Inside the market where Kroger and Giant Eagle will likely be under the antitrust microscope

[Viable Food News Desk]

Publisher: Grocery Dive
Published: September 16, 2026
Source: Read at Grocery Dive
Category: Food Access

RetailStat said Kroger and Giant Eagle would have a combined grocery market share of more than 64% in the Columbus, Ohio, area in January. Kroger held just over 52% of the market, while Giant Eagle held approximately 12.5% and Walmart held about 16.5%. Seventeen Giant Eagle and Market District stores in the Columbus metropolitan area are each within five miles of a Kroger location, including seven traditional supermarkets and 10 Market District locations. Kroger announced its plan to acquire Giant Eagle in July and expects the $1.65 billion transaction to close in 2027, but it has not specified which stores could be divested.

Why this matters: The concentration of stores in Columbus could lead to divestitures that change local competition and store access. Independent grocers and food-access groups may need to track which locations change ownership or close.

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