8 trends that will shape the grocery industry in 2021

Having closed the book on one of the most tumultuous years in recent memory, grocers are now looking ahead to a 2021 filled with opportunity and uncertainty. Although the novel coronavirus pandemic that hit the U.S. last March has delivered a sales windfall to food retailers, it's unclear how consumers will respond once their communities, offices and schools open back up and they can dine inside restaurants once more. It's also unclear when, exactly, that will all happen as COVID-19 vaccines haltingly roll out across the U.S.

If 2020 was about quickly responding to a public health disaster, the theme for 2021 promises to be strategically managing their gains for long-term growth, industry experts say. Instead of retooling their supply chains to keep pace with record demand, retailers will focus more on merchandising and securing customer loyalty. Instead of racing to add e-commerce servers and delivery drivers, grocers will zero in on efficiency and make online shopping a better experience.

Here are a few of the top trends that promise to shape the grocery industry in 2021.