image of interior of RD International Market in North Florida
RD International Market

Driven by strong retail investments, North Florida’s grocery market is experiencing considerable change.

In a reflection of the region’s robust economy and appeal to business, areas such as Jacksonville and the state capital of Tallahassee in the Panhandle are outperforming many parts of the country. A cost of living just below the national average and the ability to attract a quality workforce have been key contributors.

The supermarket industry in this region is competitive, with major players such as Publix, Winn-Dixie and Walmart dominating the market.

Publix is planning to build a new store at Watersound West Bay Center, by the entrance to the Latitude Margaritaville Watersound community in Panama City Beach. The 50,000-square-foot location, which includes a pharmacy, deli, bakery and adjacent liquor store, is anticipated to break ground later this year.

“Publix at Watersound West Bay Center will provide customers with a convenient location, minutes from area beaches, an international airport and a medical campus,” said Hannah Herring, Publix media relations manager.

The center, planned for about 500,000 square feet in an open-air shopping and dining setting, will serve the fast-growing State Road 79 corridor.

German discount retailer Aldi has made North Florida a part of its expansion plans, converting former Harveys and Winn-Dixie stores that it acquired in March 2024.

Walmart celebrated the grand opening of a 1-million-square-foot distribution center April 17 at 1511 Zoo Parkway in Jacksonville.

The facility receives and processes items for delivery to 18 Sam’s Club locations across Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, as well as seven clubs in Puerto Rico.

Located 10 minutes from the Port of Jacksonville, the facility also stores and sorts imported goods for delivery to four distribution centers across the Southeast.

As successful as the region has become, some areas still face challenges with food access. Jacksonville’s Northside community, marked by lower incomes and transportation limitations, has experienced a scarcity of affordable fresh food options in recent years, requiring residents to travel significant distances to grocery stores.

In fact, a Duval County Community Health Survey identified access to healthy food as a primary concern among residents. City Councilman Reggie Gaffney Jr. advocated for a grocery store in the area, highlighting the link between fresh food availability and health outcomes.

While some retailers expressed concerns about insufficient foot traffic, Gaffney countered that the community’s 100,000-plus population suggests otherwise.

After persistent efforts, Nature Fresh Market opened a new store in April on Dunn Avenue, within the Jacksonville Regional Shopping Center. The full-service grocer offers healthy food options, fresh produce and international grocery items.

North Florida has witnessed a significant increase in its Asian population, particularly between 2000 and 2010, often outpacing the national rate. Cities like Jacksonville have seen a notable rise in residents identifying as Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Korean and Vietnamese.

This demographic shift is creating a substantial market opportunity for specialized grocery retailers. Lotte Plaza Market is investing nearly $9 million to transform a 45,800-square-foot former Best Buy on Atlantic Boulevard into a destination for Asian shoppers.

In February 2024, RD International Market opened on Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville. The 52,600-square-foot store offers a wide array of Asian groceries, live seafood and a food court.

Adding to the momentum, Enson Group has announced plans for two Enson Market international grocery stores in the region. A 45,000-square-foot location is expected to open by summer 2026 on West Tennessee Street in Tallahassee, and a 44,000-square-foot store is planned for a former Winn-Dixie site at Old St. Augustine Plaza in Jacksonville.

Vivian Zheng, CEO of Enson Group, emphasized the company’s focus on quality and variety, drawing on its foodservice background. She also highlighted Enson’s interest in college towns.

“We pick each vendor based on their high-quality standards. We are always searching for additional retail suppliers to partner with us to offer various choices for our customers,” she said.

The upcoming locations are part of Enson Group’s broader expansion within Florida, which already includes stores in Gainesville, Orlando and Plantation.

[RELATED: North Florida Grocers Facing ‘Persistent’ Challenges With Labor, Inflation, ORC]

Senior Content Creator Carol joins The Shelby Report with more than 25 years writing for B2B magazines that cover the drugstore and supermarket industries. A Rutgers graduate, she earned her B.A. degree...

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