Grocery Tourism: 12 Must-Visit Stores Worth the Journey

Grocery tourism is transforming souvenir shopping by shifting it to supermarket aisles. Travelers are planning their itineraries around stores that offer foods and products unavailable in their home countries. Here are 12 key players fueling this trend.

What Is Grocery Tourism and Why Are Travelers Interested in Grocery Stores?

Grocery tourism represents the increasing trend of incorporating supermarket visits into vacation plans to search for regional specialties, exclusive store items, and new culinary experiences.

Expedia’s “Goods Getaways” trend reports travelers are returning with local products that are hard to find elsewhere. Similarly, Skyscanner’s “Shelf Discovery” trend suggests that supermarket aisles themselves are becoming part of the travel experience.

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Which Japanese Grocery Stores Are Essential for Food Tourism?

Japan’s convenience stores, called konbini, are at the forefront of this trend.

1. 7-Eleven provides quick, affordable options. Japan’s tourism organization recommends items like onigiri, bento, kara-age, trendy snacks, sweets, and beverages.
2. FamilyMart is considered a treasure trove of unique foods and flavors, as noted by Japan’s tourism organization, featuring FamiChiki, onigiri, canned coffee, nikuman, and oden.
3. Lawson offers localized products, meaning shoppers may discover different items depending on their location in Japan, according to Japan’s tourism organization.
4. Don Quijote, or Donki, merges grocery shopping, discount finds, and souvenir hunting all in one place. Don Quijote also offers tax-free shopping for eligible international customers.

What U.S. Grocery Stores Are Attracting Grocery Tourism Crowds?

Two American grocery chains illustrate how distinct this trend can appear across the States.

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5. Erewhon in Los Angeles features celebrity smoothie collaborations, drinks priced around $20, trendy tote bags, and premium produce, aligning with Skyscanner’s “Shelf Discovery” trend.
6. Trader Joe’s has cultivated a dedicated fanbase around its private-label products, including exclusive snacks and seasonal items. These edible American souvenirs reflect Expedia’s “Goods Getaways” trend.

Which Asian-American Markets Fit the Food Tourism Trend?

Several Asian-American markets contribute to the U.S. side of this trend, each offering international packaged goods, specialty produce, and dining options.

7. H Mart allows customers to explore an array of international packaged goods, including Korean specialties, along with in-store dining.
8. 99 Ranch Market offers a selection of packaged Asian foods and fresh specialty products, featuring Taiwanese goods among its international offerings.
9. Lotte Plaza Market joins H Mart, 99 Ranch, and Mitsuwa by providing a mix of imported groceries, hard-to-find fresh ingredients, and prepared food counters.
10. Mitsuwa Marketplace completes the list with a variety of Japanese packaged goods and offers a familiar version of supermarket exploration that many travelers enjoy.

Which Grocery Stores Abroad Are Grocery Tourism Hotspots?

Spain and London highlight the global aspects of this trend, showcasing vastly different price ranges.

11. Mercadona is a cost-effective Spanish supermarket chain gaining recognition for its private-label offerings and ready-to-eat meals, providing insight into the everyday shopping habits of locals.
12. Fortnum & Mason in London elevates the grocery experience. Established in 1707, this luxury grocer has become a destination for food enthusiasts, presenting a completely different experience compared to a konbini or a regular supermarket.

From quick konbini snacks to luxurious finds in London, grocery tourism provides travelers with another way to engage with a destination. Often, the most memorable souvenirs lie in the grocery aisles.