The China Chain-Store & Franchise Association has released its 2026 ranking of China’s top 100 supermarket operators, based on 2025 revenue. Notably, the two largest retailers on the list are both placing growing emphasis on wine.
Walmart China, which operates Walmart hypermarkets and the popular membership warehouse Sam’s Club, retained the top spot with revenue of RMB 195.86 billion (US$28.83 billion). Alibaba-owned Freshippo rose one place to become China’s second-largest supermarket operator. Both retailers are using direct sourcing and streamlined supply chains to expand wine consumption among mainstream Chinese shoppers.
Beyond the top 10, several specialist wine players also stand out. Costco China ranked 15th with only seven stores but generated RMB 10 billion (US$1.47 billion) in sales. German discount retailer ALDI China climbed to No. 35, with 88 stores and RMB 4 billion (US$588.47million) in revenue, doubling sales from the previous year and rising 26 places. ALDI previously drew industry attention with a RMB 99 six-bottle wine offer featuring imported bulk wine bottled domestically.
The ranking also highlights pressure across China’s supermarket sector. Among the top 100, 52 companies reported declining revenue, reflecting a consumer market still undergoing adjustment and the continued strain on traditional brick-and-mortar retailers.
The old hypermarket model built on vast floor space and endless product choice is losing momentum. In its place, retailers are competing through better-value direct-sourced products, stronger private labels and deeper integration between online and offline channels.
For the wine industry, the question is how wineries, importers and retailers can use supermarkets to reach more consumers and create new drinking occasions.
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