A grocery chain no one ever talks about is becoming Whole Foods' biggest threat

Whole Foods and Trader Joe's are often praised for reinventing the grocery business.But Kroger is thriving in a difficult market for grocery stores.The supermarket chain has reported positive comparable-store sales for 45 straight quarters.Kroger is also expected to surpass Whole Foods Market within two years and become the nation's top seller of organic and natural food, according to a recent report by JPMorgan.The chain is renowned for excellent customer service, loyalty program, and extensive selection,Stephen Ward, commercial director of research and consulting firm Conlumino, said in a note to clients.Much like Costco and Aldi, Kroger many offers private label products, keeping prices low.The retailer ''s strategy of offering more specialty and organic food is helping it overtake other chains despite an industry-wide trend away from supermarkets, JPMorgan analysts write.Traditional supermarkets have been losing market share to high-end grocers, warehouse chains, and dollar stores because customers are seeking either specialty assortments or great value, according to a recent report by the real estateinvestment firm JLL."Millennials and Boomers alike are focusing more on healthy eating choices and creatively prepared meals," the analystswrite.Selling more organic food will attract high-end customers and help drive profits at Kroger, according to JPMorgan.Kroger, which has more than 2,000 locations, could also take potential customers from Whole Foods.Whole Foods has 287 locations but continues to expand into new markets.In addition to offering more organic food, Kroger is expanding into affluent markets in Baltimore and Washington DC.SEE ALSO:Chipotle's CEO describes how consumers have changedFollow Us:On Facebook.Join the conversation about this storyNOW WATCH: This super sexy Carl's Jr Super Bowl ad has gone totally viral
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