A few smaller up-and-comers are moving into the Southeast though, attempting to give the Big Three a run for their money. “Sprouts Farmers Market moved to Atlanta in the last four or five years, and have a distribution center here now as well,” Scott says. “Whole Foods also has a distribution center here, and so does Amazon Fresh.”
In 2016, Amazon Fresh opened a 100,000-square foot distribution center in Duluth, which serves most of Atlanta with same-day or next-day grocery deliveries. With Amazon’s purchase of Whole Foods, it will be interesting to see what impact, if any, it will have on the nine Whole Foods stores currently operating across the Peach State.
Discounter Aldi also continues to thrive. Over the past few years, Aldi has increased its relatively small store space to offer a wider range of fresh produce to Georgia shoppers.
“Then there’s Lidl, Aldi’s largest competitor in Europe,” Scott adds. “They’re making their way into the Southeast too.” With more than 10,000 stores in 28 countries, Lidl’s U.S. headquarters is located in Arlington, VA. The discount grocer plans to open at least 50 stores around Georgia in addition to 115 locations along the East Coast. In June, Lidl announced it will invest $100 million in a new regional headquarters and distribution center in Cartersville, GA, set to open within five years.
Peachy Predictions
Despite the weather woes growers faced this year including the remnants of Hurri-cane Irma, Georgia produce professionals remain optimistic about the future for the state’s favorite fruit and other commodities. “I think the future is bright for the produce industry here in Georgia,” offers Anderson. “With new innovations happening every day, both in the field and on the transportation side, we know consumers will receive the best produce this state has to offer.
