PG_01/02_26

AUTOMATION TAKES CENTER STAGE IN THE GROCERY CHANNEL KEEP SALES SIZZLING Veggies also belong on the grill ANY WAY YOU SLICE IT Innovation helps in-store bakery shine GATHERING INTELLIGENCE What retailers can do to maximize visits

The

Independent Way

Community grocers are celebrating their uniqueness and standing apart from the big guys January/February 2026 Volume 105, Number 1 www.progressivegrocer.com

Photo: Employees at BriarPatch Food Co-op

Contents

105 01/02.26 Volume Issue 1

14 COVER STORY

The Independent Way Community grocers are celebrating their uniqueness and standing apart from the big guys.

Riverwards Market in Old City, Philadelphia.

22 SUSTAINABILITY

26 SOLUTIONS

Restoring Nature

Accessible Balance

Regeneratively farmed products like Pur Pain are as good for the planet as they are for consumers.

30

Consumers seek out functional beverages most often for energy, digestion, immunity and mood support.

30 SOLUTIONS

Stretching the Barbecue Budget

22 Departments 4 EDITOR’S NOTE

Ushering in a New Era at Progressive Grocer 5, 6 IN-STORE EVENTS CALENDARS

March and April 2026

26

Veggies are making inroads as grilling consumers set spending priorities and look beyond traditional proteins.

8 NIELSEN’S SHELF STOPPERS

10 MINTEL

Bakery

Functional Ingredients in Food and Drink

12

12 ALL’S WELLNESS

Fibermaxxing: A Retail Health Opportunity 50 AHEAD OF WHAT’S NEXT

Safe Harbor 2 progressivegrocer.com

8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Ste. 225, Chicago, IL 60631 Phone: 773-992-4450 Fax: 773-992-4455

www.ensembleiq.com BRAND MANAGEMENT SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GROUP BRAND DIRECTOR Eric Savitch esavitch@ensembleiq.com VICE PRESIDENT OF CONTENT Lisa Johnston ljohnston@ensembleiq.com

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Emily Crowe ecrowe@ensembleiq.com MANAGING EDITOR Bridget Goldschmidt bgoldschmidt@ensembleiq.com SENIOR DIGITAL EDITOR Marian Zboraj mzboraj@ensembleiq.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR Samantha Schober sschober@ensembleiq.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Jim Dudlicek, Mike Duff and Debby Garbato

ADVERTISING SALES & BUSINESS ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, REGIONAL SALES MANAGER Tammy Rokowski (INTERNATIONAL, SOUTHWEST, MI) 248-514-9500 trokowski@ensembleiq.com

36

REGIONAL SALES MANAGER Theresa Kossack (MIDWEST, GA, FL) 214-226-6468 tkossack@ensembleiq.com

36 FRESH FOOD

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Johanna Lupardus (CT, DE, MA, ME, RI, SC, TN, NH, VT, MD, VA, KY) 330-990-4635 jlupardus@ensembleiq.com

The Greatest Things Beyond Sliced Bread

PROJECT MANAGEMENT/PRODUCTION/ART PRINT DESIGNER Catalina Carrasco cgonzalezcarrasco@ensembleiq.com

Innovation, along with new twists and flavors, are driving perimeter bakery departments.

ADVERTISING/PRODUCTION MANAGER Maria del Mar Rubio mrubio@ensembleiq.com SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Nicola Tidbury ntidbury@ensembleiq.com

40 ANALYSIS

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES

Taking the Biggest Grocery Lessons From 2025 Into the New Year

Placer.ai CMO Ethan Chernofsky details the industry’s strength and how food retailers can maximize visits in 2026.

LIST RENTAL mbriganti@anteriad.com SUBSCRIPTION QUESTIONS contact@progressivegrocer.com

CORPORATE OFFICERS

40

42 TECHNOLOGY

Store-Wide Solutions

Automation is increasingly taking center stage in the grocery channel.

48 FEATURE

How Retail Media Is Quietly Reshaping the Grocery Store

The technology is being used to connect categories and guide baskets.

48

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Jennifer Litterick CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Jane Volland CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Derek Estey CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER Ann Jadown

PROGRESSIVE GROCER (ISSN 0033-0787, USPS 920-600) is published monthly, except for July/August and November/December, which are double issues, by EnsembleIQ, 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Ste. 225, Chicago, IL 60631. Single copy price $18.20, except selected special issues. Foreign single copy price $21.80, except selected special issues. Subscription: $134 a year; $246 for a two year supscription; Canada/Mexico $182 for a one year supscription; $249.90 for a two year supscription (Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement No. 40031729. Foreign $182 a one year supscription; $249.90 for a two year supscription (call for air mail rates). Digital Subscription: $78 one year supscription; $144 two year supscription. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL 60631 and additional mailing offices. Printed in USA. POSTMASTER: Send all address changes to brand, 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Ste. 225, Chicago, IL 60631. Copyright ©2024 EnsembleIQ All rights reserved, including the rights to reproduce in whole or in part.

All letters to the editors of this magazine will be treated as having been submitted for publication. The magazine reserves the right to edit and abridge them. The publication is available in microform from University Microfilms International, 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for product claims and representations.

PROGRESSIVE GROCER Februar y 2025

3

EDITOR’S NOTE

By Emily Crowe

Ushering in a New Era at Progressive Grocer

C

MY JOURNE Y TO THE COUNTRY’S MOST VENER ABLE GROCERY INDUSTRY PUBLICATION, AND WHAT’S TO COME.

hild-sized shopping carts weren’t really a thing when I was growing up in Sylvania, Ohio, so my big brother and I took turns riding on the back of our mom’s shopping cart as she steered us through our local Food Town for our weekly shops. It was our ritual: While we worked our way down our list of basics, we also scoured each and every aisle for fun new products to fill our refrigerator and cupboards.

Exotic mango juice and starfruit? Check. Fancy sliced deli ham for my lunchbox? Also check. New flavor of potato chips?

Absolutely check. I didn’t realize it at the time, but my mom was instilling in me a love of food and grocery retail that has permeated the majority of my life, and, more importantly, the last 15 years of my journalism career.

Making Connections

To be able to cover the news and tell the stories of the food retailers and hard-working associates that quite literally make the world go ’round is not a job I take lightly, and one I plan to tackle with the utmost care and consideration.

I write to you now as both a massive grocery industry fan and the newly minted editor-in-chief of Progressive Grocer – a title and honor that I am, quite honestly, still trying to wrap my head around. To be able to cover the news and tell the stories of the food retailers and hard-working associates that quite literally make the world go ’round is not a job I take lightly, and one I plan to tackle with the utmost care and consideration.

I’ve already hit the ground running with a visit to NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show, as well as the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference. It’s been a blast connecting with food retail friends old and new, and I can’t wait to spend more time on the road this year attending events, visiting stores, hearing your stories and learning as much as I can about your priorities.

I’m so lucky to be backed by a small but mighty team that includes some of the best journalists, salespeople, marketers, event planners and digital operations experts in the business. With their help, I plan to usher in a new era here at Progressive Grocer that honors our more-than-100-year history while also embracing change and innovative forms of storytelling.

Come along with me for the ride, won’t you?

Emily Crowe Editor-in-Chief ecrowe@ensembleiq.com

4 progressivegrocer.com

Berries and Cherries Month Exotic Winter Fruit & Leeks and Green Onions Month Irish-American Heritage Month March Madness

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National Frozen Food Month National Nutrition Month National Sauce Month Women’s History Month

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03.26 Calendar IN-STORE EVENTS

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Namesake Day. The Jewish holiday Urge customers to of Purim begins at mark the occasion sundown. by food shopping alongside their friends and family members with the same handle.

Daylight Saving begins. Let the sunshine in!

World Consumer Rights Day. Make sure your customers know what they’re entitled to in terms of refunds, recalls and more.

As Young as You Feel Day. Help consumers of a certain age maintain their energy with the right nutritional choices.

Mermaid Day. Ariel and Madison are among our favorite sirens of the sea.

National Crab Meat Day. Run a special on this perennial seafood delicacy.

National Vaccination Day. If you offer shots for various diseases and illnesses, promote those services with eye-catching signs in the pharmacy and beyond.

National Chia Day. This seed has many uses beyond creating fad “pets.”

Doctors’ Day. Offer a discount for any M.D. with valid ID.

Global Omega-3 Day. Tell shoppers which foods contain these essential “healthy fats.”

Paper Money Day. Cashless payment methods are gaining prominence, but cash is still king in many places.

St. Patrick’s Day. It’s a great day for the Irish – and those who are Irish for the day.

International Day of Achievers. Ask associates what they’re proudest of having achieved and what their next goal is.

Global Day of the Engineer.

Pay tribute to these professionals that keep your business’ systems running at peak efficiency.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day. Shine the spotlight on the services provided by your in-store consultant on health and diet.

National Biodiesel Day. If you’re not already doing it, find out about converting your used cooking oil into this renewable fuel.

Today is the birthday of both Aretha Franklin and Elton John, so the choices for classic music in the aisles are plentiful.

St. Piran’s Day. The feast day of Cornwall’s patron saint is an opportune time to explore the region’s cuisine.

Pasties, anyone?

National Dress in Blue Day. The color aims to promote National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

National Girl Scout World Sleep Day. Day. They’re not just Run an article in your Thin Mints sellers. in-store magazine on the best foods and beverages to promote slumber.

National Backyard Day. Time to get the patio furniture and grilling accessories ready.

Major League Baseball Opening Day. Batter up with a themed cake recipe to mark the return of America’s pastime.

Vernal Equinox.

Once more, spring has sprung.

National Joe Day. Everyone knows at least one.

Be Heard Day. All of you small businesses, show what you’ve got!

International Day of Action for Rivers. If your business is located near a waterway, organize a volunteer cleanup event for associates and customers.

Maple Syrup Saturday. Pancakes or waffles – take your pick.

National Triglycerides Day. Encourage your shoppers to know their numbers for better heart health.

National Après Day. Post on social media a collection of cocktails and mocktails for customers to enjoy after a long, rewarding day.

PROGRESSIVE GROCER Januar y/Februar y 2026

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IN-STORE EVENTS

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Arab American Heritage Month Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage Month Celebrate Diversity Month Cranberries and Gooseberries Month

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International Fun at Work Day. It’s also April Fools’ day, so expect some good-natured pranks.

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Filipino Food Month Global Child Nutrition Month Keep America Beautiful Month National BLT Sandwich Month

Autism Awareness Day. This is a fine time to institute quiet hours for shoppers with sensoryprocessing issues.

Weed Out Hate Day. Highlight what your associates are doing to make this world a kinder place.

International Carrot Day. Provide plenty of recipes featuring this ubiquitous root vegetable – including cake!

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National Body Care Day. Show your shoppers what your aisles offer to keep them looking and feeling their best.

National Employee Benefits Day. Ensure that your associates understand what working for your company means.

World Health Day. Provide advice for customers and associates to take better care of themselves.

International Kids Yoga Day. Hold an in-store session to introduce little ones to the ancient spiritual and physical discipline.

The Masters Tournament begins, running through the 12th.

National Farm Animals Day. Erect signage detailing the origins of the meat and dairy products that your shoppers buy.

International “Louie, Louie” Day. Does anyone actually know the words to this classic 60s pop tune?

Easter

National For Twelves Day. Salute football fanatics – the 12th “member” of the team – with gridironrelated snacks, beverages and gear.

National Cat Lady Day. We see all the male feline fanciers as well!

National Kids and Pets Day. Remind shoppers to keep both well fed and hydrated.

International Plant Appreciation Day. Promote your lawn and garden supplies on this occasion.

420. If it’s legal in your state, promote your cannabiscontaining products.

National Tell a Story Day. Invite a storyteller to regale customers of all ages with beguiling tales.

6 progressivegrocer.com

National Donate a Book Day. Organize a book drive to help introduce underserved kids to the joys of reading.

National Kindergarten Day. Hold an after-school cooking class with meals simple enough for a 5-year old to prepare.

Clean Comedy Day. Ask shoppers to submit their funniest G-rated jokes, with a gift card going to whoever gets the biggest laughs.

For Purple Up Day, recognize the sacrifices and experiences of children whose parents serve in the military.

Earth Day. What have you done for her lately?

World Stationery Day. Make your shoppers aware of any writing materials – paper, pens and envelopes – that you carry.

On World Voice Day, take care of yours by giving it a rest.

Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. Doing so may spark some interest in a food retail career when they’re older.

National Tie Dye Day. Love it or hate it, the look is certainly a statement.

Herbalist Day. Get advice from one on herbs in your produce section that could help with common ailments.

It’s Barbra Streisand’s birthday, so crank up some of the legendary diva’s greatest hits.

Lineman Appreciation Day. It’s a tough job, and he knows he needs a small vacation …

National Plumbers Day. Here’s to those folks who maintain our water pipes and systems.

A world innovation!

Discover our new SULDEN Premium Service Counter

FIND OUT MORE AND GET IN TOUCH: Vera Leonardelli Director International Sales www.schweitzergroup.com

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FRONT END

Shelf Stoppers

Average Unit Price

Bakery Category

Dollar Sales

% Change Year Ago

Unit Sales

%% Change Year Ago

Desserts

$8,204,849,817

2.6%

1,228,690,885

0.4%

Cookies/Crackers

$2,958,942,724

2.2%

981,926,171

-1.1.%

Bread

$2,887,760,784

3.6%

419,654,258

-0.2%

Rolls and Buns

$2,214,633,039

1.9%

845,162,214

2.2%

Sweet Goods

$1,691,248,832

3.1%

481,496,944

2.7%

Total Category

$21,792,557,201

2.90%

5,361,879,873

0.80%

$4.06

for all bakery items, up 2.0% compared with a year ago

$6.68

for desserts, up 1.7% compared with a year ago

Source: NIQ, Total U.S. (all outlets combined) during the 52 weeks ending Dec. 13, 2025

Index by Number of Persons in Household Desserts

Doughnuts

Rolls and Buns

Sweet Goods

Bread

1 Person

78

72

59

83

70

2 Persons

107

108

96

119

113

3 Persons

107

100

106

97

106

4 Persons

104

112

142

94

121

5+ Persons

120

132

156

96

104

$5.28

for cookies/crackers, up 3.3% compared with a year ago

$2.94

for bread, up 3.8% compared with a year ago

Source: CAM Household Demographics

Value Per Occasion

$2.62

What is the value per occasion for cookies and crackers versus the year-ago period per generation?

for rolls and buns, down 0.3% compared with a year ago

Greatest Generation

Boomer

Gen X

Gen Y/Gen Z

$6.26

$6.01

$5.60

$5.94

up 1.0% compared with a year ago

up 1.6% compared with a year ago

down 2.0% compared with a year ago

up 5.1% compared with a year ago

Source: NIQ, Total U.S. (all outlets combined) during the 52 weeks ending Aug. 23, 2025

8 progressivegrocer.com

$3.51

for sweet goods, up 0.4% compared with a year ago Source: NIQ, Total U.S. (all outlets combined) during the 52 weeks ending Dec. 13, 2025

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MINTEL CATEGORY INSIGHTS

Global New Products Database

Functional Ingredients in Food and Drink What You Need to Know

Outlook

 At the foundation of functional food and drink experiences, consumers want to feel like they’re making choices that take care of personal, holistic well-being. Improving perceptions of efficacy remains the ongoing opportunity to stack feelings of positivity around selfcare with tangible, noticeable benefits from functional ingredients.

 Now: Tighter budgets make proven trust key to encouraging purchase, especially of food/drink items that don’t fall under grocery staple status or carry a higher price point. Consumers want to feel like the investment in health is worth it and will deliver noticeable benefits and a sense of control in an uncertain world.

 There are a variety of approaches to positioning functional foods and drinks in approachable ways. Some emphasize the simplicity narrative, leaning into whole foods and superfood functional ingredients. Others use front-of-pack messaging for a digestible and straightforward nutrition education lesson that connects ingredients to benefits while also explaining the “how.”  Shifts in functional ingredient product launches year to year point to different priorities in functional food products versus functional drinks. Functional foods may be seen as more of a necessity rather than a splurge, especially for those with stretched budgets, and innovation efforts reflect such attitudes.

Drinks, on the other hand, offer a fun route to infusing functional on top of the nutrition that consumers obtain through food, leading to innovation growth in categories like carbonated soft drinks.

10 progressivegrocer.com

 Next (2026-7): Current political initiatives are bringing ingredients into the spotlight and adding complexity to conversations about health, efficacy and transparency. As such, brands will be tasked to cut through this with clarity and honesty.  Future (2028-9): Driven by younger generations, who are both more explorative in nature and more convinced of functional ingredient benefits, the functional food and drink market is only likely to grow. Still, trust and efficacy remain key to gaining repeat purchases beyond initial exploration.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.MINTEL.COM OR CALL 800-932-0400

Opportunities Only 26% of consumers report actually feeling the effects of functional ingredients, yet an even larger percentage are willing to pay for these benefits, suggesting that perceived value often outweighs proven efficacy. Functional claims can spark trial, but sustained trust and repeat purchase hinge on delivering tangible outcomes.

Whether the benefit is immediate (e.g., added protein for satiety) or long-term (e.g., added protein for muscle development), brands that demonstrate credible, measurable results will stand out in a market where curiosity and skepticism coexist.

Education and digestible messaging continue to be key to building trust, which will only further infuse functional products into self-care routines.

Functional ingredient trial is more likely to translate into feelings of efficacy than not.

The challenge is encouraging trial, then, yet one in five consumers is interested in trial without a strong preference for specific ingredients, underscoring a general level of willingness to explore. Tap into this curiosity with an emphasis on functional products as a route to personal experimentation rather than as an intimidating addition to healthy habits.

PET SPECIALTY

SUPPLIER PERSPECTIVES

Why 2026 Is the ‘Year of the Cat’ and What It Means for Pet Retailers

By Joe Toscano, Vice President, Trade & Industry Development at Purina Cat ownership in the U.S. continues to climb at an unprecedented pace, with 49 million households now sharing their homes with cats, which is a 23% increase since 2023, according to the American Pet Products Association. This growth is reshaping the pet aisle and setting the stage for 2026 to be the Year of the Cat. With more consumers looking to elevate the way they feed, treat and care for their cats, opportunities across the category have never been stronger.

Products Designed Around Cat Parents’ Priorities Across our cat portfolio, Purina continues to meet the moment with products that reflect the evolving needs and expectations of today’s cat parents. From elevated textures and culinary-inspired recipes to solutions that simplify care, our approach centers on making the bond between cats and their families easier, more joyful and more attainable.

Palatability and texture-led experiences are both influencing consumer buying decisions.

Fancy Feast® Gems® bring refined culinary artistry to the bowl with tender paté centers wrapped in elegant, savory layers that form a pyramid shape preferred by even the most finicky feline – perfect for pet parents seeking a premium dining experience for their cats.

Meanwhile, the rise of younger cat owners has fueled growth in interactive feeding and treating. Friskies® Lil’ Lickables™, a handson treat, and Purina ONE® Immune Support Purées – lickable cat treats featuring Vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids – both tap directly into that trend by offering a fun, engaging way for people to bond with their cats.

Innovation Inside and Outside the Litter Box With so many new cats entering households, the litter aisle remains one of the most reliable and resilient segments in the pet category. Premiumization is shaping this space, with consumers seeking better odor control, simplified maintenance and more sustainable options.

Odor control remains the top priority for litter shoppers, and Purina is addressing this need with new Tidy Cats® Performance options launching in January, delivering powerful odor control designed to keep homes with cats smelling clean. Convenience continues to be

a key driver as well, seen in options like Tidy Cats® LightWeight or the Tidy Cats® Breeze® Litter System, which simplifies upkeep with disposable pads that lock in moisture and odor for seven days (for one cat, when used as directed) and pellets that last a month.

shoppers for interacting with the Purina portfolio. The app also introduces pet owners to nutrition tips, training advice and complementary products, helping drive broader basket exploration and long-term engagement.

Innovation also extends to the growing automated litter segment. Purina partnered with Litter-Robot® to develop a litter specifically optimized for the Tidy Cats® The Perfect Cycle™ setting in the Whisker app, helping consumers get the most out of their automated cleanup systems.

And, with our dedicated category team, we work hard to collaborate directly with retailers on data-backed strategies, merchandising recommendations and solutions such as shelf optimizations that double capacity for larger litter pails, improving both sales and in-stock performance.

Outside the litter box, we continue to showcase our scientific expertise with Purina ONE® LiveClear® – an innovation backed by more than 10 years of research – which has been shown to simply and safely reduce the major allergen in cat hair and dander by an average of 47 percent, starting with the third week of daily feeding. Now widely available, Purina ONE LiveClear helps cat lovers with allergen sensitivities spend quality time with their cats.

Helping Retailers Win Purina’s leadership goes beyond product innovation. We’re continuing to support retailers through the myPurina app, a loyalty and engagement platform that rewards

As the industry steps into the Year of the Cat, Purina remains committed to anticipating consumer needs and helping retailers capture the momentum across food, treats and litter.

With a robust pipeline of innovation and a holistic approach to supporting cat owners – all backed by a bench of nearly 500 Purina scientists, veterinarians and pet care experts – we are proud to help retailers unlock the full potential of this defining moment for the feline category.

Purina trademarks are owned by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. Any other marks are property of their respective owners.

ALL’S WELLNESS

By Barbara Ruhs, MS, RDN

Fibermaxxing: A Retail Health Opportunity

M

RETAILERS CAN HARNESS THIS HOT NUTRITION TREND. ove over protein — fiber is finally having its moment. While protein has been in the spotlight for years, fiber is now taking center stage, thanks to social media’s viral fibermaxxing trend. Thanks to TikTok and wellness influencers sharing fiber hacks, simple recipe ideas and meal prep solutions to achieve 30-40-plus grams of fiber intake per day, fiber is now top of mind for today’s consumers.

For retail grocers, understanding fibermaxxing isn’t optional — it’s essential for staying competitive in 2026 and beyond.

Fresh Pears – A Fiber Powerhouse One medium pear has 6 grams of fiber – that’s more than an apple, a banana or blueberries. With a bountiful crop this year, Bartlett, Bosc, and red and green Anjou pears make nutritious snacks, add natural sweetness to smoothies and elevate healthy salads.

underscoring the strategic importance of this nutrient for CPG innovation. Expect to see fiber follow protein’s path as the next “must-have” nutrient in better-for-you products. Fiber addresses broader health concerns that protein can’t: It supports digestive health, feeds beneficial gut bacteria, helps manage blood sugar and contributes to cardiovascular health.

Perhaps most importantly, fiber fills a nutritional gap that has existed for decades and that has gained more traction, thanks to the popularity of weight-loss medications. GLP-1 medications promote satiety (or the feeling of fullness) by slowing down the movement of food in the digestive tract, which also contributes to constipation, bloating and general gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort. With the right amount of insoluble and soluble fiber, along with adequate fluid intake, these symptoms can be dramatically improved. Consuming a variety of fiber-rich wholefood sources also benefits the gut microbiome.

While fiber supplements and fortified foods are heavily marketed, consumers still trust whole-food sources most when it comes to fiber. This positions retail dietitians in a critical role in helping supermarkets capitalize on the fibermaxxing trend. Retailers that provide consumer nutrition education from credible experts stand to gain trust and loyalty.

Fibermaxxing represents a rare alignment of consumer interest, scientific credibility and retail opportunity. Unlike fleeting diet trends, fiber is foundational to health — and its benefits are well understood by both consumers and professionals.

For retail grocers, understanding fibermaxxing isn’t optional — it’s essential for staying competitive in 2026 and beyond.

What is Fibermaxxing?

Fibermaxxing is the intentional effort to meet or exceed daily fiber recommendations through food choices, beverages and supplements. While The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 25 grams of fiber per day for women and 38 grams for men daily, the average American consumes less than half of the goal, leaving a significant and persistent gap that fibermaxxing seeks to fill. For grocery retailers, this translates to increased demand for high-margin foods that naturally contain fiber, including fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, seeds and nuts.

Fiber is the New Protein

PepsiCo’s CEO recently asserted, “Fiber will be the next protein,”

Barbara Ruhs, MS, RDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and owner of MarketRD.com. She is a leading voice in retail health promotion and a former supermarket dietitian. Connect on LinkedIn @BarbRuhs

12 progressivegrocer.com

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COVER STORY

2026 Outstanding Independents

The

Independent Way COMMUNIT Y GROCERS ARE CELEBRATING THEIR UNIQUENESS AND STANDING APART FROM THE BIG GUYS.

By Progressive Grocer Staff

T

he 17 grocery retailers chosen as Progressive Grocer’s 2026 Outstanding Independents all have two key things in common: a deep passion for and connection to the communities that they call home. These factors are what enable them to compete in a world of huge multistate supermarket chains and omnipresent mass merchants.

Although the places they serve have varied demographics and income levels, they all benefit from the presence of a friendly neighborhood grocer that has tailored its offerings especially for them.

Take Michigan’s Daily Deals Food “Knowing how much Outlet, which mainwe help our community tains a laser focus on affordability. “One of leaves you going home the best things about every day feeling working for Daily fulfilled.”

Deals is the impact we have with our —Daily Deals Food Outlet customers,” a store manager at the company notes. “I often hear that because of us, they can keep their house stocked with groceries. Knowing how much we help our community leaves you going home every day feeling fulfi lled.”

Then there’s California-based BriarPatch Co-op, whose every initiative “circles back to one goal: building healthier, more connected and more sustainable Nevada and Placer counties.”

Perhaps Wisconsin grocer Trig’s best articulates how these extraordinary grocers have managed to thrive despite stiff competition from much bigger entities. “At a time when rural areas are often underserved, we take pride in being a fresh food oasis, a place of connection and a trusted neighbor,” the company asserts in its submission. “We stand toe-to-toe with national retailers not by outspending them — but by out-caring them. Our customers choose Trig’s because we consistently deliver excellence with a hometown touch, a familiar face and a genuine smile.”

Read on to fi nd out more about PG’s 2026 Outstanding Independents.

14 progressivegrocer.com

A Clean Plate Local & Organic Grocery Menahga, Minn.

Number of Stores: 1

A

Clean Plate believes that rural Americans deserve access to healthy natural foods. The store carries better-for-you offerings at affordable prices, including items from local farmers and producers, organic produce, and national organic brands. In response, A Clean Plate has seen foot traffic rise steadily and local interest increase.

Through quick conversations at the register, meaningful customer service, yoga classes, donations to local organizations, and more, the grocer has become deeply embedded in the fabric of its community and beyond, as it routinely attracts customers from more than an hour away.

BriarPatch Food Co-op Grass Valley, Calif.

Number of Stores: 2

C

elebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, BriarPatch Food Co-op this past year launched its Bring It Back utensil program allowing customers to use real stainless-steel cutlery in the café or take it with to-go orders. The borrowed cutlery can be returned on a future visit, cleaned and reused. This simple change will save the co-op thousands of dollars each year while significantly reducing landfi ll waste, since compostable utensils aren’t currently processed by local facilities. As BriarPatch puts it, “Even if only half of the utensils make it back, it’s still a big win for sustainability.”

Buehler’s Fresh Foods Wooster, Ohio Number of Stores: 14

B

uehler’s ninth annual Drive-Thru Soup Fundraiser for A Whole Community Inc. supported the Community Food Project, which purchases fresh produce from local farms for food pantries, free meal sites and underserved neighborhoods. The grocer’s complementary Stuff the Cruisers event — a collaboration with local law enforcement — collected nonperishable food donations to fi ll police cruisers for distribution to area food banks. These initiatives reflect Buehler’s hands-on approach to food insecurity while strengthening community ties. 2025 also saw the grand reopening of Buehler’s remodeled Wadsworth, Ohio, store — an event that celebrated both investment and hometown pride.

Daily Deals Food Outlet Marne, Mich.

Number of Stores: 5

D

aily Deals Food Outlet welcomes 11,000-plus customers each week across all of its locations, underscoring its role as a needed and frequently visited community resource. Offering a dynamic mix of branded items and parent company Natural Choice Foods’ private label products at affordable prices, the grocer aims to solve food access challenges in real time. Daily Deals prices its rotating inventory of products 30%-50% below big-box retailers, helping families stretch their budgets without sacrificing quality. Further, its rewards program boasts an impressive participation rate of nearly 90%, highlighting the deep loyalty of its customer base.

DeCicco & Sons Pelham, N.Y. Number of Stores: 11

U

nlike many larger chains, DeCicco & Sons highlights curation, freshness and relationships, from partner farms to in-house production. Because the grocer blends conventional, natural and specialty items, customers consistently fi nd products that are rare, artisanal or difficult to source elsewhere. DeCicco & Sons is also known for the thoughtful design and layout of its stores, with each location crafted to reflect its surrounding community while maintaining the hallmarks of the grocer’s brand: approachability, gourmet quality and a familial touch. The stores feature such inviting spaces as cafés, beer bars, event spaces and convenient skip-the-line kiosks.

PROGRESSIVE GROCER Januar y/Februar y 2026

15

COVER STORY

2026 Outstanding Independents Frazier Farms Market La Mesa, Calif.

Number of Stores: 3

F

amily-run Frazier Farms Market is deeply connected to its California communities. This profound alignment with local needs is reflected in glowing customer reviews praising the “amazingly friendly” staff; vibrant, high-quality produce; bustling deli; and carefully curated vitamin section. What truly sets Frazier Farms apart, however, is its embrace of innovation embodying its customer-fi rst philosophy. By integrating GreenChoice health information into its shelf labels, it has responded directly to shoppers’ desire for clarity in making healthy choices. Thus, Frazier Farms honors its roots while paving a path toward a healthier future for its customers.

Leppinks Food Centers Dorr, Mich.

Number of Stores: 4

L

eppinks treats its employees like family: Birthdays are celebrated with cards, milestones honored with gifts, and losses met with compassion. This well-established culture of care fosters a sense of belonging that radiates through every store. Meanwhile, in the fall of 2024, the grocer launched the Leppinks Rewards loyalty program with AppCard, creating a personalized shopping experience. This past year, Leppinks made a bold move away from newspaper distribution, having laid a rich digital foundation that includes a vibrant e-commerce presence, both through its own Freshop-powered website and mobile app, and third-party platforms like Instacart.

Lueken’s Village Foods Bemidji, Minn.

Number of Stores: 2

I

n June 2025, Lueken’s hosted a casual pop-up event, promoted only through a Facebook post, that resulted in the free distribution of 1,200 brats, hot dogs, chips, water and bananas. Also, when a powerful storm struck, leaving much of the community without power, the grocer worked with vendor partners and SpartanNash to save two truckloads of perishable food, ensuring that affected families had food access. In its stores, Lueken’s sets itself apart with large, upscale bakery and deli operations offering handcrafted products, with three popcorn kiosks adding a fun, nostalgic touch to the shopping experience.

Oliver’s Market Santa Rosa, Calif.

Number of Stores: 4

A

s it marked its 37th year serving California’s Sonoma County, Oliver’s Market celebrated several big milestones, among them its fi rst anniversary of 100% employee ownership as an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) company. Oliver’s has restructured its ESOP education and communication systems with a new steering committee and the Employee Ownership Crew, store representatives who create activities to build ESOP cultural engagement. The grocer additionally reported significant progress in the areas of food recovery and landfi ll reduction.

Oliver’s shoppers also appreciate its excellent quality and service; diverse, locally focused product mix; and award-winning perimeter departments.

16 progressivegrocer.com

That Little Logo...

It’s a Big Deal.

Shoppers are more likely to purchase products labeled Fresh From Florida

For more information on sourcing Florida products, scan here!

FreshFromFlorida.com/Retail | RetailMKT@FDACS.gov

COVER STORY

2026 Outstanding Independents Riverwards Market Philadelphia Number of Stores: 3

F

rom its inception, Riverwards has made fresh, local food accessible to everyone. Its products are chosen with an emphasis on local farms, small producers and sustainable sourcing. What further sets Riverwards apart is the way it has reimagined what a small urban market can be – a cross between a traditional corner store, a chef-driven specialty grocer and a community gathering place – with each of its locations in Philadelphia and Detroit designed for the neighborhood it serves. By combining local sourcing with neighborhood investment, Riverwards shows that independent grocers can improve food access, city by city.

Roots Market

Clarksville, Md. Number of Stores: 2

T

his past year brought fresh challenges to the Washington, D.C., area, where Roots is located: Many of its customers were federal workers who had lost their jobs. In response, Roots expanded its Budget Buddies Program, covering core items that are deeply discounted to ensure supper staples and foundational foods are affordable to all. Additionally, the grocer’s Senior Wednesday initiative, which enables shoppers age 60 and older to receive 10% off their purchases, has made Wednesday one of its busiest days of the week. Roots also took the time to hold seminars in kindness for its employees.

Rudy’s Markets Inc. Bend, Ore. Number of Stores: 4

R

udy’s Markets creates value for its employee-owners by reinvesting in its stores, with total department remodels, new equipment and display cases. The opening of a small Central Kitchen led to impressive year-over-year same-store department sales growth of 16%.

In addition to such benefits as 100% company-paid insurance and a 20% employee shopping discount, Rudy’s pays industry-leading wages to be a competitive employer in the area. 2026 is the company’s 50th year of serving the Central Oregon community, an occasion that it plans to celebrate by offering to match up to $100,000 in customer giving.

Schnuck Markets Inc. St. Louis Number of Stores: 113

W

hen tornadoes swept through the St. Louis area in the spring of 2025, Schnucks responded with urgency and care. Dozens of teammates (the company’s word for employees) from every area of the business – stores, facilities, offices and logistics – mobilized to offer assistance both on the ground and behind the scenes. The Schnucks Community Kitchen was dispatched to stores in the hardest-hit neighborhoods to serve as central hubs for teammates and products.

Teammates didn’t just serve free meals at the stores, however – they also brought meals directly into affected neighborhoods, in collaboration with local organizations.

18 progressivegrocer.com

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COVER STORY

2026 Outstanding Independents Skip’s Farm to Market Fruita, Colo.

Number of Stores: 1

B

elieving that everyone deserves access to healthy foods, Skip’s accepts SNAP and participates in Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB), a nutrition incentive program allowing community members to receive double the amount of fresh fruits and veggies through their SNAP benefits. Skip’s recently held an event to promote the program, pairing it with local produce giveaways and education on SNAP/DUFB and food insecurity in the area. Nearly 100 community members attended the event. This was a unique way to break down stigma regarding food assistance programs while at the same time celebrating the region’s local bounty.

Strack & Van Til Food Market Highland, Ind. Number of Stores: 22

T

o meet the evolving needs of customers, Strack & Van Til launched a new online shopping platform and mobile app to deliver greater shopper personalization, integrated loyalty rewards, digital coupons and order-ahead capabilities. Since the launch, the grocer has seen a significant increase in e-commerce orders. Additionally, Strack & Van Til has formed longstanding partnerships with 16 Midwestern growers in its market area, sourcing fresh, high-quality corn, watermelon and other produce. Meanwhile, the company’s many long-tenured team members serve as “keepers of the culture” so that all employees understand what it takes to be outstanding.

Three Bears Alaska Wasilla, Alaska Number of Stores: 15

R

unning a grocery business in Alaska means dealing with weather, dispersed population centers and logistical challenges that most retailers in the Lower 48 never have to think about. Three Bears Alaska has learned to make those challenges part of what it does best. Through its Special Orders operation, the company delivers groceries and goods directly to small businesses, schools and organizations in the communities where its employees live and work. Three Bears Alaska also puts up displays and signage that enable customers to fi nd Alaska Grown items, and the company sources meat from local livestock auctions.

Trig’s

Rhinelander, Wis. Number of Stores: 5

T

rig’s, owned by T.A. Solberg Cos. Inc., is more than a grocery store chain – its locations are the hubs of their local communities.

From the grocer’s hyper-local sourcing initiative, Love It Local, which brings in-season Wisconsin produce and locally crafted goods to store shelves, to its experiential events that introduce specialty products often unavailable in rural markets, Trig’s aims to create connections between people and food in meaningful ways. The company also works to ensure food access for all through food donation partnerships, outreach programs, and meal initiatives focused particularly on kids facing food insecurity.

20 progressivegrocer.com

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SUSTAINABILITY

Regenerative Farming Pur Pain’s products are rooted in regenerative farming, which aims to restore soil health, boost biodiversity and improve the water cycle.

SVP of national sales and importing at KLT and Lipari, notes, “I was looking for a company that only does 100% organic, a company that offers uniqueness, focused on quality and sustainability.”

As for regenerative farming, Burmeister characterizes the practice as “being kind to the earth and the habitat that is destroyed through traditional farming.”

Why It Matters

For retailers, regeneratively grown, carbon-neutral products like Pur Pain support ESG (environmental, social and governance) goals, helping operators hit their Scope 3 emission and organic REGENER ATIVELY FARMED PRODUCTS LIKE PUR PAIN category targets; drive shopper loyalty ARE AS GOOD FOR THE PL ANE T AS THE Y ARE FOR among the rising number of consumers CONSUMERS. actively choosing brands with sustainability

By Bridget Goldschmidt integrity; offer category differentiation; and represent a premium margin opportunity, hoppers have long been concerned about the sustainjustifying a higher price point with a transability of the things they eat, as well how healthful those parent value story. things are, so many should be interested in learning At large supermarket chains in particular, more about a relatively new term entering the marketScope 3 typically makes up 80%–90% of place – “regenerative farming” – along with the foods their total emissions. That means to meet produced by this method. their ESG and carbon-neutral goals, they One brand offering such products is Pur Pain, a must work with suppliers that are reducing Belgium-based supplier of organic, non-GMO artisan their own emissions. breads and rolls crafted in a 100% carbon-neutral When it comes to retail buyers, as well as bakery. Suitable helping with their companies’ “By minimizing soil disturbance, for bakery, deli or perimeter displays, the ESG goals, regeneratively brand’s take-and-bake products ship farmed products create maintaining living plant cover, frozen and have a 28-day ambient shelf life. and integrating diverse crops and more nutritious ingredients, Additionally, Pur Pain uses a 40-year-old supporting health-andanimals, we help build stronger sourdough culture in many of its items (For wellness strategies; aid ecosystems and deliver nutrientmore on bread, read “The Greatest Things long-term supply resilience, Beyond Sliced Bread,” starting on page 36). dense, sustainable food.” —Pur Pain leading to less dependence on chemical inputs or fragile ecosystems; and represent the next step “Kind to the Earth” “Our products are rooted in regenerative farming, a system that works with nabeyond organic — a step many consumers ture to restore soil health, boost biodiversity and improve the water cycle,” the are willing to take. brand explains. “By minimizing soil disturbance, maintaining living plant cover, The Pur Pain program is soft-launching and integrating diverse crops and animals, we help build stronger ecosystems in February, with a hard launch planned at and deliver nutrient-dense, sustainable food. This approach aligns with our Albertsons’ Northern California division. As commitment to responsibly source a resilient food future.”

KLT says, “Every loaf represents a full-circle Pur Pain is imported by KLT Global, a division of Warren, Mich.-based Lipari commitment — from soil to shelf — to Foods. Asked how he came to be involved with the brand, Kurt Burmeister, health, flavor and sustainability.”

Restoring Nature

S

22 progressivegrocer.com

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Holy sheet, that's neat.

Enjoy up to 50% longer shelf life with HarvestHold Fresh®

Find out how

ADVERTORIAL

ONE SMALL SHEET, ONE BIG STEP TOWARD FRESH PRODUCE PROFITS Keeping produce inventory as fresh as possible for as long as possible is an important goal for every grocery retailer. The key to reaching that goal starts long before cases of fruits and vegetables reach your store; it starts in the fields where crops are grown. HarvestHold Fresh, an innovative post-harvest solution from Verdant™ Technologies, offers a way to extend the shelf life and quality of peaches, broccoli and other produce in ways that make the supply chain more fruitful for everyone.

Progressive Grocer asked Paul Oklesh, Sales Director at Verdant, and Ross Williams, President of Titan Farms, the largest peach grower on the east coast, to explain the science behind the technology and the benefits it ultimately delivers to stores that carry HarvestHold Fresh-treated produce.

Progressive Grocer: What exactly is HarvestHold Fresh? How does it work?

Paul Oklesh: HarvestHold Fresh is an easy-to-use sheet treated with 1-MCP (1-methylcyclopropene) that delays ripening in fruits and vegetables. The sheets gradually release 1-MCP when humidity is present, automatically adjusting to how each fruit or vegetable breathes. This helps keep produce fresh longer, extending shelf life by up to 50 percent. The solution helps growers and retailers reduce shrink, maintain quality, and move product more efficiently through the supply chain.

PG: What benefit does HarvestHold Fresh offer grocery retailers specifically?

PO: Adding HarvestHold Fresh-treated produce is a simple way to give customers amazing product.

Growers who use it can harvest crops at their peak and keep them fresher longer, so you get produce like peaches and broccoli with more vibrant color, firmer texture, and a longer shelf life than fruits and vegetables that have traveled through the supply chain without being treated.

There are sustainability benefits, too: HarvestHold Fresh helps lower shipping costs and reduces environmental impact in crops like broccoli by eliminating the need for ice. Verdant Technologies won a Progressive Grocer Impact Award in the Sustainability/Resource Conservation category in 2025 thanks, in part, to those benefits.

There’s more good news for retailers: They don’t have to do anything! Growers use HarvestHold Fresh sheets in the field, in storage, and during transit, and the technology has done its job by the time the produce arrives!

PG: As a premier grower of peaches and other produce, Titan Farms plays a pivotal role in advancing and strengthening the supply chain.

What has Titan’s experience been with HarvestHold Fresh?

Ross Williams: We conducted a “mega trial” using HarvestHold Fresh on our peaches and achieved higher pressures and slower ripening in the cold storage chain. We saw significant benefits to timeon-shelf as well as higher quality produce and a more consistent eating experience for consumers.

Now, 80 percent of our fruit leaves our facility treated with HarvestHold Fresh. For retailers, the goal is always customer satisfaction — think about someone eating a peach in utter delight! Using HarvestHold Fresh is helping us deliver produce that creates that experience for your shoppers.

PO: I would like to add that progressive growers are embracing HarvestHold Fresh, so the bottom line for progressive grocery retailers is this: Talk to your grower-packer partners READY TO about incorporating HarvestFIND OUT HOW TO GET GROWING Hold. Your customers will WITH HARVESTHOLD notice the positive difference FRESH-TREATED — and, ultimately, your PRODUCE? VISIT bottom line will, too. www.harvesthold.com.

SOLUTIONS

Functional Beverages

Accessible Balance CONSUMERS SEEK OUT FUNCTIONAL BE VER AGES MOST OF TEN FOR ENERGY, DIGESTION, IMMUNIT Y AND MOOD SUPPORT.

B

By Jim Dudlicek

“

everages are no longer just drinks – they’re becoming meals, medicine and moments.”

This bold statement, which kicked off Chicago-based market research firm Circana’s recent webinar, “Share of Sip: Mapping the Beverage Evolution,” a deep dive into beverages, is apparent to anyone who’s browsed the category recently, in store or online.

It’s perhaps most evident in the realm of functional beverages, which are driving much of the category’s growth and innovation.

The global functional drink market was estimated at $149.75 billion in 2024 and is projected to top $248.5 billion by 2030, according to San Francisco-based Grand View Research.

Circana reports that consumers are increasingly disregarding traditional beverage categories in favor of products based on their desired outcome or the impact on their health or lifestyle. Leading the way: immune health, mood support, digestive health and energy.

Beverages are six of the top 20 growth areas in food and beverage, according to Circana, with volume growing over the past six years for energy, weight control and low sugar. Sports and energy drinks dominate beverage sales, with units up 18% at retail.

Meanwhile, sodas are blurring boundaries as they emerge to address functional needs. “Modern sodas are giving consumers more alignment with many of the benefits they seek,” says David Portalatin, Circana SVP and industry advisor for food and foodservice.

The next wave of beverage growth will compete on benefits rather than categories, and lean into premiumization, notes Sally Lyons Wyatt, Circana global EVP and chief advisor for consumer goods and foodservice insights. Circana anticipates that product personalization will be aligned to wearable devices, which, according to Wyatt, presents “a huge opportunity for brands to connect beverages with daily wellness routines,” offering products that are “faster, more personal, experiential and technology enabled.”

Building Functional Assortments

For manufacturers like The Jel Sert Co., based in West Chicago, Ill., the functional beverage category is booming.

“Gut health is becoming a central driver, fueled by growing consumer awareness of its connection to immunity and overall wellness,” affirms Gavin Wegner, Jel Sert’s director of innovation. “Ingredients like fiber, probiotics and postbiotics are also becoming a critical need

26 progressivegrocer.com

Hydration is the mission of Más+ by Messi, which recently added grape to its flavor lineup.

among the growing number of people taking GLP-1 weight loss drugs.”

Meanwhile, hydration has evolved beyond sports recovery. “We’re seeing a desire for all-day hydration solutions that fit into everyday life,” Wegner says.

“Consumers are looking for fewer ingredients, lower or no sugar, and benefits that feel relevant from morning through evening.”

Wegner sees energy being redefined in a “cleaner, more balanced way,” with consumer preferences shifting toward natural caffeine sources like green tea and B vitamins. “Natural ingredients are seen as giving consumers more holistic benefits, such as sustained energy without the crash,” he notes.

Further, mental wellness and stress relief beverages are going mainstream, Wegner says, including adaptogens and nootropics like ashwagandha and L-theanine for focus, stress reduction and relaxation. “This is especially being driven by Gen Z, a cohort of consumers trying to ‘take the edge off’ while avoiding alcohol and opening white space for occasion-based drinks like an evening wind-down,” he observes.

Protein is expanding beyond traditional shakes, Wegner goes on to note, with lighter formats – including clear protein waters, sodas and hybrid beverages – meeting the needs of consumers who want satiety and functionality in more convenient, everyday forms.

Responding to consumer needs, Jel Sert has launched Pure Kick Alkaline, which the company sees as “a key pillar in the evolution of hydration,” Wegner says. “It’s made with just five ingredients and is unsweetened, giving consumers a simple way to raise their water pH on the go, without a premium price tag.”

Meanwhile, the company’s Dunkin’ Refreshers powdered drink mixes align with the clean-energy trend. “This product delivers balanced energy sourced from green tea along with B vitamins, without artificial sweeteners or colors,” Wegner points out.

Jel Sert’s Pure Kick Alkaline offers a cost-conscious hydration solution with simple ingredients.

REFRESHERS NOW FUELING THE HYDRATION TREND Add bold flavor and a power brand to the drink mix aisle Dunkin’ Refresher Drink Mixes tap into the proven Hydration trend — driving category excitement and attracting on-the-go shoppers.

ZERO SUGAR, 80 MG CAFFEINE FROM GREEN TEA, B VITAMINS EXPANDS CATEGORY REACH AND DRIVES INCREMENTAL GROWTH POWDERED DRINK MIX CATEGORY IS +20% VS. LAST YEAR*

4 SIGNATURE FLAVORS: Strawberry Dragonfruit Lemonade Mango Pineapple Kiwi Watermelon K Peach Passion Fruit Lemonade MANUFACTURED BY THE JEL SERT CO. WEST CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60186, USA. www.jelsert.com DUNKIN’ is a trademark of DD IP Holder LLC, used under license. © 2026 DD IP Holder LLC. SINGLES TO GO! is a trademark of The Jel Sert Company and used with permission. *Source: NielsenIQ Total US XAOC+, Costco Model, Stackline/Amazon 52 Weeks Ending 8/23/25

SOLUTIONS

Functional Beverages Jel Sert is working with retailers to help build functional assortments within categories like powdered drink mixes – which Circana reports are making significant inroads in category share – that deliver real benefits at fair price points. “That allows retailers to serve a broad shopper base, including value-oriented households, while still tapping into trends like hydration, energy and wellness,” Wegner explains.

Mushroom-based coffee Ryze, which addresses multiple functional needs, has gone national via Target stores.

Reaching Out

They’re all in on hydration at Más+ by Messi, founded with soccer icon Lionel Messi and launched in 2024. A Progressive Grocer Editors’ Pick in 2025, the beverage promises a balanced blend of electrolytes with natural flavors and no artificial sweeteners or colors, plus vitamins and minerals, at just 10 calories per 16.9-ounce bottle. This past summer, the brand added Greatest Grape to its flavor lineup that also includes Miami Punch, Limón Lime League, Berry Copa Crush and Orange d’Or. “There is a clear desire for reimagined flavors that meet the needs of today’s consumer,” says Rishi Daing, EVP of Chicago-based Más+ Next Generation Beverage Co. “Más+ by Messi is raising the bar with Greatest Grape, offering great-tasting hydration that stands out in a packed category.

We look forward to seeing how fans react to this new, nostalgic flavor.”

—Gavin Wegner, The Jel Sert Co. Más+ by Messi recently expanded distribution nationwide with availability in major retailers like Walmart, Albertsons, Safeway and Dick’s Sporting Goods, plus online at Amazon and masbymessi.com.

Meanwhile, Target is the target of the first national retail launch of Ryze, a mushroom-based coffee beverage formulated to help boost energy, support mental clarity and promote digestive wellness. All Ryze products, including three Target-exclusive latte drinks, boast the brand’s signature “SUPER6” organic mushroom blend: lion’s mane, Cordyceps, reishi, turkey tail, shiitake and king trumpet.

Ryze’s core items include Mushroom Coffee Bags in Dark Roast and Medium Roast, and the brand’s new single-serve Mushroom Coffee Sticks in Dark Roast, in addition to the Target-exclusive Medium Roast.

“Consumers are becoming much more intentional about what they drink, looking for options that support energy and wellness without compromising on taste,” says Andrée Werner, Ryze co-founder. “Target allows us to meet that demand at scale and bring our approach to coffee to an entirely new audience.”

Ryze products are vegan and gluten-free, contain organic ingredients, have zero added sugar, and are sustainably grown in the United States.

Further illustrating the strength and reach of the functional beverage category, Boca Raton, Fla.based Celsius Holdings

“The brands and retailers that win will be the ones that balance innovation with accessibility, and benefits with flavor and realistic pricing.”

Acquired from PepsiCo, Rockstar Energy has joined the Celsius stable of functional beverages.

28 progressivegrocer.com

Inc. – maker of energy drink Celsius, along with Celsius Hydration and health-andwellness brand Alani Nu – struck a deal last summer to move its products into the PepsiCo distribution system in the United States and Canada. Additionally, Celsius acquired the Rockstar Energy brand from the beverage giant.

The core Celsius line bills itself as a “better-for-you, zero-sugar alternative to traditional energy drinks” that purports to provide essential energy, accelerate metabolism and help burn body fat.

Its recent moves give Celsius “a total energy portfolio approach that appeals to a broader range of consumers with varied tastes and lifestyles,” the company notes.

“Together, we will reach more people, in more places, more often, [by offering] options for every consumer,” says John Fieldly, chairman and CEO of Celsius Holdings.

Products That Do More

Observers generally agree that functional beverages are no longer a niche category.

“They’re becoming part of everyday consumption,” Jel Sert’s Wegner asserts.

“The brands and retailers that win will be the ones that balance innovation with accessibility, and benefits with flavor and realistic pricing.”

Wegner anticipates continued consolidation of all-in-one beverages as the category moves away from single-benefit offerings toward products that deliver multiple benefits at once. “Consumers want the products they buy to do more,” he says. “They also want convenience while still demanding clean labels, great flavor and fair pricing. Single-benefit products will continue to have a role on the shelf, but the growth is clearly shifting toward beverages that simplify decision-making and fit into everyday routines.”

Honor the Next Generation of Grocery Leaders Progressive Grocer is accepting nominations for the 2026 GenNext Awards, which recognize emerging leaders, innovators and changemakers (under age 40) in the food retail ecosystem.

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BY APRIL 13, 2026

SOLUTIONS

Grilling Forecast

Stretching the Barbecue Budget VEGGIES ARE MAKING INROADS AS GRILLING CONSUMERS SE T SPENDING PRIORITIES AND LOOK BE YOND TR ADITIONAL PROTEINS.

F

By Jim Dudlicek

or retailers like Natural Grocers, grilling season is an opportunity to engage with shoppers, leverage vendor relationships to drive sales, and boost traffic by appealing to multiple purchase motivators.

Since 2021, the Lakewood, Colo.-based organic and natural grocery chain has hosted its successful annual Art of Grilling event. Held in June, the three-day event includes savings on related products, seasonal grilling recipes and a grill giveaway.

“Grilling and outdoor cooking play a meaningful role in our seasonal sales, but our approach is always customer driven,” says Katie Macarelli, director of public relations at Natural Grocers.

“We listen closely to our shoppers, and our store teams keep us informed about what’s resonating. Instead of prioritizing product promotion, we emphasize engaging and educational campaigns designed to foster meaningful connections with both customers and vendors. This strategy consistently supports our seasonal sales.”

Expectations are positive for the 2026 grilling season, with consumers likely to follow the shopping behaviors they’ve adopted as inflation has driven up grocery prices, especially in the meat department.

“Overall, grilling was strained in 2025, but typical seasonality was evident,” notes Sally Lyons Wyatt, global EVP and chief advisor for consumer goods and foodservice insights at Chicagobased Circana. “This does not show up in meat sales but [in] the complementary products like center store hamburger and hot dog buns, and relish. Grill purchasing was down as well.”

Despite high beef prices, the category realized growth in 2025, Wyatt observes. “The only meat segments that saw negative unit trends were ribeye and beef brisket,” she says.

Natural Grocers drives engagement with its annual Art of Grilling events.

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Hormel is seeing demand for less costly meats like pork, while veggies make more inroads into grilling.

“Our view is that we won’t see declines in 2026 if trends hold.”

Wyatt points out that pork “has some good room for growth, as it’s lower-priced. However, we expect chicken and beef to see positive growth as well.”

As for complementary categories, Wyatt sees positive unit sales in several areas, including cheese, potatoes, spices and baking ingredients, and premixed cocktails, coolers and hard seltzers. “All of these can help make great grilling experiences in 2026,” she says.

Striving for Balance

Macarelli notes that Natural Grocers’ own “Trends for 2026” report features several trends applicable to grilling, among them organics such as produce, grassfed beef and free-range chicken; eating on a budget, including more meals at home; and high-quality carbs like fiber-rich vegetables.

Veggies are certainly top of mind at Giorgio Fresh.

“It’s no longer just about protein on a flame,” says Bryan Shelton, VP of sales and marketing at the Blandon, Pa.-based mushroom grower. “Consumers

Key Takeaways  The grilling category is enjoying growth despite the rising cost of meat, with many consumers buying “less but better,” choosing premium cuts alongside other budget-friendly options.  A growing number of flexitarian and plantforward consumers see grilled vegetables as a centerpiece, not a side.  Retailers should seek opportunities in strategic cross-category merchandising to drive sales.

SOLUTIONS

Grilling Forecast are treating the grill as an extension of the kitchen. That shift is being driven by a few key trends: a stronger focus on freshness and seasonality, global flavor exploration, and a desire for lighter, more balanced meals. Fresh produce fits naturally into that equation.”

Giorgio’s Grill Packs feature fresh sliced mushrooms in three flavors: Steak Seasoning, Smokey Honey Habanero and Giorgio Fresh’s Grill Packs make it easier to enjoy fresh produce on the grill.

Brown Sugar Bourbon. The packs can be cooked directly on the grill or in the oven using the included aluminum tray.

“Convenience and inspiration are shaping the category more than ever.

Shoppers want products that feel elevated but are easy to execute — preprepped, pre-seasoned or clearly merchandised for a specific grilling occasion,” Shelton says. “Consumers are also more label-conscious, looking for clean ingredients and recognizable components.”

Shelton sees significant potential for produce in the grilling space. “There’s room to expand in areas like globally inspired vegetable blends, premium cuts or formats, bold marinades, and value-added solutions that remove prep work for the consumer,” he notes.

“For many consumers, vegetables enhance the grilling experience by adding variety, balance and flavor contrast alongside meat,” Shelton adds. “At the same time, there’s a growing group of flexitarian and plant-forward consumers who see grilled vegetables as a centerpiece, not a side. There’s also an opportunity to better educate shoppers on how vegetables can perform on the grill, through packaging, merchandising and content.”

Adding the Sizzle

Meanwhile, Austin, Minn.-based Hormel Foods is looking to stretch grilling themes across the store, uniting them with a perennial favorite.

“We’re leaning into seasonal merchandising and cross-category pairings — think bacon showcased alongside fresh produce, buns and condiments,” says Brand Manager Erinn Aulfinger, noting that Hormel’s Black Label brand bacon

“It’s no longer just about protein on a flame.

Consumers are treating the grill as an extension of the kitchen. That shift is being driven by a few key trends: a stronger focus on freshness and seasonality, global flavor exploration, and a desire for lighter, more balanced meals. Fresh produce fits naturally into that equation.”

—Bryan Shelton, Giorgio Fresh will be a key element of its grilling initiatives. “Eye-catching displays and recipe inspiration help shoppers see bacon as a grilling essential, not just a breakfast staple.

It’s about creating easy solutions that drive basket size and excitement. ... Fully cooked bacon gives shoppers an easy, no-mess bacon option without turning on the oven.”

According to Aulfinger, secondary placements near meat and produce are key, paired with bold visuals and quick recipe ideas. “Leveraging content and partnerships to showcase hacks for grilling helps inspire creativity,” she says. “Grilling season is all about bold flavors, versatility and shareable experiences. Consumers want premium ingredients that elevate the backyard cookout, and bacon delivers, whether it’s wrapped around veggies [or] layered on burgers ... Ultimately, bacon taps into trends around convenience and customization.”

Beyond bacon, Hormel Brand Manager Hailey Tranchitella notes that consumers are increasingly seeking convenient, flavorful, cost-effective meal solutions. “There’s a rising interest in value-added products, like pre-seasoned, marinated or ready-to-cook pork, which helps consumers cut down on prep time while still enjoying bold, exciting flavors,” Tranchitella says.

Hormel touts its fully cooked bacon as a convenient way to customize the grilling experience.

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SOLUTIONS

Grilling Forecast “We’re leaning into seasonal merchandising and cross-category pairings — think bacon showcased alongside fresh produce, buns and condiments. Eye-catching displays and recipe inspiration help shoppers see bacon as a grilling essential, not just a breakfast staple.”

—Erinn Aulfinger, Hormel Foods

Bakery Gets “Swicy”

As a complementary category, bakery enjoys uplift when sales surge for grilling season. Therefore, suppliers of buns, breads and other baked goods are making sure their products stay on trend as well.

“Savory-sweet hybrids have been popular for a good while, and that’s an exciting trend for brioche – and grilling season,” affirms Kayleigh Swift, U.S. brand manager for Manchester, U.K.-based St Pierre Bakery, owned by Grupo Bimbo. “By its very nature, brioche is slightly sweeter because it’s made with an enriched dough.

That’s why it works so well with savory recipes for contrast and why our Brioche Burger Buns are our best-seller.”

Swift points to the rise of “swicy,” or sweet-and-spicy flavor combinations, as one to watch for grilling. “It’s so well suited to brioche buns that deliver a little extra kick of flavor,” she notes.

“We are launching a limited-edition St Pierre Spicy Brioche Bun for grilling season this year, which will drive excitement in bakery, meet consumer trends and drive incremental sales for the sector.”

Grilling creates “together time,” Swift says, and shoppers will be looking for ways to give these occasions a boost. “Premium bakery is a simple way to upgrade your grilling occasion without having to spend significantly more, which is why retailers need to consider their bakery offering as part of grilling season displays,” she adds.

To that end, St Pierre offers innovative merchandising solutions, which aid sales in several ways, Swift explains. “The first is to act as a trip trigger into the in-store bakery, where consumers head for inspiration,” she says. “Our Eiffel Tower [displays] have been proven St Pierre Bakery’s Spicy Brioche Buns aim to drive excitement and leverage a complementary category for grilling sales.

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What Trends Will Define Grilling in 2026?

S

teven Raichlen, the James Beard Award-winning culinary writer and creator of public television’s “Barbecue University,” recently shared his thoughts about trends that will define grilling in 2026.

Here are some of Raichlen’s predictions:  Less expensive cuts of meat: More budget-friendly choices like flank, sirloin and flatiron, as well as beef alternatives like pork shoulder steaks and tenderloins. Additionally, brisket will make way for “trisket,” or tri-tip, cut from the bottom sirloin.  Frozen meat: Raichlen says that it’s lost its stigma, since Japanese wagyu and other prime cuts often come frozen.  Cabbage: Replacing cauliflower and Brussels sprouts as the “in” veggie, cabbage can be grilled as wedges or roasted whole.  Nuoc mam: This Southeast Asian fish sauce offers an umami punch to replace soy sauce in marinades, sauces, dips and dressings.  New cookers: The Santa Maria grill offers a pulley-driven system to raise and lower the cooking grate for better heat control. Braseros are grills that double as griddles, allowing cooks to prepare eggs, pancakes and fish fillets.

Source: BarbecueBible.com

to increase sales, providing in-store theater and a customer experience that continues at home.”

Swift continues: “We also provide smaller merchandising solutions that will allow retailers to take these principles to other parts of the store, including racks, table toppers and knee knockers, to ensure our brand is able to drive sales for retailers across the store.

Grilling season is the perfect opportunity for retailers to cross-merchandise and increase basket spend in other key areas such as meats and cheeses.”

Noting the move back toward hosting and gathering, Swift expects the 2026 grilling season to surpass those of the previous five years.

“The products that do best are the ones that consumers immediately understand how to use, and we work hard to communicate the versatility of our brioche core range year-round,” she says. “Grilling season is obviously a key period for the St Pierre brand and, across our range, we see a 75% uplift in velocity over the traditional grilling period. We’re excited to capture new shoppers with our limited-edition Spicy Brioche

Bun this year and drive sales across bakery for our retail partners” (For more about St Pierre, check out “The Greatest Things Beyond Sliced Bread,” starting on page 36).

Exotic Options

Grocers looking to up their protein game might take a cue from purveyors like Meat N’ Bone, a Miami-based online butcher aiming to boost home access to restaurant-quality meats.

“We’re seeing grilling evolve well beyond burgers and hot dogs — it’s truly becoming a culinary lifestyle,” asserts Gabriel Llaurado, Meat N’ Bone co-founder and CMO. “There’s also a broader embrace of global flavors, from Korean bulgogi marinades to Caribbean jerk, and even grilled desserts or plant-forward items. These trends are expanding what ‘barbecue’ means.”

This past year, Meat N’ Bone rolled out sausages in varieties like Elk with Red Wine and Argentinian-style Chorizo, alongside its Australian Wagyu burgers, bonein ribeyes and tomahawks, chimichurri-marinated flank steaks, and seafood grill kits.

Llaurado notes that consumers are shifting their value focus. “Instead of mass-market cuts, many are choosing fewer but better cuts, investing in higher-quality beef, pork or poultry,” he says. “We’ve also seen shoppers incorporating more chicken [and] heritage

Consumers are incorporating more vegetables into their grilling recipes.

pork, or boldly seasoning and serving smaller portions of premium beef alongside big sides and salads. These shifts show consumers are prioritizing experience and flavor over simply chasing the lowest price.”

Grocers should be ready to leverage these trends to maximize sales during the upcoming grilling season.

At Natural Grocers, Macarelli says that the retailer plans to continue its annual grilling promotion, noting that the event is already on its national calendar for 2026.

Suppliers like Giorgio Fresh are also optimistic for the year ahead. “We expect the category to be more diversified, with a stronger mix of proteins, vegetables and hybrid solutions,” Shelton predicts. “We’ll see continued premiumization, more health-forward options and better integration between fresh departments.”

The biggest opportunity, he asserts, lies in cross-category collaboration: “When produce, meat and flavor solutions work together, the consumer wins. Grilling is one of the few occasions where shoppers are open to experimentation. Brands and retailers should lean into that mindset and treat vegetables as heroes, not afterthoughts.”

PROGRESSIVE GROCER Januar y/Februar y 2026

35

FRESH FOOD

Bakery

The Greatest Things Beyond Sliced Bread INNOVATION, ALONG WITH NE W T WISTS AND FL AVORS, ARE DRIVING PERIME TER BAKERY DEPARTMENTS.

B

By Debby Garbato

read is the staff of life, as Leviticus 26:26 tells us, making bakery a key perimeter department in many grocery stores.

Sales are being driven by longtime favorites, new twists and flavors for traditional items, and an inflation-driven consumer need to cut spending in cafés, restaurants and delis.

For the 52 weeks ended Nov. 3, 2025, perimeter bakery sales grew by a modest 2.4% to $22.08 billion, according to the Madison, Wis.-based International Dairy, Deli & Bakery Association (IDDBA) and Circana, a market research firm based in Chicago.

“We see the biggest growth in Croissants experienced the most growth, at 9%, with sales convenient, ready-to-eat baked hitting $1.1 billion, followed by goods that can be enjoyed across muffins, up 7.6% to $1.7 billion, multiple occasions without and breads, up 2.6% to $1.8 breaking the bank. Consumers billion. By contrast, center store want products that require no bakery sales fell by 1.6% to $26.8 billion. prep but still feel homemade, “People are going more indulgent and shareable. They towards fresh perimeter departenjoy familiar formats with ments,” affirms Heather Prach, innovative flavor additions.”

VP of education and industry relations at IDDBA. “Consumer —Nancy McKearney, Bakehouse Bread perception is that prices are really high [due to inflation]. Fewer people are going out to eat or to the deli for breakfast. More are going to grocery stores for quick items like bagels, muffins and croissants. Sandwiches are also growing, since making sandwiches at home is a good value.”

With fewer restaurant visits, consumers may trade up their supermarket purchases “when bigger-ticket treats feel out of reach,” notes Kayleigh Swift, U.S. brand manager for Manchester, U.K.-based St Pierre Bakery, owned by Grupo Bimbo. “That’s good news for bakery, where an affordable indulgence ... delivers real value. Younger demographics are driving this. They’re adventurous, globally influenced and open to trying new flavors.”

Speaking of which, flavor diversity is where it’s at, allowing retailers to foster growth across dayparts and cater to personal preferences. “We see the biggest growth in convenient, ready-to-eat baked goods that can be enjoyed across multiple occasions without breaking the bank,” says Nancy McKearney, co-founder and president of Bakehouse Bread, in Tucson, Ariz. “Consumers

36 progressivegrocer.com

Younger adults are more frequent buyers of Gonnella’s artisanal breads.

want products that require no prep but still feel homemade, indulgent and shareable.

They enjoy familiar formats with innovative flavor additions. We’ve seen strong interest in creative loaf flavors that elevate classic bread, from seasonal spice blends to mixins like chocolate chips or fruit.”

Les Croissants

Croissant sales have been steadily growing, driven by more variations in flavors and shapes. Croissants have also become popular for use in everything from sandwiches to pot pie toppings and appetizers.

This makes them suitable for all dayparts.

“They’ve been on fire for some time,” observes Prach. “There’s more variety. I’ve seen square and flat croissants, and even savory croissants.”

Key Takeaways  Croissant sales have been steadily growing, driven by more variations in flavors and shapes.  Sandwich bread, including brioche and sourdough, is another strong segment.  Artisan innovation and ethnic influences are having an influence on the bread category.

THINKING OUTSIDE THE AISLE Taste new trends in deli-prepared, bakery, and more!

IDDBA 2026 will offer new and enhanced experiences that inspire discovery, collaboration, and fresh thinking across dairy, deli, and bakery.

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FRESH FOOD

Bakery

St Pierre’s wide range of

Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix offerings include brioche Super Market’s offerings include pretzel rolls, which combine traditional, chocolate and savory and sweet flavors. pumpkin croissants. In January, these were joined by cherry she adds. “Mixing textures is vanilla. “Some people see them another trend we expect to see as dessert, some see them as more of.” savory,” says Lindsey Willis, media relations manager, “so we’re Going Sour doing both.”

Sourdough has become Sandwich bread, including popular due to its unique taste brioche and sourdough, is and purported health benefits. another strong segment. St According to Puratos’ OctoPierre’s Swift credits growth to ber 2025 report, “The Hottest shoppers’ interest in highBakery Trends for 2026,” 58% er-quality products, along of consumers believe sour“Sandwich bread has been a key place with the inflation-driven trend dough makes bread healthier, of “brown-bagging” lunch. with 70% saying it enhances where [consumers are] trading up.

“Sandwich bread has been a Brioche in particular delivers versatility, flavor. It is said to help with gut key place where they’re trading health benefits, lowering the premium taste and consistent up,” she adds. “Brioche in glycemic index and enhancperformance across sandwiches, particular delivers versatility, ing nutrient absorption. Areas premium taste and consistent of growth include sourdough burgers and breakfast.” performance across sandwichfocaccia (up 141%), cinnamon —Kayleigh Swift, St Pierre Bakery es, burgers and breakfast.” raisin sourdough (up 115%) and According to Willis, brioche is sourdoughnuts (up 172%). consumed year-round and is popular for everything from backyard At Publix, sourdough is coming on strong. cookouts to weekend sliders and breakfast sandwiches. “It brings “Sourdough continues to be one of the biggest trends a touch of richness and softness,” she notes. “The buttery flavor in bakery, fueled by customers looking for breads with and tender crumb make brioche hamburger buns an easy way to character, flavor complexity, a hearty bite and that elevate everyday meals artisanal feel,” says Willis. “We’re seeing shoppers with a little extra comfort bring sourdough into more moments of their daily and culinary flair.” Publix routines, whether it’s building better-for-you lunchtime will soon introduce sandwiches, pairing it with soups and pastas during flavored brioche breads cooler months, or using it as a centerpiece for weekend that “add more fun and brunch boards and entertaining.” creativity.”

Publix has expanded its sourdough lineup with new Brioche also addresses flavors and formats, including bake-at-home options the trend toward combining that give people the warmth, aroma and texture of savory and sweet flavors. fresh-from-the-oven sourdough without the time or “By nature, brioche is prep work, adds Willis. Products include the new demi slightly sweeter because it’s baguette. The grocer has also added sourdough items made with enriched dough,” to its proprietary GreenWise organic line. These include explains Swift. “That’s why Bake-at-home 7-Grain & Seed as well as ready-to-eat it works so well with savory breads in multigrain and seeded formats. recipes for contrast.” St Pierre’s offerings include Artisan and Specialty Breads brioche burger buns and Artisanal breads have experienced almost flat brioche pretzel rolls. The performance, with sales for the latest 52 weeks dipping latter combines savory and 0.7% to about $616 million, according to FMI – The sweet flavors with sesame Food Association’s report, “The Power of Foodservice seeds for “added texture,” at Retail 2025.” Swift believes that the shift reflects a period of “normalization” following rapid pandemic-era growth. “During the pandemic, consumers gravitated towards indulgent and ‘scratch’ experiences, which Publix’s sourdough offerings include drove huge uplifts in artisanal styles,” she notes. “We’ve bake-at-home products that are both slowly returned to everyday eating patterns. Demand fresh from the oven and convenient.

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Bakehouse Bread specializes in sweet breads, including the varieties shown above.

Gonnella is reimagining its breads, which includes offering brioche in assorted flavors.

Regardless of what has shifted towards formats that balance traditional, authentic breads that today’s shopquality with convenience and consistenpers want.” products are popular cy” (For more about St Pierre, check out Gonnella also offers smaller-sized French at any given moment, “Stretching the Barbecue Budget,” starting rolls and mini rolls that “meet consumer bread will continue on page 30). demand for freshness, portion control and minBut artisanal breads are being reimagined. to be a fundamental imizing food waste,” says Marcucci. “They’re At Gonnella Baking Co., in Schaumburg, Ill., also perfect for smaller households. The size and essential food. It’s ciabatta is offered in whole wheat versions of U.S. households has declined significantly a core category that and with infused flavors like garlic and since the 1940s – 3.7 people – to about 2.5.” retailers can always rosemary. Brioche is receiving unique flavor Ethnic influences are also affecting bakery. rely on. twists as well, and there are also sourdough Gonnella’s products include bolillo (Mexico), starters. “Sourdough continues to shine with telera (Mexico) and Cuban bread. According its robust flavor and chewy texture, while multigrain and nine grain to Chicago-based Datassential, 45% of people are add nutrition and texture,” says Kristen Marcucci, channel marinterested in global brands. “Consumers are hungry for keting manager. Most Gonnella products are plant-based, vegan more ways to enjoy foods from around the globe and friendly and clean label. are exploring bold flavors and spicier foods,” affirms Marcucci notes that Gen Z and Millennials are “more regular” Marcucci. purchasers of artisanal and specialty brands from in-store bakeries The trend has been elevated by the melding of ethnic than Gen X or Boomers. “These key shopper segments place value food influences with mainstream recipes. “Global flavor in our handcrafted profiles inspire creativity,” asserts artisanal process,” McKearney. “Subtle ethnic influencshe adds. “Our es allow brands to introduce variety French, Italian, while maintaining broad appeal.”

Vienna breads, Bakehouse specializes in sweet baguettes, ciabatta breads. While banana and zucchini and pretzel rolls, breads are top sellers, Bakehouse’s along with our parsweet breads also come in varieties baked focaccia, hit like hummingbird and pineapple on the premium, coconut.

Regardless of what products are popular at any given moment, bread will continue to be a fundaPublix’s GreenWise mental and essential food. It’s a core organic assortment category that retailers can always includes demi rely on. baguettes.

PROGRESSIVE GROCER Januar y/Februar y 2026

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ANALYSIS

Location Intelligence

Taking the Biggest Grocery Lessons From 2025 Into the New Year PL ACER.AI CMO E THAN CHERNOFSK Y DE TAILS THE INDUSTRY’S STRENGTH AND HOW FOOD RE TAILERS CAN MA XIMIZE VISITS IN 2026.

A

By Emily Crowe

s we kick off the new year, Ethan Chernofsky, chief marketing officer at location intelligence firm Placer.ai, is taking a deep dive into the biggest lessons from grocery retail traffic in 2025, as well as how those lessons will shape the industry in 2026.

Progressive Grocer: How did monthly grocery visits shape up in 2025, and how do those numbers translate to the current strength

of brick-and-mortar food retail?

Ethan Chernofsky: On average, monthly visits in the grocery sector were up 3.2% in 2025 when compared to the year prior. This is an impressive achievement for any segment but takes on all the more importance when we provide some added context. When we zoom out to compare 2025 monthly visits to 2019 – our last full pre-pandemic year – we see that average monthly visit comparison jumps to 14.4%. This isn’t just a minor shift; it’s an ongoing period of consistent growth where a core segment sees its value increase across the board.

But why the consistent growth? The pandemic led to some fairly significant changes in consumer behavior, but most of these normalized within a year or two of the retail recovery. Yet grocery’s transition to strength hasn’t waned since the pandemic.

Behaviors might have shifted, and certain tailwinds or headwinds might restrain or buoy different chains, but the overall picture is one of strength. This is a critical takeaway for a segment that had been pressured by new players in the sector and intense competition over overall share of wallet. The resulting conclusion is that while grocery needs to continue to evolve, this process of change is coming from a position of strength that should enable leaders in the sector to really lean into the unique benefits and strengths they bring to market.

PG: How have shopper visits changed over the past year, and what does that mean for grocers moving forward?

EC: Grocery visits are up, but the magnitude of each visit has declined. There has been a rise in cross-shopping as consumers seek out the product, experience or value they’re looking for while sacrificing convenience

40 progressivegrocer.com

with the addition of more trips. Visit durations have been down as well, and while these trends had been in place already in years prior, the continuation and solidification of these shifts tell us something very important about grocery’s near-term future – it will center around maximizing the dollars that can be generated on each visit.

Yes, grabbing the visit is still very, very important, but evolving to better maximize the trip will be what separates top performers.

PG: How else can grocers maximize those visits to encourage both spend and loyalty?

EC: In this scenario where visits are slightly easier to come by, but basket size becomes the area of attention, expect the focus of strategic innovation to center around maximizing the dollars per visit.

This will likely play out along multiple vectors, but the end goal will remain the same – look to improve the impact of each visit.

In grocery, this will be shaped by pushes into secondary offerings that drive increased revenue from the visits. Concepts like prepared foods, pharmacy and even dining elements like H-E-B’s True Texas BBQ will continue to take center stage. It will also put added weight behind concepts like retail media networks – especially the in-store application – as retailers look to take advantage of their massive reach. But even concepts like supply chain optimization and loyalty improvements that improve the likelihood of having the right products in the right stores, and consumers being properly incentivized to buy them during that visit, will give grocery players added strength with customers increasingly willing to cope with inconvenience in order to get the product and/or experience they are looking for.

PG: How do you expect grocery competition to evolve in the coming year?

EC: Whether it be value-oriented grocers, specialty players or those that emphasize fresh-format concepts, the growth in these specialized segments has outpaced all-in-one players. While this shouldn’t diminish the growth seen for some of the traditional grocery leaders, it does emphasize how the competition in this sector is likely to evolve. Traditional grocers that are looking to maximize the overall “share of grocery” list are going to need to double down on service, experience and extras in order to push back against those players that can specialize – whether around product, experience or price.

This is especially true in an environment where consumers are willing to make more visits and are less oriented toward the convenience that comes with fewer overall trips. Critically, we’ve already seen significant shifts in this balance over the last few years as consumers have gone from mission-driven shopping to a pattern today where the pursuit of the ideal product, price or experience drives more overall visits within the grocery category.

For more location intelligence insights, visit Placer.ai’s The Anchor at https://www.placer.ai/anchor.

“Traditional grocers that are looking to maximize the overall ‘share of grocery’ list are going to need to double down on service, experience and extras in order to push back against those players that can specialize – whether around product, experience or price.”

—Ethan Chernofsky, Chief Marketing Officer, Placer.ai

Januar y/Februar y 2026

41

TECHNOLOGY

Retail Automation Report Amazon is rolling out the latest version of its Dash Cart onboard scan-and-pay system at Whole Foods Market.

Store-Wide Solutions AUTOMATION IS INCRE ASINGLY TAKING CENTER STAGE IN THE GROCERY CHANNEL.

R

By Mike Duff

etail automation is having an ever-bigger impact on grocers and their customers, who are seeing more of it in their everyday shopping, and it will continue enhancing consumer experiences in ways that are visible and ways that aren’t.

Whole Foods Market is a case in point. Its parent company, Seattlebased Amazon, is rolling out a new generation of its scan-and-pay-as-you-go Dash Carts at select Whole Foods stores. An earlier generation had been in use at the soon-to-be shuttered Amazon Fresh chain, giving shoppers an alternative to more traditional and Just Walk Out checkout options.

The latest Dash Carts incorporate features designed to make using the onboard interface easier and more attractive for shoppers.

An Amazon representative points to a company assessment of how the latest Dash Cart can improve the shopping experience, with, for one thing, a new built-in screen that displays prices and also maintains a running total as customers

42 progressivegrocer.com

shop, helping them stick to budgets. It also features Alexa shopping list integration so shoppers can easily add items to their shopping lists at home or on the go.

This Dash Cart can help customers navigate the store, by referencing an interactive map, and get personalized deals on nearby products as they move around the sales floor.

The redesigned Dash Cart scanner is more responsive and prominently positioned right next to the screen, Amazon notes, making it easier and faster for shoppers to add items to their carts. A built-in scale allows shoppers to weigh fruits and vegetables as they go. The basket on the latest Dash Cart model is 40% larger but 25% lighter, making big shopping trips easier. When they’re finished, shoppers can simply roll through a designated Dash Cart lane that automatically processes payments.

At Work

When grocers consider retail automation, the focus may be what it can do, but Marshal Cohen, chief retail industry advisor at Chicago-based market research firm Circana, says that the technology’s efficacy is already evident in the market.

“So far, it has shown up as a cost benefit with less out-of-stocks and less commitment to product projections that are over- or underestimates,” Cohen notes.

“Running more efficient inventory can grow revenue by 2% to 3%. Minimizing shrink through automated checkout can help the bottom line by up to 4% to 5%.”

Scott Benedict, founder and CEO of Bentonville, Ark.-based consultancy Benedict Enterprises and a former senior manager at Walmart, has witnessed retail automation’s advance. According to Benedict, as it has become integrated into operations, retail automation has helped retailers restructure and upgrade their business processes, including in the development of unified-commerce operational structures.

“I do think we’ve crossed an important tipping point where retail automation is no longer primarily about labor substitution or novelty, but about operating viability in an environment of sustained margin pressure, rising service expectations and channel complexity,” he says. “What

Customer-facing retail automation is becoming more refined to make shopping easier and more satisfying.

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TECHNOLOGY

Retail Automation Report Walmart is rolling out ESLs to reduce labor and make price changes and promos easier to execute.

we’re seeing now is a shift from point solutions to connected systems, whether that’s ESLs tied to pricing and promotions, RFID feeding real-time inventory accuracy, computer vision supporting on-shelf availability, or smart carts integrating basket building and media. The strategic value comes from how these tools work together to support unified commerce.”

global manufacturer of commercial refrigeration equipment. “Hussmann is focused on ESLs for promotion execution and pricing integrity, plug-and-play case-temperature monitoring for food safety, and predictive maintenance solutions that connect equipment performance to actionable insights from StoreConnect,” a cloudbased platform that continuously monitors refrigeration

On the Shelf

“Retail automation is evolving Electronic shelf labels (ESLs) are becoming a bigger part of retail automation. from back-office optimization to For instance, Bentonville-based Walmart real-time orchestration of the full has been rolling out ESLs in stores. A compain-store journey.” ny representative explains that the ESL introduction began in 2024, adding that Walmart —Cristina Rodrigues, Vusion anticipates their reaching “all stores in the next systems for leaks.

12 months.”

Among the advantages of ESLs, Henseler notes, is that they Walmart is using ESLs and other retail automation to “eliminate thousands of manual price changes weekly, allowing simplify work for associates and create more consistent associates to focus on customers and higher-value tasks while experiences for customers. The innovation reduces prioritizing price accuracy.” manual work for workers, “enabling more time to be Further, he observes: “Automated case-temperature monitoring spent serving customers,” the representative notes. removes manual checks — and logging/auditing — saving labor At a Grapevine, Texas, Walmart supercenter, which while improving compliance. StoreConnect reduces emergency the company renovated to install and test new features service calls, giving teams back time previously spent handling and capabilities, Walmart trialed its ESLs. In a blog equipment issues or de-merchandising cases.” post, Daniela Boscan, then food and consumable team lead for the store, characterized the automated devices as shifting how employees “manage pricing, inventory, Reducing Friction order fulfillment and customer interactions, ensuring our With customer-facing retail technology, consumers have become customers enjoy an even better shopping experience.” more accepting of automation, especially in those cases where it The ESLs free employees to help shoppers, as assoreduces friction, says Cristina Rodrigues, VP marketing, Americas ciates can update prices through a mobile app rather for Nanterre, France-based Vusion, a management platform for than walk the store changing paper tags.

ESLs and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

“Retail automation is shifting toward labor efficien“In recent surveys, a strong majority of consumers say they cy and better utilizing the data retailers have,” says actively use, or are interested in using, in-store automation and Patrick Henseler, marketing manager, retail services are comfortable with automated checkouts when they deliver at Bridgeton, Mo.-based Hussmann Corp., a leading faster, more convenient trips,” Rodrigues observes. “Adoption of self-checkout has reached ‘mature’ levels for many retailers, Retail automation has evolved to be able to weigh and and shoppers increasingly expect options like scan and go, identify products to speed the checkout process. click-and-collect pickup, and digital shelf information, rather than seeing them as novelties. Retail automation is evolving from back-office optimization to real-time orchestration of the full in-store journey. Electronic shelf labels, computer vision and connected sensors now link every product and price to the cloud, so shelves, apps and media all reflect the same live data. This shift is turning physical stores into responsive, data-driven environments.”

The Modular Approach

Retail automation is also making a significant difference in supply chain operations. Derek Rickard, director of sales at Ulvila, Finland-based Cimcorp, a systems integrator and manufacturer of robotic material-handling systems, says that with experience, retailers have become deliberately strategic in their approach to automation.

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“They’re exploring solutions that can keep costs down while generating the strongest ROI,” Rickard notes, “and while they want to solve current challenges, they don’t want to get locked into a static system that can’t keep up with evolving demands down the road. With these requirements in mind, many companies are adopting modular automation. Modular solutions are made up of standardized, pre-engineered cells of automation, essentially automation building blocks. These building blocks can be configured and quickly integrated into virtually any facility layout, and retailers can start by automating areas where they’ll see the biggest impact.

Fresh food handling is a great example. In many DCs, fresh produce-handling operations are still largely manual. It’s cumbersome, physically demanding work, and it’s difficult to keep these areas staffed. Plus any mistakes or delays can lead to premature spoilage and waste. By automating these processes, retailers can ease labor demands, move fresh products faster through the facility and minimize losses from spoiled inventory.”

Retail automation as applied to the supply chain makes movement of goods more efficient and helps reduce errors.

Andres Avila, of Charlotte, N.C.-based Honeywell Productivity Solutions and Services, observes that most tech solutions have helped store employees scan, capture inventory and speed up checkout.

“Now we’re seeing AI and connected systems evolve to bring more convenience into the Store of the Future “When entering the era of Intelligent physical aisle, personalizing guidance According to Amit Acharya, and providing real-time product availRetail, the biggest change is that head of retail product for ability,” Avila says. “This completely self-checkout at Atlanta-based stores aren’t just automated. They transforms the shopping experience.

NCR Voyix, store operations As the store becomes easier to naviare becoming aware.” now benefit “from edge-engate, consumers can find items faster, —Matt Miles, Diebold Nixdorf abled agility and unified compare options, look for product systems that improve accuracy and reduce manual effort across availability and make decisions with more confidence. channels. Automated signals and intelligent sensing technologies Associates also become more effective on demand, enhance inventory reliability and streamline checkout by reducing helping them address customer needs quickly and acerrors and repetitive tasks. Digital pricing solutions allow entercurately while also providing more accurate outcomes.” prise-wide updates within minutes, reducing labor needs and minimizing pricing inconsistencies. Back-office modernization The Return standardizes forecasting, cash handling and daily operations, Because it evolves with retailers as they execute stratshifting routine tasks to centrally managed, automated workflows. egies, retail automation’s return on investment delivers Cloud-to-edge delivery ensures consistent updates and enables over time. lean teams to support larger store networks efficiently.”

“Retail automation ROI is typically achieved in Looking ahead, Yevgeni Tsirulnik, SVP, portfolio management at phases,” Tsirulnik explains. “Retailers often deploy Durham, N.C.-based Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, notes an automation platform first, and then prioritize the that retail automation is becoming more capable, so it isn’t just fastest-to-value use cases such as reducing checkout what it can do for a company and its customers now, but what it errors, shrink or manual interventions, to generate and will be able to do in the future. measure early results and returns. Those initial gains “Retail automation is evolving from rules-based systems into frequently help fund subsequent use cases as adopmore intelligent, real-time environments,” Tsirulnik says. “Instead of tion expands. Break-even timelines vary by applicasimply executing predefined workflows, automation can now intertion, but many automation investments deliver returns pret what is happening in the store and respond dynamically.” in as little as three months, with most falling within For his part, Matt Miles, director of North America retail, grocery an 18-month window. This phased approach allows at North Canton, Ohio-based Diebold Nixdorf, emphasizes that retail retailers to manage risk, demonstrate value quickly automation is shifting from being reactive to something that’s funcand compound returns over time.” tionally intelligent, a change that represents a point of demarcation.

The most obvious retail automation ROI revolves “When entering the era of Intelligent Retail, the biggest change around how retailers use time, but the value runs is that stores aren’t just automated,” he says. “They are becoming deeper. aware. Systems can see what is happening on the floor, predict “The real ROI isn’t point-in-time savings, but issues and fix them before shoppers feel friction. A line forms? compounded value over time: labor efficiency, margin Another lane opens automatically. A bin runs low? Staff get alerted protection, reduced shrink, lower risk and operational before it empties. A safety risk appears? Vision systems flag it stability,” Acharya says. “When automation runs on a instantly. Shoppers are increasingly comfortable with this because shared platform instead of disconnected tools, each the value is clear: faster trips, fewer interruptions, more control and capability builds upon each other and becomes cheapmore privacy-preserving options.” er and more valuable as it scales.”

PROGRESSIVE GROCER Januar y/Februar y 2026

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Now offering a complete portfolio of Low GWP refrigerant solutions including CO2, R-290 and A2Ls.

For over a century, Hussmann has been a global leader in commercial refrigeration, and we understand no two retailers are alike. We partner with you to determine what systems and merchandisers work best to help meet your merchandising and sustainability goals.

Contact your Hussmann representative today to explore regulatory compliant, Low GWP solutions that work for you.

ADVERTORIAL

NAVIGATING REFRIGERANTS:

How to Choose the Best Low-GWP Merchandisers

A

s new refrigerant regulations take effect, grocery retailers face important decisions about upgrading to more efficient, environmentally friendly systems.

With shifting requirements and evolving technologies, knowing where to start can be challenging. Progressive Grocer asked Ron Grabowski, Hussmann’s Refrigeration System Senior Product Leader, to highlight what’s changing, what to watch for in the year ahead, and the key considerations that will help you confidently choose the refrigeration solution that’s right for your business.

Progressive Grocer: What should grocery retailers prioritize next as the EPA’s refrigerant transition deadline approaches in 2026?

Ron Grabowski: The dynamics are very fluid as there is high likelihood September’s proposed Technology Transition reconsideration will move 2026 to a later date. Retailers really need to understand what their goals are with existing and new stores and where they see themselves in five years. The phasedown of HFC refrigerant production and consumption requirements will remain intact and HFC costs will continue to increase.

PG: There are three types of low-refrigerant GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants that retailers can choose to ensure their merchandisers will meet the EPA’s regulatory requirements. What are those options?

RG: CO2 (GWP: 1) and R-290 (GWP: 3) are classified as natural refrigerants. A2Ls R-454C (GWP: 148), and R-454A (GWP: 239) are refrigerant blends. All are compliant with AIM regulations and newer state regulations.

PG: A2Ls are the latest addition to the list of low-GWP refrigerant options for commercial refrigeration. What makes this new product an especially good one for retailers to consider?

RG: One of the best things about A2L systems is that they are the most similar to the A1 systems that retailers are used to. OEMs are commercializing equipment that meets the new UL 60335-2-89 product safety standard to accommodate A2Ls. This UL standard requires indoor systems and merchandisers to be built with enhanced leak sensors, mitigation, and coil protection. A2L equipment is similar to HFC systems, reducing service technician learning curve requirements for operating and maintaining.

PG: What are the first steps retailers can take to choosing the refrigerant that’s right for them?

RG: Understanding their short and long-term equipment and refrigerant strategy is the first step. Each refrigerant has pros and cons when it comes to costs, availability, installation, serviceability and maintenance. It is vital that retailers understand the trade-offs. A short-term (5 to 10 years) focus will drive more towards A2Ls; a long-term (10+ years) focus will drive more towards natural solutions. Hussmann has equipment to meet either direction they take.

Refrigerant Type

Best For

Pros

R-744/CO2; GWP = 1

Large remote systems

Higher efficiency in cooler climates; non-toxic & non-flammable; no expectation of future regulation

R-290/Propane; GWP = 3

Self-contained installs

Energy efficient in all climates; non-toxic; no expectation of future regulation; lower first cost for equipment

A2Ls (R-454A, R-454C); GWP = 239, 148

Remote systems

Widest operating temperature range; non-toxic; energy efficient in all climates; lower first cost for equipment

Explore the Low-GWP portfolio of solutions from Hussmann at https://www.hussmann.com/retail-sustainability.

EACH REFRIGERANT HAS PROS AND CONS WHEN IT COMES TO COSTS, AVAILABILITY, INSTALLATION, SERVICEABILITY AND MAINTENANCE. IT IS VITAL THAT RETAILERS UNDERSTAND THE TRADEOFFS. –Ron Grabowski FOR MORE INFORMATION, call 8005922060 or visit www.hussmann.com.

FEATURE

Consumer Insights Kroger recently expanded in-store video screens across nearly 600 wine and spirits departments, growing the category and customer satisfaction.

screens are co-located with merchandise and designed to deliver product education, recommendations and storytelling at the moment of choice. Early pilots showed measurable category lift and customer satisfaction, signaling that shoppers view relevant in-store media as helpful rather than distracting.

Making In-Store Media Measurable

How Retail Media is Quietly Reshaping the Grocery Store THE TECHNOLOGY IS BEING USED TO CONNECT CATEGORIES AND GUIDE BASKE TS.

F

By the Path to Purchase Institute or years, in-store retail media was often shorthand for digital screens. It was eye-catching, yes, but the screens were frequently treated as an add-on rather than a core part of the grocery experience.

That’s changing fast. Today, grocery retailers are no longer thinking about instore retail media as isolated placements.

Instead, they’re using it to shape shopper behavior in real time, influence decisions at the shelf, and connect trips and baskets more intelligently.

The result is a store environment that’s becoming programmable, measurable and increasingly experience-driven. Retail media is both expanding and evolving.

From Awareness to Action at the Shelf

The grocery aisle remains the most influential media environment brands can reach. According to research from Avery Dennison’s Vestcom, 72% of shoppers report making unplanned purchases based on in-store messaging, and in-store marketing is three times more likely than digital ads to influence new product trial.

This impact happens within what Vestcom describes as the shopper “decision belt” — the path from entry to aisle to end cap, where consideration turns into conversion. Retailers are responding by placing media directly where decisions happen.

Kroger’s recent expansion of in-store video screens across nearly 600 wine and spirits departments illustrates the shift. The

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What’s really accelerating in-store retail media is measurement. Albertsons Media Collective is addressing one of the channel’s longstanding challenges by applying matched-market models to instore media, allowing brands to measure sales and unit lift at the store level. By comparing performance in stores with and without media exposure — and accounting for dozens of variables — Albertsons is bringing a performance mindset long associated with digital retail media into the physical store.

Crucially, this framework isn’t just about post-campaign reporting. It enables near-real-time optimization, allowing retailers and brands to adjust creative, placement and messaging based on what’s resonating during the shopping trip itself.

That represents a fundamental shift as in-store media moves from acting as static signage operating on fixed schedules to a responsive environment.

Connecting Trips, Missions and Baskets

As grocers gain deeper insight into why shoppers are in the store — whether it’s a quick fill-in trip, a weekly stock-up or an entertaining occasion — in-store retail media is increasingly used to connect categories and guide baskets.

Albertsons, for example, has highlighted the role of in-store media in supporting cross-merchandising strategies that introduce complementary products aligned with trip missions. Done well, these moments help brands reach new-to-category buyers while enabling retailers to grow basket size and overall trip value.

More Than Screens

None of this means that screens don’t matter. Retailers such as Hy-Vee have embraced digital signage across aisles, service departments and frozen cases, using screens to promote owned brands, national brands and services like holiday meals and delivery, supported by closed-loop measurement.

But the bigger transformation underway is more about intent. Grocery retailers are redesigning the store as a living media environment where messaging adapts to shoppers, measurement informs strategy, and media serves both revenue and experience goals. For grocers and brands alike, there’s an opportunity to be useful at the moment that matters most.

Today’s Retail Is Complex.

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AHEAD OF WHAT’S NEXT

By Bridget Goldschmidt

Safe Harbor A SECURIT Y E XPERT E XPL AINS WHAT GROCERS CAN DO TO PROTECT THEIR ASSOCIATES, CUSTOMERS AND BUSINESSES FROM GUN VIOLENCE.

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Vincent Martinez offers advice to retailers on preventing gun violence in their stores.

o one likes to think about it, but gun violence associates in de-escalation tactics, as well can occur anywhere, including retail spaces as on such design choices as “well-lit parklike grocery stores. One of those counseling ing lots, clear sightlines, hardened entrancretailers on how they can deal with this risk es and clearly marked exits [that] all reduce is security expert and former Green Beret risk and buy time during an emergency.”

Vincent Martinez, who is currently director of service enhancement at Washington, D.C.People, Space and Tech based security software company ZeroEyes.

As for the role of technology in preventing Asked what makes retail locations particgun violence, he says that it “works best ular targets, Martinez explains: “Stores are when it supports fast decision-making. designed to be open and accessible, not hardened. They draw large crowds, Real-time alerts, panic buttons and internal bring together people from all walks of life, and rely on employees to enforce communication systems allow stores rules around payment, returns and theft. That combination creates friction. On to react immediately instead of piecing top of that, many incidents don’t even start inside the store. Parking lots are a things together afterward. When people, major flashpoint, and once a space and technology “The most effective response is a clear situation escalates there, it can work together, the entire move inside very quickly.” emphasis on life safety. Non-confrontation environment becomes safer without changing the policies, proactive detection, and strong customer experience.”

Unique Challenges of training in de-escalation and emergency According to Martinez, Food Retailers Martinez goes on to note that “Retail security is moving response make a real difference.” food retailers in particular face away from passive tools —Vincent Martinez, ZeroEyes unique challenges. “Grocery and toward early warning and convenience stores handle cash, stay open long hours and serve a conand intervention,” like AI-based gun detecstant flow of customers,” he observes. “That alone increases exposure. They’re tion, “which can identify a visible firearm in also essential businesses, which means they stay open during periods of high real time and trigger alerts before a shot is stress — such as economic uncertainty, shortages or community disruption — fired.” when tensions are already elevated.”

Beyond tech, he also notes “growing He adds: “Food retailers are also deeply embedded in their communities. interest in discreet weapon screening at That’s a strength, but it also makes them visible targets. Large, open layouts entrances, designed to detect threats and busy parking lots add another layer of complexity, especially since many without slowing foot traffic or changing the incidents start outside the store.” feel of the store, as well as the adoption of To counteract these risk factors, Martinez advises: “The most effective re“formal threat assessment programs that sponse is a clear emphasis on life safety. Non-confrontation policies, proactive focus on identifying concerning behavior detection, and strong training in de-escalation and emergency response early and responding before it escalates.” make a real difference. There’s an ongoing legal and ethical conversation While Martinez cautions that “there’s around employee self-defense during robberies, but from an operano single fix for gun violence in retail,” tional standpoint, the goal remains the same: reduce the chance that he still sounds a hopeful note: “What anyone gets hurt.” works is consistency — training Meanwhile, he counsels: “From a physical standpoint, parking lots people well, rehearsing regularly and remain the most overlooked risk area. Poor lighting, limited camera refusing to fall into the trap of thinkcoverage and blind spots all create opportunities for trouble to build ing, ‘It won’t happen here.’” unnoticed. Finally, many emergency plans look good on paper but aren’t practiced. In a real incident, people don’t rise to the level of a binder; Bridget Goldschmidt they fall back on what they’ve rehearsed.”

Managing Editor He points out that “the retailers that see the best results take a bgoldschmidt@ensembleiq.com layered approach and focus heavily on prevention,” like training

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