But seems like greed and the willingness to pay more is the driving factor for the cost of groceries
>Conagra attributed the rise in quarterly profits to inflationary price increases, despite facing more impactful supply chain disruptions than anticipated. Sean Connolly, Conagra chief executive, said on the earnings call with shareholders that the company’s sales growth was “primarily driven by inflation justified price increases” and a willingness by consumers to pay the higher prices. Conagra did not respond to a request for comment.<
https://time.com/6269366/food-company-profits-make-groceries-expensive/
As for grocery stores , a quick google found this:
>Kroger gross profit for the twelve months ending October 31, 2023 was
$32.519B, a 3.13% increase year-over-year. Kroger annual gross profit for 2023 was $31.778B, a 4.71% increase from 2022. Kroger annual gross profit for 2022 was $30.349B, a 1.79% decline from 2021.<
>Albertsons gross profit for the twelve months ending November 30, 2023 was
$21.986B, a 1.52% increase year-over-year. Albertsons annual gross profit for 2023 was $21.756B, a 4.99% increase from 2022. Albertsons annual gross profit for 2022 was $20.722B, a 1.51% increase from 2021.<