New data show the U.S. grocery slowdown is deepening as shoppers buy fewer items, forcing grocers and brands to compete harder on price and value.

New data show the U.S. grocery slowdown is deepening as shoppers buy fewer items, forcing grocers and brands to compete harder on price and value.

Unit sales at grocery stores have fallen nearly 2% YoY in four of the last five months, per a Bain & Company analysts shared with CNBC.