Fresh Market, Hy-Vee and Lidl top grocery list

NEW YORK — The Fresh Market, Hy-Vee and Lidl were recognized as the top three grocery retailers in the United States, according to USA Today’s 2021 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

The Fresh Market was named the “Best Supermarket in America” for 2021 according to the newspaper ranking, which was developed by a panel of 10Best local experts and contributors who nominated their favorite American supermarkets based on value, selection and service. Readers could then cast their vote for their favorite supermarket once per day for a 28-day period through the 10Best website.

“Out of the hundreds of supermarkets in America, we are thrilled to be voted number one,” said Jason Potter, president and CEO of The Fresh Market. “Over the last year, we have immersed ourselves in achieving our goal of becoming one of America’s Most Loved Brands and this award proves that customers are recognizing our improvements and we greatly appreciate their business and support.”

The Fresh Market founders Ray and Beverly Berry opened their first store in Greensboro, N.C., in 1982 after returning from a trip to Europe with a vision to emulate the charm and essence of a European-style fresh food market. The retailer says its stores have become destinations for consumers looking to discover the best including convenient, restaurant-quality meals, hand-picked produce, premium baked goods, fresh-cut flowers, custom-cut meats and carefully curated offerings for holidays and special occasions.

“This achievement is a true testament to our team members who offer impeccable guest service every day,” said Potter. “We’re looking forward to continuing our mission of offering the highest quality fresh food and creating the best experience for our guests in 2021 and beyond.”

Hy-Vee ranked No. 2 on the list. The Midwestern grocery retailer has more than 275 stores across Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin. It is known for quality, variety, convenience, healthy lifestyles, culinary expertise and superior customer service. It employs more than 88,000 employees with sales of more than $11 billion annually.

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the top grocers in the nation,” said Hy-Vee Chairman, CEO and president Randy Edeker. “We thank our customers for their loyalty and our dedicated employees for providing exceptional service.”

Since 2020, Hy-Vee has been on a mission to be the “Best Place to Work and Shop in America,” introducing new services, innovations and value to its customers such as its Hy-Vee Plus premium membership program, enhancements to its Aisles Online grocery ordering service and now offering COVID-19 vaccines at its retail pharmacies – all while continuing to provide the helpful customer service it is known for.

Over the past year, Hy-Vee has introduced new employee benefits such as a 10% employee discount on groceries, holiday pay, employee appreciation bonuses, an enhanced 401(k) plan, part-time insurance and tuition assistance.

Following The Fresh Market, Hy-Vee and Lidl, the retailers on USA Today’s 10Best supermarkets list were Market Basket, Aldi, Stew Leonard’s, Publix Super Markets, Sprouts Farmers Market, Wegmans Food Markets and Trader Joe’s.