over 10,000 convenience stores nationwide. Most major supermarkets operate convenience formats alongside their superstores, and symbol groups (Spar, Londis, Premier, Costcutter) supply thousands of independent retailers.
- Tesco Express: ~1,800+ convenience stores. Largest supermarket convenience format in UK.
- Sainsbury's Local: ~800+ convenience stores. Strong in London and urban areas.
- Co-op Food: ~2,500+ stores. Largest dedicated convenience operator. Community-owned cooperative.
- One Stop: ~1,000+ stores. Owned by Tesco but operates as separate brand.
- Morrisons Daily: ~500+ stores. Rapidly expanding convenience format.
- Spar: ~2,600+ stores. International symbol group, UK stores independently operated.
- Londis: ~2,200+ stores. Symbol group, part of Booker (Tesco).
- Premier Stores: ~1,500+ stores. Symbol group owned by Booker (Tesco).
- Costcutter: ~1,500+ stores. Symbol group for independent retailers.
- NISA Local: ~1,000+ stores. Part of Co-op Group since 2018.
Frozen Food Specialists
Frozen food retail is a distinctive UK grocery segment, led by Iceland and supported by Farmfoods, Heron Foods, and the frozen sections of mainstream supermarkets.
Iceland Foods
Founded 1970. ~1,000+ stores and ~2.1% market share. Specializes in frozen foods with value pricing. Also operates The Food Warehouse (larger format). Known for frozen food innovation and celebrity endorsements. Strong in frozen ready meals, vegetables, and desserts.
Farmfoods
Scottish frozen food chain founded 1955. ~300+ stores across UK. Focus on frozen foods, ambient groceries, and value pricing. Family-owned. Particularly strong in Scotland and Northern England.
Heron Foods
Value frozen food retailer founded 1979. ~300+ stores. Acquired by B&M (2021) but operates as separate brand. Focus on Northern England and Midlands. Sells frozen and ambient foods at discount prices.
Online Grocery Retail
The UK has one of the world's most developed online grocery markets, with approximately 12% of grocery sales now online. The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically accelerated this trend. Key online grocery retailers include:
- Tesco.com: UK's largest online grocery service. ~1.3 million weekly deliveries. Click-and-collect and home delivery.
- Sainsbury's Online: ~700,000 weekly deliveries. Argos same-day delivery integration.
- Asda Online: ~650,000 weekly deliveries. Owned by Issa brothers, expanding with Asda Express convenience.
- Ocado: Pure-play online grocery. Partnership with M&S Food (since 2020). Automated fulfillment centers (CFCs). Technology licensing business.
- Morrisons.com: Delivered via Amazon (since 2020 partnership) and own fleet. Morrisons on Amazon Prime Now.
- Amazon Fresh: Amazon's grocery delivery service. Partnership with Morrisons and Iceland. Amazon Fresh stores in London.
- Getir / Gorillas / Weezy: Quick-commerce (15-minute delivery) operators. Market consolidated after 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the largest supermarket chain in the UK?
Tesco is the largest supermarket chain in the UK with approximately 27.3% market share and ~4,000 stores nationwide. Founded in 1919 by Jack Cohen, Tesco has been the UK's market leader since 1995 and operates multiple formats including Tesco Extra (hypermarkets), Tesco Superstores, Tesco Metro, and Tesco Express (convenience stores).
What are the "Big Four" UK supermarkets?
The "Big Four" UK supermarkets traditionally refer to Tesco (~27.3%), Sainsbury's (~15.3%), Asda (~13.5%), and Morrisons (~8.8%). However, Aldi (~10.2%) overtook Morrisons in 2022, effectively creating a "Big Five." The traditional Big Four dominated UK grocery retail for decades before the rise of German discount chains.
How many supermarkets are there in the UK?
There are approximately 12,000+ supermarket and grocery stores in the United Kingdom. This includes ~4,000 Tesco stores, ~2,500 Co-op stores, ~2,600 Spar stores, ~2,200 Londis stores, ~1,400 Sainsbury's stores, ~1,000 Aldi stores, ~960 Lidl stores, ~1,000 Iceland stores, ~630 Asda stores, ~500 Morrisons stores, and ~330 Waitrose stores, plus thousands of independent convenience stores.
What is the UK grocery market worth?
The UK grocery market is worth approximately £200+ billion annually, making it one of the largest grocery markets in Europe. The top 10 supermarket chains control approximately 95.5% of the market. Online grocery accounts for ~12% of total sales (~£24 billion), one of the highest online penetration rates globally.
Which is the cheapest supermarket in the UK?
Aldi and Lidl are consistently ranked as the cheapest supermarkets in the UK by consumer watchdog Which?. The German discounters typically price 15-25% lower than traditional supermarkets. Aldi has been named "Cheapest Supermarket of the Year" multiple times. Among traditional supermarkets, Asda is generally the lowest-priced, while Waitrose and M&S Food are the most expensive.
What is the most popular supermarket in the UK?
By market share, Tesco is the most popular UK supermarket with ~27.3% of grocery spending. However, by customer satisfaction, Aldi and Lidl frequently top Which? surveys. Waitrose ranks highest for product quality and store experience among premium shoppers. Popularity varies significantly by region — Morrisons is strong in Northern England, while Sainsbury's has a larger share in London and the Southeast.
Who owns Asda supermarket?
Asda is owned by TDR Capital and the Issa brothers (Zuber and Mohsin Issa), who acquired the chain from Walmart in 2021 for £6.8 billion. Walmart had owned Asda since 1999. The Issa brothers are also founders of EG Group (petrol stations and convenience stores). The acquisition returned Asda to British ownership after 22 years under Walmart.
What is a symbol group in UK grocery?
A symbol group is a wholesale-supplied network of independent retailers that trade under a common brand. Examples include Spar (~2,600 stores), Londis (~2,200 stores), Premier (~1,500 stores), and Costcutter (~1,500 stores). Independent shop owners join a symbol group to access collective buying power, branded signage, own-label products, and marketing support while maintaining ownership of their stores.
What is the Co-op supermarket?
Co-op Food is operated by The Co-operative Group, the UK's largest consumer cooperative. Founded by the Rochdale Pioneers in 1844, the Co-op is owned by its members (customers) who share in profits. With ~2,500 stores and ~5.5% market share, Co-op is the UK's largest dedicated convenience store operator. The cooperative model means profits are returned to members and communities.
Which UK supermarkets offer online delivery?
Major UK supermarkets offering online grocery delivery include: Tesco.com (largest, ~1.3M weekly deliveries), Sainsbury's Online (~700K weekly), Asda Online (~650K weekly), Ocado (partnership with M&S Food), Morrisons.com (via Amazon partnership and own fleet), Waitrose.com, and Iceland (free delivery over £35). Amazon Fresh also delivers groceries in selected areas. Online accounts for ~12% of UK grocery sales.
UK Grocery Market Trends
The UK supermarket sector is shaped by several key trends that continue to evolve the competitive landscape:
- Discounter growth: Aldi and Lidl continue gaining share, collectively approaching 20% of the market. Traditional supermarkets have responded with "Aldi Price Match" campaigns and expanded value ranges.
- Online grocery maturation: Post-pandemic, online grocery has stabilized at ~12% of sales. Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Ocado are investing in automation and delivery efficiency.
- Convenience store expansion: All major chains are expanding convenience formats (Tesco Express, Sainsbury's Local, Morrisons Daily, Asda Express) as consumers shop more frequently and locally.
- Sustainability focus: Supermarkets are reducing plastic packaging, committing to net-zero emissions, and expanding plant-based and organic ranges in response to consumer demand.
- Private label growth: Own-label products now account for over 50% of UK grocery sales, with premium tiers (Tesco Finest, Sainsbury's Taste the Difference, Waitrose No.1) driving margin growth.
- Consolidation: Recent ownership changes (Asda to Issa/TDR, Morrisons to CD&R, McColls to Morrisons) signal ongoing consolidation in the sector.
- Technology adoption: Scan-and-go, autonomous checkout, AI-powered demand forecasting, and robotic fulfillment (Ocado) are transforming operations.
£200B+ UK Grocery Market
12,000+ Total Stores
95.5% Top 10 Market Share
~12% Online Grocery Penetration
UK Grocery Market Intelligence The UK's £200B+ grocery market offers significant opportunities for international food and beverage suppliers. Understanding the supermarket landscape — from Tesco's market leadership to Aldi's discounter model — is essential for market entry strategy. Contact us for trade intelligence on UK supermarket supplier requirements, buyer contacts, and market entry support.
Data Sources
- Wikipedia - List of supermarket chains in the United Kingdom
- Kantar Worldpanel - UK grocery market share data
- Statista - UK supermarket industry reports
- IGD (Institute of Grocery Distribution) UK grocery insights
- Company annual reports and official websites
- The Grocer magazine - UK grocery trade publication
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