The secret to a successful business is to fill your store with profitable items because the majority of kirana stores have a very low profit margin of 1-3 percent.
This list of the top 15 grocery store products will assist you choose profitable things that will boost your bottom line if you’re unsure which ones are best.
Cheese
Cheese is one of the most lucrative products in a grocery shop, with a profit margin of roughly 35%.
You can charge more for exotic, imported cheeses like Italian Parmesan, Greek feta, and French brie, but it’s always a good idea to have a good assortment of well-known, common cheeses like American and domestic cheddar.
Deli Meat
According to the reports worldwide deli meat market will reach over $77 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 7.78%.
Deli meats will undoubtedly be a strong source of revenue for supermarkets given the anticipated significant increase, as consumers seeking quick and convenient protein sources are willing to spend more.
Ready-to-Eat Foods
60% of respondents with salaries over 100,000 lakh who participated in a recent poll reported purchasing a cooked meal from a supermarket within the previous 12 months.
Premade sandwiches and pre-cut veggies are highly profitable for your grocery shop because you can charge a larger markup on them because wealthy clients are more likely to purchase prepared items.
Foods that are Frozen
Supermarkets can also make a lot of money from frozen items. They are just as convenient as cooked foods, but they last a lot longer, which minimizes spoiling loss.
Offer a range of goods, including frozen meals, potatoes, fruits, pies, and ice cream, if you truly want to capitalize on this market.
Items in Pairs
To increase sales, salespeople in various sectors advise combining complementing products; make sure your kirana store follows suit.
A subtle method to get people to spend more money is to put salad dressing next to salad kits, cranberry sauce next to boxed stuffing, or wine next to charcuterie boards.
Cosmetics & Body Care
Make sure to offer a large markup on products like toothpaste, soap, and makeup because you’ll be saving them from having to visit the pharmacy.
Most customers want to buy as much as they can in one location. Furthermore, bodycare and cosmetic products have longer shelf lives than fresh meat and fruit, so it’s doubtful that spoiling will reduce sales in this market.
Hardware
Similarly, because consumers are prepared to spend a little bit more for the convenience of not having to visit another store, products like batteries, lightbulbs, nails, and hammers can also be quite profitable.
If you plan to stock these things, however, make sure your employees are somewhat knowledgeable about them so they can respond to inquiries from clients.
Bulk Items
Because bulk items are easy to carry and don’t require packaging, grocery retailers can profit from them at a rate of 10–30%. Because these nutritious options draw wealthy customers who are more likely to spend money, make sure to stock a range of dried fruits and nuts.
Encourage customers to bring their own bags in order to cut down on that expense if you truly want to make money.
Coffee
You can charge somewhat more for premium coffee than you can for other things in your grocery shop since coffee lovers take their morning cup of joe very seriously.
To cater to as many clients as possible, make sure you sell normal and decaf, instant and ground, and light and dark roasts.
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The average net profit for spice stores is between 5 and 15%. Given that spoilage loss is typically negligible and that the US spice market is expected to reach $12.2 billion by 2026, it is evident that spices can be profitable for supermarkets.
Cereal
The average markup on cereal is at 28%, but certain brands are offered at an incredible 42% markup, making it one of the most expensive goods in the kirana store.
Make sure you have a sufficient quantity of cereal in your kirana store because most cereals have a lengthy shelf life that lowers the chance of loss from expired goods.
Water in Bottles
Bottled water can be one of the most lucrative products in a supermarket due to its lengthy shelf life and steady demand.
Remember to advertise bottled water around holidays like Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July, when consumers will be searching for quick and simple ways to satisfy their guests’ thirst, as large cases of bottled water are particularly useful for entertaining.
Vitamins
It makes sense for grocery shops to stock at least some protein powders, vitamins, and minerals because supplement dealers usually have profit margins between 30 and 50 percent.
Vitamins are shelf-stable, like many of the most lucrative products in a kirana store, so you don’t have to worry about goods spoiling or labor expenses going up when you have to empty and restock shelves.
Over-the-Counter Pharmaceuticals
For a grocery shop, over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, particularly those under brand names, are another area of shelf-stable goods that can yield significant profits.
Be sure to offer a suitable markup if you want to maximize revenue because, like other pharmaceutical products, customers are willing to pay a little bit extra for the convenience of not having to visit another kirana store.
Methods for Increasing Profitability
Aside from filling your store with high-margin items, there are numerous other things you can do to ensure the success of your enterprise.
Therefore, the following suggestions will help you increase your kirana store profitability.
Adopt Sustainability
Increasing your supermarket’s environmental friendliness can save money in addition to drawing customers.
Blemished produce, for instance, can be marketed as “waste-reducing produce” and sold at a little discount rather than being thrown away.
Additionally, by encouraging clients to bring their own reusable shopping bags, you can lessen the need for expensive plastic ones.
A Pleasant Experience
When a store offers a pleasant shopping experience, people are more likely to shop there.
Therefore, ensure that your employees clean and maintain your grocery shop on a regular basis, including replenishing shelves, mopping floors, and disinfecting restrooms.
Additionally, you can charge a little bit more for the same things if your store is well-maintained than if it isn’t.
Reduce Loss
Without a doubt, grocery owners lose a significant amount of money as a result of damage or spoiling, given that 30% of supermarket food is thrown out.
Make sure to train employees on the value of keeping chilled display cases and handling other produce and fragile product with care in order to reduce this number and boost revenues.
Baskets & Carts
Going into a kirana store “just for a few things” and then realizing you need a shopping cart or basket is a familiar experience for everyone.
Try putting baskets and carts throughout the store to help customers transport their purchases and entice them to make additional purchases: They will be more likely if they are not constrained by their carrying capacity.
Coffee Shop or Café
Consider opening a small café in your store, as many kirana store do.
In addition to the revenue generated by the sale of lucrative coffee shop items like gourmet French pastries and expensive coffee drinks, the refreshments will entice customers to stay longer, increasing the possibility that they will notice something they like or remember something they forgot to buy.
Also Read: How to Optimize Grocery Store Inventory Management: Comprehensive Guide for 2025
Tips to Select Healthy Snacks from Local Grocery Stores
Select Baked Snacks Instead of Fried Snacks
Opt for creative baked snacks instead than conventional fried ones. Snacks that are baked have numerous health advantages.
Compared to fried snacks, they are lower in calories and fat. Additionally, more natural nutrients are preserved during the baking process.
As a result, their nutritional profile is superior to that of fried snacks.
Examine the Label List
Read the ingredient list on the snack packaging every time. Look for snacks created with natural and basic components by looking at the ingredient list.
Additionally, stay away from foods that are high in sodium or sugar or that have a long list of artificial ingredients and preservatives.
These unhealthy components raise your risk of acquiring a number of lifestyle diseases and can have a detrimental effect on your health.
Choose Snacks that are Created with Healthy Ingredients
Select snacks that contain healthy nutrients including dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
In addition to being high in nutrients and offering long-lasting energy, these substances can support general wellbeing and everyday dietary needs.
Purchase from Regional Indian Brands
You should give preference to local brands when purchasing snacks from nearby grocery stores.
At a reasonable price, local Indian businesses like skyRoots frequently provide a range of nutritious snacks such roasted chana masala chatpata chickpeas and millet wafer crackers.
Additionally, you may support small businesses and promote a sense of community by purchasing from local goods.
Select Minimally Processed Snacks
After that, choose minimally processed foods as they are healthier for you. Natural whole foods have less artificial ingredients and are higher in nutrients.
So, choose snacks that haven’t been processed too much.
Control of Portion Size
Finally, make sure to verify the serving size. Remember that moderation is key when it comes to eating even healthful snacks.
Therefore, don’t overeat and follow the suggested portion size. Excessive consumption might result in unneeded caloric intake and unhealthful weight growth.
Why Shopping from a Local Indian Brand is a Good Idea?
Fresh and local ingredients are used by local brands
Fresh foods from surrounding farms and local areas are frequently used by local brands.
Snacks and other products have a higher nutritional value and taste better thanks to local sourcing. Additionally, it boosts the local economy.
Economical
Generally speaking, local snacks are less expensive than other common snacks. as they do not have to pay the hefty shipping fees that come with foreign products.
They are sustainable since they also have a lower carbon footprint.
Easily Accessible
The majority of grocery stores have a wide variety of local snacks, so finding healthy selections is easy and quick.
Relevant to Culture
Local companies have a greater understanding of local dietary requirements and taste preferences. They thus offer nutrient-dense and palate-pleasing snacks.
Different Ingredients
Regional parts, such as corn in the USA and millets and whole wheat in India, will be used to make local snacks, depending on the area.
This guarantees that you consume healthful, locally sourced foods that are appropriate for the climate.
Check out this: Here’s your Guide to Start Your Very Own Mini Supermarket Investment: Make a Smart Move Now
FAQ
1. Why should I stock snacks and beverages in my Kirana store?
Snacks and beverages are high-demand, fast-moving products that attract customers of all ages. They provide quick profits and help boost sales.
2. What are the best-selling snack items to keep in stock?
Here are some must-have snack items:
- Chips and namkeen (Lay’s, Kurkure, Haldiram’s, Balaji)
- Biscuits and cookies (Parle-G, Bourbon, Marie, Hide & Seek)
- Chocolates and candies (Dairy Milk, 5 Star, Eclairs, Melody)
- Instant noodles (Maggi, Yippee, Wai Wai)
- Dry fruits and roasted snacks
3. Which beverages should I stock in my Kirana store?
- Soft drinks (Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Thums Up, Sprite)
- Packaged juices (Real, Tropicana, Frooti, Maaza)
- Energy drinks (Red Bull, Sting, Monster)
- Tea and coffee (Tata Tea, Bru, Nescafé)
- Flavored milk and health drinks (Amul Kool, Horlicks, Bournvita)
4. How can I ensure I stock fresh and in-demand products?
- Regularly check expiry dates.
- Keep track of customer preferences.
- Order small quantities of new products to test their demand.
- Monitor trends and seasonal demands.
5. Should I include local and regional snacks?
Yes! Regional snacks like bhujiya, murukku, khakhra, and banana chips attract local customers and provide variety.
6. How can I arrange snacks and beverages for better sales?
- Keep popular items at eye level.
- Use separate sections for snacks, biscuits, chocolates, and beverages.
- Place impulse-buy items like candies and small packs near the billing counter.
7. What are the best-selling snacks for children?
- Chocolate bars
- Cream biscuits
- Lollipops and candies
- Mini snack packs (Cheetos, Fun Flips)
- Fruit juices and flavored milk
8. Do I need a refrigerator for beverages?
Yes, cold drinks and dairy-based beverages sell better when chilled, especially in summer.
9. How can I compete with bigger retail stores?
- Offer combo deals and discounts.
- Keep trending and local products.
- Provide personalized service and home delivery.
10. Should I stock healthy snack options?
Yes! Customers are becoming health-conscious. Stock items like:
- Baked chips
- Protein bars
- Dry fruits and nuts
- Low-sugar biscuits