The pandemic has transformed the online grocery channel from a middling category to one positioned for explosive growth. Online grocery sales are expected to increase 53% by the end of the year, according to research from eMarketer, totaling $89.2 billion. This is an increase of $30.9 billion compared to the previous year.

This trend is expected to continue. The report estimates growing online grocery sales over the next three years. By 2023, sales are expected to hit $179.2 billion annually, and will make up 10% of total grocery sales.

eMarketer isn't the only outlet predicting online grocery shopping growth beyond the pandemic. Aki Technologies and TapResearch conducted a survey of current online shoppers, and 68% responded that they expect to continue shopping online after the pandemic. The survey reported that the combination of increased shopping from existing buyers and the entry of new buyers created a perfect storm for growth. They called the growth "astronomical."