Here's why Jason Buechel has opportunity to design grocery strategy that accelerates Amazon’s growth

Jason Buechel has been appointed to serve as the new leader of Worldwide Grocery Stores at Amazon, while maintaining his current role as CEO at Whole Foods Market (WFM).

"This expanded responsibility gives me an opportunity to look after the collective grocery offering across Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, Amazon Go and Grocery Partnerships - and help move forward our goal of making grocery shopping simpler, faster, and more affordable for customers," he says.

"I’ve never been more excited about the work Amazon is doing to improve the grocery shopping experience for customers, and can’t wait to dig in further. Having a team of amazing leaders like Claire Peters and Anand Varadarajan will only help propel this effort. I’m grateful for their partnership and everything they do for our teams and customers."

He adds: "Customers are increasingly turning to Amazon for their grocery and everyday essential needs because of our unmatched selection, great prices, and convenient shopping options - be it fast delivery, easy pickup, or enjoyable in-store shopping. We still have more work in front of us, but I’m energised by our progress to date and excited about the continued invention that’s ahead."

In a LinkedIn post, Brittain Ladd, a supply chain consultant and former Amazon executive, said: "The move reflects Amazon’s ongoing efforts to integrate elements of its homegrown grocery operations with Whole Foods, while also attempting to maintain the unique identity of the upscale chain (Amazon acquired Whole Foods for $13.7 billion in 2017).”

"I support having Buechel lead the grocery business. He has done a great job leading Whole Foods, and his experience will help Amazon make better decisions related to their grocery business. Buechel is taking charge at an important time for the company.”

“The failure of Albertsons and Kroger to merge provides it an opportunity to aggressively take market share. Albertsons has been severely weakened, and Kroger’s bloated operations have significantly increased costs and complexity. Kroger is wounded."

He added: "Target will likely partner with Lidl, and possibly open a warehouse club similar to Costco.  Costco will overtake Kroger by the end of 2025 to become the second largest grocery retailer behind Walmart.”

“Amazon plans on opening a ‘Supercenter’ - should they? The grocery market is much different in 2025 than it was in 2024. Buechel has an opportunity to design a new grocery strategy that will significantly accelerate the company’s growth."

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Grocery retail was a key focus area at the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering.