San Antonio, Texas, January 8, 2026
H-E-B has been recognized as the top grocery retailer in the U.S. for the fifth time in nine years, according to Dunnhumby’s Retailer Preference Index. With a strong commitment to price, quality, digital innovation, and customer experience, H-E-B continues to showcase the power of local businesses in a competitive market. Other notable retailers in the ranking include Market Basket and Woodman’s, highlighting the strength of regional players within the grocery sector.
San Antonio, Texas – In a testament to local ingenuity and the enduring strength of community partnerships, H-E-B has once again emerged as the top U.S. grocery retailer, as revealed by Dunnhumby’s ninth annual Retailer Preference Index (RPI). This marks H-E-B’s fifth top ranking in the last nine years, reaffirming the company’s commitment to excellence in areas such as price, quality, digital offerings, and customer experience.
The Retailer Preference Index evaluates over 81 grocery retailers across the approximately $1 trillion U.S. grocery market. The methodology emphasizes key attributes such as prices and promotions, the quality and variety of goods, and the overall shopping journey. With H-E-B headquartered right here in San Antonio, it serves as a shining example of how local businesses can thrive in a competitive landscape through innovation and a relentless focus on customer satisfaction.
A Stellar Lineup of Competitors
Following H-E-B in the latest rankings are notable competitors that showcase the prowess of regional players in the retail space. The complete list includes:
1. H-E-B
2. Market Basket
3. Woodman’s
4. Costco
5. Aldi
6. WinCo Foods
7. Trader Joe’s
8. Amazon
9. Wegmans
10. ShopRite
Interestingly, this ranking is historic as it is the first instance where all three top-ranked retailers are regional chains, highlighting the prowess of local businesses in meeting consumer needs effectively.
Understanding the RPI and Its Significance
Dunnhumby’s RPI serves as a vital tool in understanding consumer preferences in the grocery sector. By analyzing factors like speed and convenience of shopping, price consistency, and digital engagement, the study paints a comprehensive portrait of how retailers can optimize their offerings to serve customers better.
H-E-B’s continued presence at the forefront of the RPI is reflective of not just quality products and competitive pricing; it is a testament to their strong community ties and engagement strategies that resonate with customers. This ongoing success is an encouraging sign for the Bexar County economy, demonstrating the potential for local businesses to set industry benchmarks.
Community Engagement: A Key to Success
One of the pillars of H-E-B’s success is its commitment to community involvement and support for various local initiatives. The company consistently invests in programs aimed at improving the lives of San Antonio residents, making it more than just a grocery store but a vital part of the community. This kind of engagement fosters loyalty among customers, a crucial aspect that mitigates the competitive pressures faced from both regional and national players in the grocery market.
Local entrepreneurship thrives on these principles of community engagement and quality service. By keeping customer needs at the forefront, local businesses can create sustainable models that promote growth and resilience in the face of market fluctuations.
Final Thoughts
As H-E-B leads the charge in reinventing the grocery shopping experience, its success story serves not just as inspiration for other Texas entrepreneurs but as evidence of what is achievable with dedication and innovation. Encouraging local businesses to continue thriving through reduced regulations can further enhance the entrepreneurial landscape here in San Antonio.
Consumers are encouraged to reflect on where they spend their dollars and to support beloved local establishments that contribute to both the economy and the community. Staying engaged with the developments in San Antonio’s business ecosystem is essential for fostering continued economic growth and innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Retailer Preference Index (RPI)?
The RPI is an annual study conducted by Dunnhumby that evaluates U.S. grocery retailers based on factors such as price, quality, digital offerings, and customer experience.
How many times has H-E-B been ranked as the top U.S. grocery retailer?
H-E-B has been ranked as the top U.S. grocery retailer five times in nine years, according to the latest RPI.
What are some of the factors assessed in the RPI study?
The RPI study assesses factors such as prices and promotions, quality and assortment of goods, digital offerings, speed and convenience of shopping, and consistency of prices and experience.
Where is H-E-B headquartered?
H-E-B is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, and operates over 435 stores across Texas and Mexico.
What is the significance of the RPI ranking?
The RPI ranking reflects a retailer’s ability to meet customer needs and adapt to the evolving grocery retail landscape, highlighting H-E-B’s dedication to quality products, competitive pricing, and strong community engagement.
| Rank | Retailer |
|---|---|
| 1 | H-E-B |
| 2 | Market Basket |
| 3 | Woodman’s |
| 4 | Costco |
| 5 | Aldi |
| 6 | WinCo Foods |
| 7 | Trader Joe’s |
| 8 | Amazon |
| 9 | Wegmans |
| 10 | ShopRite |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
