Supermarkets and food

The supermarket business model was established in the USA in the 1930s and has now come to dominate food shopping across the world, with 64% of all food purchases being made in a supermarket. They have profoundly changed the physical and social landscape of food. They arguably provide a place where people feel comfortable to shop, and are provided with necessary, safe food at an affordable price. However, supermarkets also face allegations of profiteering at the expense of suppliers; of collusion in creating obesity and other health problems; and of generating social and environmental issues associated with food waste. The challenge to the larger supermarket chains is whether they can adapt and survive amid growing social inequality, and social and environmental change.