Issuu

STORE OF THE FUTURE: SUPPLY CHAIN, LOYALTY, ROBOTICS, MORE BFY BEVERAGES Functional drinks enter mainstream OVERCOMING PRODUCE PROBLEMS Economic, weather events challenge industry AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE Grocers succeed with natural and organic products

IGA MARKS

100 YEARS With an Eye Toward the Future

IGA Sanctuary Cove, Hope Island, Queensland, Australia

September 2026

Volume 105, Number 7 www.progressivegrocer.com

Contents 105 09.26 Volume Issue 7

22 COVER STORY

IGA Marks 100 Years With an Eye Toward the Future The alliance looks forward as it celebrates a century in the independent grocery business.

John Ross, CEO

34 CENTER STORE

38 FRESH FOOD

Rewriting the Rules

Driving Fresh Value

Functional drinks that target health and wellness break into the mainstream.

Growers and retailers grapple with global economic and weather events to cultivate sales and market share for fruits and vegetables.

44 SOLUTIONS

34 Departments 4 EDITOR’S NOTE

The Independent Way 6 IN-STORE EVENTS CALENDAR

November 2026

End on a High Note

Dessert items across categories look to a range of consumer trends.

10 MINTEL

12 ALL’S WELLNESS

Natural and Organic Foods

Winning Shopper Trust in the Influencer Era

64 EDITORS’ PICKS FOR INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

66 AHEAD OF WHAT’S NEXT 8 NIELSEN’S SHELF STOPPERS

Produce

2 progressivegrocer.com

Show Up in Miami

14 SPECIAL REPORT

Store of the Future How grocers are tackling what’s next in supply chain, loyalty, robotics and beyond.

50 SOLUTIONS

Natural Progression

Conventional and specialty grocers alike are opting for affordability and accessibility in selling natural and organic products.

56 FRESH FOOD

The Future of Brioche

Progressive Grocer finds out what’s in store for this key bakery segment.

58 STORE BRANDS SPECIAL SECTION

Multi-Purpose and Value: Inside the Latest Trends in Cleaning Products

Daymon’s Grace Teodosio shares insights on how consumers are managing budgets while cleaning their homes.

61 RESEARCH & ANALYSIS

Shopper Behavior Spotlight

The latest P2PI study highlights both optimism and value-seeking behavior across generations.

61 PROGRESSIVE GROCER September 2026

EDITOR’S NOTE By Emily Crowe

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

www.ensembleiq.com

The Independent Way

BRAND MANAGEMENT SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GROUP BRAND DIRECTOR Eric Savitch esavitch@ensembleiq.com

THIS MONTH, WE CELEBR ATE RESILIENCE, COMMUNIT Y IMPACT AND INNOVATION AMONG HOME TOWN GROCERS.

VICE PRESIDENT OF CONTENT Lisa Johnston ljohnston@ensembleiq.com

s Progressive Grocer joins the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) in marking its 100th anniversary this month, I am reminded of the vital role independent retailers play across the food retail landscape. Accounting for roughly $353 billion in U.S. food retail sales annually, according to the National Grocers Association, independents represent much more than a business segment – they are the economic engines and community anchors of urban areas and rural towns across the nation. For decades, many have predicted that smaller operators would be squeezed out by national chains, consolidation and adverse economic headwinds, but time and again, independents have proved their resilience. IGA is no different. The organization was created to help independents use their collective bargaining power to compete directly against national grocery chains like A&P, which was growing by leaps and bounds back in 1926. As those from IGA will attest, they’re still around to fight the good fight, while For decades, many have A&P is the one that has folded. Indeed, today’s independent grocers predicted that smaller are reframing the competitive narrative, operators would be leveraging agility and local relevance squeezed out by national to innovate in ways large corporations chains, consolidation simply cannot. Rather than falling beand adverse economic hind in the technology race, independent retailers are embracing everything headwinds, but time and from AI-driven replenishment and again, independents have practical data tools to connected TV proved their resilience. media solutions and personalized e-commerce experiences. At a more granular level, though, sometimes an independent grocery store is simply the only place for miles where someone can buy a healthy, fresh meal, or where they can catch up with their neighbors. Above all, the true superpowers of independent operators remain local trust and community connection. Here’s to a century of rich history at IGA, and we at Progressive Grocer – as well as across the sector – look forward to the next century of independent grocer strength.

MANAGING EDITOR Bridget Goldschmidt bgoldschmidt@ensembleiq.com

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

4 progressivegrocer.com

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Emily Crowe ecrowe@ensembleiq.com

SENIOR DIGITAL EDITOR Marian Zboraj mzboraj@ensembleiq.com SENIOR EDITOR Julia Tabisz jtabisz@ensembleiq.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR Samantha Schober sschober@ensembleiq.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Jim Dudlicek and Greg Sleter ADVERTISING SALES & BUSINESS GROUP SALES DIRECTOR Mike Ketcham mketcham@ensembleiq.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, REGIONAL SALES MANAGER Tammy Rokowski (INTERNATIONAL, SOUTHWEST, MI) 248-514-9500 trokowski@ensembleiq.com REGIONAL SALES MANAGER Theresa Kossack (MIDWEST, GA, FL) 214-226-6468 tkossack@ensembleiq.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Johanna Lupardus (CT, DE, MA, ME, RI, SC, TN, NH, VT, MD, VA, KY) 330-990-4635 jlupardus@ensembleiq.com PROJECT MANAGEMENT/PRODUCTION/ART PRINT DESIGNER Catalina Carrasco cgonzalezcarrasco@ensembleiq.com ADVERTISING/PRODUCTION MANAGER Pat Wisser pwisser@ensembleiq.com SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Nicola Tidbury ntidbury@ensembleiq.com SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES LIST RENTAL mbriganti@anteriad.com SUBSCRIPTION QUESTIONS contact@progressivegrocer.com

CORPORATE OFFICERS 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.

SWEET DRINK RIMMERS ADD SWEETNESS, COLOR, AND PERSONALITY TO EVERY SIP.

CINNAMON VANILLA

Sugar Drink Rimmers open placement beyond traditional cocktail adjacencies into coffee, bakery, party, and seasonal. With five distinct flavors and usage that spans beverages and desserts, the line supports more occasions, more placement opportunities, and a stronger incremental ring story per facing. Twang Drink Rimmers are: Crafted with all-natural colors and flavors

CANDY CANE

Enhances margaritas, mocktails, and canned beverages Versatile for merchandising in mixers, liquor, party, and seasonal displays Offered in a range of ﬂavors and packaged in a stay-fresh tub

Stock Drink Rimmers today. MUST BE 21 OR OLDER TO CONSUME ALCOHOL. DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

MIXED BERRY

TROPICAL BLUE

CONTACT A TWANG REPRESENTATIVE (800) 950-8095 | info@twang.com | www.twang.com

IN-STORE EVENTS

Calendar S

Daylight Saving Time Ends, but pending federal legislation may make this annual clock adjustment a thing of the past in future years.

11.26

National Family Caregivers Month National Family Literacy Month National Gratitude Month National Muscle Health Month

Look for Circles Give Someone a Day. You’re sure to Dollar Day. This find them everywhere! can be achieved through coupons and other savings that put money back in customers’ pockets.

National Stress Awareness Day. Implement strategies to help your associates deal with work and personal pressures.

National Pepper Month National Pomegranate Month National Raisin Bread Month National Roasting Month

National Chinese Takeout Day. Provide a consumer guide to re-creating this time-honored culinary experience with items sourced from the grocery store.

National Hug a Bear Day. Basketball Day. Just not a real one. Enable shoppers to whip up some themed cupcakes to pay tribute to this beloved American sport.

This is the main day of Diwali, the five-day Hindu festival of lights that runs from Friday, Nov. 6, through Tuesday, Nov. 10.

America Recycles Day. Your company does, too – so publicize your activities in this area.

Humane Society Anniversary Day. Launch a checkout donation campaign to allow customers to contribute to this long-established animal welfare nonprofit.

Square Dancing Day. Permit local enthusiasts to take over a section of the parking lot for a fun demonstration/ impromptu lesson.

For Geriatric Tooth Fairy Day, help raise awareness of the importance of oral health for seniors.

National Charles Day. Whether they answer to their full name or prefer Charlie, Chuck or Chas, celebrate your associates who go by this venerable handle.

National Espresso Day. Direct shoppers to your in-store coffee kiosk to get a quick shot of caffeine.

National Personal Space Day. Instruct associates to be mindful of the verbal and nonverbal cues of shoppers who prefer that others not get too close.

6 progressivegrocer.com

Area Code Day. Make sure that your customers know yours if they need to contact you by phone.

International Students Day. Provide a special discount for those pursuing their studies at the college level – and not just buyone-get-one ramen packs.

Brownielocks Day. Spotlight your hair care products that promise a healthier, more attractive head of brunette tresses.

Veterans Day

Apple Cider Day. You really know it’s fall when this beverage arrives on store shelves, ready for mulling with spices and spiking with spirits.

Shopping Reminder Day. In the run-up to Christmas, let shoppers know that they can buy many of their holiday gifts at your store(s).

Chicken Soup for the Soul Day. Don’t forget to offer a foolproof recipe for the body as well.

Discovery of Puerto Rico Day. Recognize your Boricua shoppers and associates by asking them to share their families’ favorite recipes online.

Thanksgiving

National Dream Destination Day. Run a sweepstakes with a grand prize of a weekend at a popular resort.

Great American Smokeout. Provide tips and healthy snacking ideas for those trying to kick the habit.

You’re Welcomegiving. This observance is an ideal time to graciously accept thanks for expressions of gratitude, whether from shoppers, associates or vendor and supplier partners.

National Seat Belt Day. Remind customers and associates alike to buckle up.

World Hello Day. Encourage your associates to greet every customer as a friend.

For Small-Business Saturday, promote those emerging brands in your aisles through signage, samples and in-store demos.

A FRESH TAKE ON C E L E B R A T I N G

A GOYA Favorite. GOYA® Guisadas k w h B Guisadas

h kB

W ’ S

w k wh x h R K B

h w h R ’ b

h w , GOYA® h

FRONT END

Shelf Stoppers

Average Unit Price

Produce Dollar Sales

% Change Year Ago

Unit Sales

%% Change Year Ago

$44,940,027,390

0.90%

21,442,769,270

0.60%

Category

Fruit Vegetables

$40,460,142,853

1.30%

17,849,111,299

-1.70%

Pre-packaged Salads

$6,770,506,255

0.20%

1,997,339,931

-0.30%

Potatoes

$5,032,635,048

2.50%

2,069,918,417

3.60%

Tomatoes

$4,817,654,456

3.90%

2,077,645,579

-2.20%

Grapes

$4,510,465,177

-2.30%

1,488,208,046

-4.00%

Total Category

$87,940,027,390

1.20%

40,611,699,678

-0.50%

$2.43

for potatoes, down 1.1% compared with a year ago

$2.32

for tomatoes, up 6.2% compared with a year ago

Source: NIQ, Total U.S. (all outlets combined) during the 52 weeks ending July 25, 2026

Index by Race of Head of Household Pre-packaged Salads

Potatoes

Tomatoes

Grapes

Strawberries

White

107

105

113

101

Black

117

Hispanic

103

116

118

Asian

127

116

Other

101

100

$3.03

for grapes, up 1.8% compared with a year ago

$2.85

for apples, up 3.8% compared with a year ago

Source: Spectra

Value Per Occasion

$4.03

What is the value per occasion for pre-packaged salads versus the year-ago period per generation?

for strawberries, up 0.9% compared with a year ago

Greatest Generation

Boomer

Gen X

Gen Y/Gen Z

$4.14

$4.39

$4.64

$4.49

up 2.2% compared with a year ago

up 0.6% compared with a year ago

down 0.3% compared with a year ago

down 1.2% compared with a year ago

Source: NIQ, Total U.S. (all outlets combined) during the 52 weeks ending June 27, 2026

8 progressivegrocer.com

$0.63

for bananas, up 0.9% compared with a year ago Source: NIQ, Total U.S. (all outlets combined) during the 52 weeks ending July 25, 2026

V I S I T S I M P LY A N I M A L S . C O M

Ways to Snack Simply Animals® fits easily into the routines that keep families moving. Individually portioned snack packs are ready for lunchboxes and activities, while the 24 oz. Bear Jug keeps plenty of animal-shaped fun within reach at home.

MINTEL CATEGORY INSIGHTS

Global New Products Database

Natural and Organic Foods What You Need to Know  Purchases of natural products have risen since 2022, using conventional products as a baseline for price and convenience. Health is the primary driver for this increase. Natural products are now a “bridge category,” enabling consumers to trade up from conventional options without the premium cost of organic alternatives.  Health is increasingly prioritized, and food is seen as central to both immediate wellness and long-term prevention. Natural/organic products fit this “foodfirst” approach due to their perceived health benefits. Meet demands by focusing on nutrient-rich, recognizable ingredients; clean labels; convenience; and reinforcing trust.  Consumers value “all-natural” and “no additives” more than “organic” or “non-GMO,” favoring naturalness over certification. In categories like sauces, simple ingredients win. To justify price, highlight organic’s purity, safety, health and environmental benefits. Keep claims clear, simple and aligned with consumer priorities.

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

What Consumers Want and Why

Opportunities

 Despite lower incomes, younger generations buy more natural/organic and see price less as a barrier. This unmet aspiration creates an opportunity for retailers’ private label lines. Young shoppers view store brands positively and take pride in choosing them, making private label a strong tool for loyalty and meeting demand.

Expanding private label natural/organic lets retailers meet demand while controlling price, making aspirational products accessible. Health-centric claims draw shoppers to natural choices, particularly for consumers aged 18-44, who are less brand loyal, are open to innovation and see store brands as on par with name brands in terms of quality.

 Price is the top barrier, yet natural/ organic products are tied to health and safety, making the stakes high. Labels alone can’t justify cost; promote products and educate consumers on key benefits like nutritional density and the absence of pesticides/hormones. These actions clarify claims and justify the premium cost.  Natural/organic thrives in produce, meat, and dairy, where health stakes justify premiums. These trust builders open the door for growth in processed foods like snacks, coffee, frozen and bakery, as younger consumers say natural/ organic claims make them feel better about choosing processed options.

Consumers aged 18-44 view natural/organic as a personal health and identity choice, leading to both high trust and skepticism. Their doubt demands proof. Leverage QR codes for ingredient sourcing and certification details. Leverage AI for personalized suggestions based on shopping history to expand awareness into new categories like snacks. The “health halo” appeals to Boomers, many of whom are managing real health needs. Increase value by linking natural/organic to tangible health outcomes. Using clear messaging on benefits, offering mid-price options and highlighting quality, transparency and trusted endorsements will be key to engaging this high-potential audience.

10 progressivegrocer.com

A R T

T H E

O F

M E R C H A N D I S I N G

THE ART OF MERCHANDISING

Merchandising is more than ﬁtout and ﬁxtures. It’s the art of creating an attractive, well-organized retail presentation. As with any artistic composition, a wide variety of tools

may

used

create

your

masterpiece. In retail Visual Merchandising, a gondola, pegboard, slatwall or shelf is your blank canvas. When combined with tools such as display hooks, label and sign holders, bar merchandisers, tray systems, and merchandising accessories, there are endless ways to effectively display all kinds of products and inspire your target audience to make a purchase. As one of the world’s top retail ﬁxture manufacturers, Trion offers a generous supply of over 25,000 components and over 50 years of experience using them to execute precise planogram solutions, store designs and retail displays. Call us to turn your vision into an inspirational retail masterpiece. DISPLAY AND SCAN HOOKS LABEL HOLDER SYSTEMS DIVIDER AND PUSHER SYSTEMS BAR MERCHANDISING SYSTEMS COOLER MERCHANDISING SYSTEMS

T T H H E E T H E T H E

A R T F E A R TT O O FF M M EE R R C C H H A A N N D D II S S II N N G G A R R T OF ME A O M RR CC HH AA NN DD II SS II N G Create Your Own Merchandising Masterpiece Create withTrion TrionFixtures Fixtures CreateYour YourOwn OwnMerchandising Merchandising Masterpiece Masterpiece with with Trion Fixtures A R TYour O F M EMasterpiece R C H NFixtures D I S I N G Create Own Merchandising withA Trion

® ®

Create Your Own Merchandising Masterpiece with Trion Fixtures

SS ee ee M M oo rr ee ,, SS ee ll ll M M oo rr ee ® C o l d F r o n t F ®o r e c a s t

WonderBar WonderBar Trays Trays SAir e e MFlow o r eyour , S eBaffle lmerchandising l More Trion delivers Trion delivers your merchandising solutions more WonderBar Trays Fon o oisaad aplatter. f cold o r Tcooler h..o.. actually, u g hfront t The forecast when solutions on platter. actually, more ®

® of ause tray. WonderBar Trays in solve the ® Flow you Trion’s Air coolers. of a tray. WonderBar Trays solve the Trion delivers your® Baffle merchandising problem of how to stock, display, and sell Product temperature can be difficult to solutions a to platter. . . display, actually, more problem ofon how stock, and sell It’s not just for front coolers beverages. an variety of products, including ®of or maintain atWonderBar the a cooler. This ofunlimited a tray. Trays solve the an unlimited variety of products, including ® hardware, soft coffee, dry goods, Use ZIP of Track instock, grocery arrange problem howgoods, to display, and sellis Air Flow Baffle ensures that to cold air hardware, soft goods, coffee, dry goods, pet treats, and more. Adjust the tray from and organize peanut butter & jelly, an unlimited variety products, forced forward to of keep items at salad their pet treats, and more. Adjust the including tray from 1 5 8" soft wide, creating customized dressings, condiments, and more. The 1⁄2 " to goods, coffee, dry goods, ideal temperature. Use as part of your 5hardware, 8" wide, creating customized ⁄2 " to widths that accommodate boxes, bags, most versatile system of the its kind on pet treats, and more. Adjust tray from cooler outfitting strategy, along with widths that accommodate boxes, bags, 1 pillow packs, gusseted bags, bottles, ® the — and in the supermarket. 5 to 8" wide, creating customized ⁄ 2 "market WonderBar Bar Merchandisers and pillow packs, gusseted bags, bottles, ® boxes, clam shells, blister packs, various tub widths that accommodate bags, TM Easy toEWT install, ZIP Trackand components hooks, Expandable Wire clam shells, blister packs, and variousTray tub pillow packs, gusseted bags, shapes. range from 13"Clear to bottles, 24", and ® clip on Depths a front railcapable allowing to System, and cooler Scan shapes. Depths range from 13" tolanes 24", and clam shells, blister packs, and various trays feature integrated label adjust quickly, even when full orholders. to tub add label holders. trays feature integrated label holders. shapes. range from 13" to 24", You’ll sellDepths more whenUse customers canand see additional facings. actual product You’ll sell more when| customers can see Call 800-444-4665 TrionOnline.com trays feature integrated label 3 more! After the sale, simply2" liftup outholders. the3tray to set lane width from to /4". more! After the sale, simply lift out the tray You’ll sell more when customers to can“ZIP” see for convenient rear restocking. Slide product front-to-back for convenient rear restocking. more! After the sale, simply lift out the tray each800-444-4665 track together. Custom spring Call || TrionOnline.com Call 800-444-4665 TrionOnline.com for convenient rear restocking.

Zip Track Merchandiser

tensions and lane depths are available Call | TrionOnline.com to fit 800-444-4665 any and all shelf and product needs. The sturdy plastic is durable, with an extended merchandising life.

G GGrrraaabbb PPP ooo u u cc hh ee ss bb yy tthheee SSScccrrruu uffffff ™ Oversize? No Problem! GWhat’s r a b P obetter u c h e sthan b y® tah pouch epouch S c r TM uhook ff hook that What’s better than that

Pouch Hook Pouch Hook Pouch Hook WonderBar Large What’s better than EWT a pouch hook that automatically products for for Pouchpositions Hook automatically positions products If you think the WonderBar EWT for is purchasing? that allows allows purchasing? A A pouch hook that

What’s better a pouch hook that purchasing? A you pouch hook that allows great, waitthan till meet its big brother! for is compatible compatible for easy and is automatically positions products for your for easy restocking restocking is compatible Oversized just likeand some of with systems, with existing bar merchandising systems, purchasing? A this pouch hook thatstays allows with existing bar merchandising systems, products, weightlifter strong what! Need and are more They are for that’s easy restocking isreasons? compatible that’s what! Need more reasons? are on both metal and open wire They shelves in lengths to to accommodate accommodate available in 4 lengths withavailable existing bar merchandising systems, available 4 lengthsinstallation to accommodate and bar. in One-piece means varied depths; rear-loading varied feature aa They rear-loading that’s what! Need more reasons? are varied depths; feature rear-loading you can drop this bad boy right into design; include holder, available in 4 lengths to accommodate design; flip-front label holder, design; includeasflip-front place, adjust needed, label and holder, watch and tool-free gondola, varied feature a rear-loading anddepths; installation on gondola, and tool-freeincrease. installation gondola, the revenue The on EWT takes design; include flip-front label holder, on pegboard, and coolers. Of Of course, course, on pegboard, and in on pegboard, andautomatically in coolers. coolers. Offeeding course, Create Your Own M over from there, andstandard tool-free pouch installation onare gondola, hooks available in in standard pouch hooks available standard pouch hooksand are billboarding available in product to the front on pegboard, and in acoolers. case you are not believerOf in course, gravity feed feed case you are not believer invisibility. gravity feed merchandise foramaximum standard pouch hooks are available in or itself. or gravity gravity itself. or gravity itself. caseCall you are not a believer| in gravity feed 800-444-4665 TrionOnline.com

T H E

A R T

Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com

Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com or gravity itself. Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com

See More, Sell More

WonderBar Trays ®

Containers Well Contained

Cooler Capable AMT

Neatly and effectively display cooler oo ss ss SS items, ee ll ll AA ddincluding jj aa cc ee n ii ee ss andC C rrfreezer n cc yogurt, r o s s S e lice l Acream, d j a c esingle-serve ncies dips,C puddings, foods, and more. Our small Adjustable After one itemTray is removed our Merchandising (AMT) fitsfrom a range After one item is removed from our After oneadjustable item is removed from our auto-feed, trays,AMT the of 4- to 6-ounce cups;dual the lane medium auto-feed, adjustable dual lane trays, the auto-feed, adjustable dual lane the next product moves right intotrays, position. organizes mid-range offerings; and the next product moves right into position. next lane product be moves right into position. Each individually adjusted to large AMTcan gives ice cream lovers pause Each lane can be adjusted to Each lane can be individually individually adjusted to a range of widths to maximize cross-sell to browse and choose a pint of their aarange of widths to maximize cross-sell range of widths to maximize cross-sell opportunities. In addition, younot canget choose favorite flavor (hmmm ...why both opportunities. In youcan canchoose choose opportunities. In addition, addition, you the pushVanilla strength forRocky either lightweight or Cherry and Road?). the push strength for either lightweight or the push strength for either lightweightThis or heavy items. Dual Lane Trays give you the manual-feed tray ensures that products heavy Traysgive giveyou youthe the heavyitems. items.Dual Dual Lane Trays ability tofaced customize displays to suit your remain and accessible. Time to ability displays to suit suit your abilityto to customize customize displays to your inventory Just offerings. re-stock? lift out and refill. Add Clear inventory inventoryofferings. offerings.

Dual Lane Trays Dual Trays Dual Lane Lane Trays

Call || TrionOnline.com TrionOnline.com Scan Label Holder, and you’re finished! Call800-444-4665 800-444-4665 Call 800-444-4665 TrionOnline.com Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com

AA SCC ull eep aae rrryour SSHooollomerchandising u Trion delivers uktt sii !oo n n solutions more A C l eon a ra Splatter. o l u t ®i. o. actually, n of a tray. WonderBar® Trays solve the ®These are the best systems Let’s be clear. WonderBar Displays are the versatile problem of how to stock, display, and sell Let’s be clear. These are the best systems to display colorful items that draw the heroes of theareTrion product family, Let’s be clear. These the best systems an unlimited variety of products, including to display colorful items that draw the customers’ eyes . . . rescue and that their dollars. Sturdy coming to the when you need to display colorful items draw the hardware, soft coffee, dry goods, customers’ eyesgoods, . . . and their dollars. Sturdy customers’ eyes . . . and their dollars. Sturdy enough forand busy retail environments, good looks to the merchandise petmuscle treats, tray these from enough forand busymore. retailAdjust environments, these enough for busy retail environments, these can dividers promote ofproducts all sizes. These Barthemselves Hooks 51⁄2 "items to let 8" wide, creating dividers let products promotecustomized themselves dividers let heavy products promote themselves keeping packaging visible. Trion pushers lift loads in their capable arms. widths that accommodate boxes, bags, keeping packaging visible. Trion pushers keeping packaging visible. Trion pushers keep items forwarded and faced for best Display or Scan, Saddle Mount or Plug pillowitems packs, gusseted keep forwarded andbags, faced bottles, for best keep items there forwarded and faced for best visibility. Deploy Trion’s acrylic options are Trion WonderBar Hooks clamin, shells, blister packs, and various tub visibility. Deploy Trion’s acrylic options visibility. Deploy Trion’s acrylic options for items including for every need. shapes. Depths rangecosmetics, from 13" to vitamins 24", and for items including cosmetics, vitamins for and items including cosmetics, vitamins crafts, party trayssupplements, feature integrated label supplies, holders. supplements, crafts, supplies, andand supplements, crafts, partyparty supplies, and more. You’ll sell more when customers can see more. andand more. more! After the sale, simply lift out the tray for convenient rear restocking.

Dividers WonderBar Hooks Dividers & & Pushers Pushers

Dividers & Pushers

Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com

HOOKS | lAbElING | SHElF & COOlER HOOKS | lAbElING | SHElF & COOlER HOOKS | lAbElING | SHElF & COOlER MERCHANDISING MERCHANDISING MERCHANDISING HOOKS || info@triononline.com lAbElING | SHElF & COOlER 800-444-4665 | info@triononline.com 800-444-4665 800-444-4665MERCHANDISING | info@triononline.com .triononline.com/Art .triononline.com/Art .triononline.com/Art 800-444-4665 | info@triononline.com .triononline.com/Art

T H H E E T

A RR TT A

O FF O

M EE RR CC HH AA NN DD II SS II N N G G M

® ®

Introducing ZIP Track® Merchandising System for Beverage & Storewide Create Your Own Merchandising Masterpiece with Trion Fixtures

Cold Front Forecast

Air Flow Baffle

Oversize? No Problem! TM Clip It! Installs in an Instant ®

The is a cold Beverage cooler frontSales when Forforecast Grab-and-Go you use Trion’s®Air Flow Baffle in coolers. Product temperature can be difficult to maintain at the of a cooler. This Merchandise all front size drinks from mini Air ensures that Gatorade cold air is® RedFlow Bull®Baffle cans to oversized forced to® is keep items versatile at their bottles.forward ZIP Track the most ideal temperature. Grab-and-Go Use as part of your and cost-effective system cooler outfitting with available on thestrategy, market. along Use actual ® 3 WonderBar Bar width Merchandisers product to set lane from 2" to 3and /4 ". TM hooks, EWTwidth Expandable Wire Reset lane on set-up in less Tray than System, and cooler capable and ClearcoolerScan® 30 seconds. Shelf-based

Zip Track Beverage System

ready, this anchored system billboards label holders. product for easy selection and fast sale. Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com

ZIP Track® forwards and faces product at all times. Quickly add lanes with this easy to install and adjust system. ZIP Track® offers a wide range of adjustability for this ever-evolving beverage category and changing package designs.

WonderBar EWT Large Zip Track Components ®

If you think the WonderBar EWT is ® ZIP Track components on the great, wait till you meet its clip big brother! front rail adjustment. Oversizedallowing just likeeasy some of your Lanes can this slide on the railstays evenstrong when products, weightlifter full to add additional facings. on or both metal and open wire shelves and bar. One-piece installation means you can drop this bad boy right into place, adjust as needed, and watch the revenue increase. The EWT takes over from there, automatically feeding product to the front and billboarding merchandise for maximum visibility.

Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com Zip It! Setting Width is a Breeze

Zip Track Easy Install ®

Use actual product to set lane width from 2" up to 3 3/4 ". Slide product front-to-back, along the lane, to “ZIP” each track together in final position.

Super Hooks!

Containers Well Contained

Cooler Capable AMT

Neatly and effectively display cooler and freezer items, including yogurt, Forpuddings, Storewide Grocery Sales dips, iceand cream, single-serve ® foods, and more. Our small Adjustable Merchandising Tray (AMT) fits a range It’s not just for coolers or beverages. of 4- to 6-ounce cups; the medium AMT Use ZIP Track® in multiple categories organizes mid-range offerings; and the to showcase many different types large AMT gives ice cream lovers pause of product. This is the most versatile to browse and choose a pint of their system, of its kind available on the favorite flavor (hmmm ...why not get both market. Manufactured from durable, Cherry Vanilla and Rocky Road?). This modern plastics, it provides extended manual-feed tray ensures that products merchandising life. ZIP Track® offers remain faced and accessible. Time to a wide range of adjustability. Custom re-stock? Just lift out and refill. Add Clear

Zip Track Merchandiser

WonderBar Hooks ®

WonderBar® Displays are the versatile heroes of the Trion product family, coming to the rescue when you need muscle and good looks to merchandise items of all sizes. These Bar Hooks can lift heavy loads in their capable arms. Fill It! With a WideSaddle Range Mount of Products Display or Scan, or Plug ® in, there are Trion WonderBar Hooks for every need. ®

Zip Track Sells It All

Fill it with product. ZIP Track maintains its width accurately for the entire depth of facing without the need for a rear anchor system.

spring tensions and lane depths are available to fit any and all shelf and Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com product needs. Scan® Label Holder, and you’re finished!

HOOKS | lAbElING | SHElF & COOlER MERCHANDISING 800-444-4665 | info@triononline.com .triononline.com/Art

T H E A R T O F M E R C H A N D I S I N G H E A R T O F M E R CH H A ATN NHD DE II S SA II RN G H AT N D I S I N G T A R T N TG G O F O F M E R H A N D II S II N T H H E E ACreate R Your TYourOwn OMerchandising F M Masterpiece E R C C with H A N D S N G Create Own Merchandising Masterpiece Trion Fixtures with Trion Fixtures ®

®® ®

with Trion Fixtures

Create Your Own M

Create Your Own Merchandising Masterpiece Masterpiece with Trion Trion Fixtures Create Your Own Merchandising Masterpiece with with Trion Fixtures Fixtures

Cold Front Forecast

Air Flow Baffle The forecast a cold cooler front when Air isFlow Baffle WonderBar EWT Large you use Air Trion’sFlow Air FlowBaffle Baffle in coolers. The forecast is a cold cooler front when oo ll dd FF rr oo nn tt FF oo rr ee cc aa ss tt ! O CvC C eo rl sd i zF er ?o nNto F Po rr oe bc la es m t TM

The forecast isthe a cold cooler when If you think WonderBar EWT is Product temperature can be front difficult to The forecast is a cold cooler front when you use Trion’s Air Flow Baffle in coolers. you usewait Trion’s Air Flow Baffle inbrother! coolers. great, you meet its maintain attill the front of a big cooler. This you use Trion’s Air Flow Baffle in coolers. Product temperature be to Product can be difficult difficult Oversized justensures likecan some of your Air Flowtemperature Baffle that cold air to is Product temperature can be difficult to maintain at the front of a cooler. This maintain at the front of a cooler. This products, this weightlifter strong forced forward to keep at their maintain at the front of items a stays cooler. This Air Flow Baffle ensures that cold air is Air Flow Baffle and ensures that cold is on both metal open wire shelves ideal temperature. Use as part of air your Air Flow Baffle ensures that cold air is forced forward to keep items at their forced forward tostrategy, keep items at their and bar. One-piece installation means cooler outfitting along with forced forward to keep items at their ideal temperature. Use as part of your ideal temperature. Use part of your ® you can drop this Merchandisers bad as boy right into WonderBar Bar and ideal temperature. Use as part of your cooler strategy, along with cooler outfitting along with TM as strategy, place, outfitting adjust needed, and hooks, EWT Expandable Wirewatch Tray cooler outfitting strategy, along with ® ® Bar Merchandisers and WonderBar WonderBar Bar Merchandisers and® the revenue increase. The EWT takes System, and®TM cooler capable Clear Scan WonderBar Bar Merchandisers and TM Expandable Wire Tray hooks, EWT hooks, EWT Expandable Wire Tray over from there, automatically feeding TM label holders. hooks, EWT Expandable Wire Tray ® ® System, and cooler capable Clear Scan System, and cooler capable Clear Scan product and to the front and billboarding System, cooler capable Clear Scan® Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com label holders. label holders. for maximum visibility. merchandise label holders.

Call Call 800-444-4665 || TrionOnline.com Call 800-444-4665 Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com TrionOnline.com

C o n t a i Sn ue rp se rW eHlol oCkosn! t a i n e d

WonderBar Hooks CC ooCooler nn tt aa ii nn ee rrCapable ss W n W ee ll ll CC oo AMT n tt aa ii n n ee dd CWonderBar o n t a i n e rDisplays s W e l l are C othe n t aversatile ined Neatly and effectively display cooler Cooler Capable AMT heroes of the Trion product family, Capable AMT andCooler freezer items, including yogurt, ®

® ® ®

Neatly and display coming to effectively the rescue when youcooler need Neatly and effectively display cooler dips, puddings, ice cream, single-serve Neatly and effectively display cooler and freezer including yogurt, muscle and items, good looks to merchandise and freezer items, including yogurt, foods,freezer and more. Ourincluding small Adjustable and items, yogurt, dips, puddings, ice cream, single-serve items of all sizes. Bar Hooks can dips, puddings, ice These cream, Merchandising (AMT) single-serve fits a range dips, puddings,Tray ice cream, single-serve foods, and more. small Adjustable lift heavy loadsOur in their capable arms. foods, and more. Our small Adjustable of 4- toand 6-ounce medium AMT foods, more.cups; Our the small Adjustable Merchandising Tray (AMT) fits Display or Scan, Mount Plug Merchandising TraySaddle (AMT) fits a aorrange range organizes mid-range offerings; and the Merchandising Tray (AMT) fits a range of 4to 6-ounce cups; the AMT there are Trion WonderBar Hooks of 4-in, to 6-ounce cups; the medium medium AMT large AMT gives ice cream lovers pause of 4- to 6-ounce cups; the medium AMT organizes mid-range offerings; and the for every need. organizes offerings; the to browsemid-range and choose a pint and of their organizes mid-range offerings; and the large AMT gives ice cream lovers pause large AMT gives ice cream lovers pause favorite flavor (hmmm ...whylovers not getpause both large AMT gives ice cream to browse and choose a pint of their to browse and choose a pint of their Cherry Vanilla Rocky Road?). This to browse andand choose a pint of their favorite flavor (hmmm ...why not get favorite flavortray (hmmm ...why notproducts get both both manual-feed ensures that favorite flavor (hmmm ...why not get both Cherry Vanilla and Rocky This Cherry and accessible. Rocky Road?). Road?). remain Vanilla faced and TimeThis to Cherry Vanilla and Rocky Road?). This manual-feed tray ensures that products manual-feed tray ensures that products re-stock? Justtray lift out and refill. Clear manual-feed ensures thatAdd products remain faced remain faced and and accessible. accessible. Time Time to to Scan® Label Holder, you’re finished! remain faced and and accessible. Time to re-stock? re-stock? Just Just lift lift out out and and refill. refill. Add Add Clear Clear re-stock? Just lift out |and refill. Add Clear Call 800-444-4665 TrionOnline.com ® Scan Scan®®Label Label Holder, Holder, and and you’re you’re finished! finished! Scan Label Holder, and you’re finished!

Call Call 800-444-4665 800-444-4665 TrionOnline.com 800-444-4665 |||| TrionOnline.com TrionOnline.com Call 800-444-4665 TrionOnline.com HOOKS | lAbElING | SHElF & COOlER MERCHANDISING ©2019 Trion Industries, Inc. 800-444-4665 | info@triononline.com .triononline.com/Art ©2019 Industries, Inc. Trion Industries, ©2026 ©2019Trion Trion Industries, Inc. Inc. ©2019 Trion Industries, Inc.

Oversize? No Problem! C o l d F r o ®n t F o r eTM cast OOvveerrssiizzee?? NNoo PPrroobblleemm! ! O v e r s i z e ? ®®N o P r o TM bTMl e m !

WonderBar EWT Air Flow BaffleLarge WonderBar EWT Large WonderBar WonderBar EWT EWT Large Large

If you think the ®WonderBar EWT is The forecast is a cold cooler TM front when great, wait till you meet its big brother! you use Trion’s Air Flow Baffle in coolers. If you you think think the the WonderBar WonderBar EWT EWT isis If Oversized just some of your If you think the like WonderBar EWT is Product temperature can be difficult to great, wait till you meet its big brother! great, waitthis till you meet itsstays big brother! products, weightlifter strong great, wait till you meet its big brother! maintain at the front of a cooler. This Oversized just just like like some some of of your your Oversized on both metal open wireofshelves Oversized justand like some your Air Flow Baffle ensures that coldstrong air is products, this weightlifter weightlifter stays strong products, this stays and bar. One-piece installation means products, this weightlifter staysat strong forced forward to items their on both metal and andkeep open wire shelves shelves on open wire youboth can metal drop this bad boy right into on both metal andUse open ideal temperature. as wire part shelves of your and bar. bar. One-piece installation means and One-piece installation means place, adjust as needed, and means watch and bar. One-piece installation cooler outfitting strategy, along you can can drop this this bad boy boy rightwith into you drop bad right into the revenue you can drop this Merchandisers badThe boyEWT righttakes into ® increase. WonderBar Bar and place, adjust adjust as needed, needed, and and watch watch place, as over from there, automatically feeding place, adjust as needed, and hooks, EWTTMincrease. Expandable Wirewatch Tray the revenue revenue increase. The EWT EWT takes the The takes product to the front and billboarding the revenue increase. The EWT takes® System, andthere, cooler capable Clear Scan over from from there, automatically feeding over automatically feeding merchandise for maximum visibility. over from there, automatically feeding product to the the front front and and billboarding billboarding label holders. product to product to the front and billboarding Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com merchandise formaximum maximum visibility. Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com merchandise for visibility. merchandise for maximum visibility.

Call800-444-4665 800-444-4665| |TrionOnline.com TrionOnline.com Call Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com

H oo oo kkss!! SS uu pp ee rr H

WonderBar® Hooks WonderBar SSuuppeerr HHooooHooks kkss! ! S u p Displays e r H o oare k sthe ! versatile WonderBar CWonderBar o nWonderBar t a i n e rDisplays s W e l l are CHooks othe n t aversatile ined WonderBar Hooks heroes of the Trion product family, WonderBar Hooks heroes of the Trion product family, Cooler Capable WonderBar Displays are AMT the versatile ®

® ®

®® ®

® WonderBar Displays theyou versatile coming when need ®the rescue coming to to the rescueare when need WonderBar Displays are theyou versatile heroes ofgood the Trion Trion product product family, Neatly and effectively display family, cooler heroes of the muscle and looks to muscle and good looksproduct tomerchandise merchandise heroes of the Trion family, coming to therescue rescue when you need and freezer items, including yogurt, coming the you need items of all sizes. These Bar can items ofto all sizes. Thesewhen BarHooks Hooks can coming to the rescue when you need muscle andgood good looks tomerchandise merchandise dips, puddings, ice cream, single-serve muscle and looks to lift heavy loads in their capable arms. lift heavy theirtocapable arms. muscle andloads goodin looks merchandise items ofall allsizes. sizes. These BarAdjustable Hooks can foods, and more. Our small items of These Bar Hooks can Display or Saddle or Display or Saddle Mount or Plug Plug items of Scan, all Scan, sizes. TheseMount Bar Hooks can liftheavy heavy loads inWonderBar theircapable capable arms. Merchandising Trayin (AMT) fits a Hooks range lift loads their arms. in, there are Trion in, heavy there are Trion WonderBar lift loads in their capableHooks arms. Display orScan, Scan, Saddle Mountor orAMT Plug of 4to 6-ounce cups; the Mount medium Display or Saddle Plug for every need. for every Display orneed. Scan, Saddle Mount or Plug in, there are Trion WonderBar Hooks organizes mid-range the in, there are Trion offerings; WonderBarand Hooks Call in, 800-444-4665 TrionOnline.com there are Trion| WonderBar Hooks for every need. largefor AMT gives ice cream lovers pause every need. for every need. to browse and choose a pint of their favorite flavor (hmmm ...why not get both Cherry Vanilla and Rocky Road?). This manual-feed tray ensures that products remain faced and accessible. Time to re-stock? Just lift out and refill. Add Clear

Scan® Label Holder, and you’re finished!

Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com

HOOKS | lAbElING | SHElF & COOlER MERCHANDISING 800-444-4665 | info@triononline.com HOOKS | | lAbElING lAbElING SHElF&&COOlER COOlER HOOKS | |SHElF HOOKS.triononline.com/Art | lAbElING | SHElF & COOlER MERCHANDISING MERCHANDISING MERCHANDISING 800-444-4665 info@triononline.com 800-444-4665 | | info@triononline.com ©2019 Trion Industries, Inc. 800-444-4665 | info@triononline.com .triononline.com/Art .triononline.com/Art .triononline.com/Art

1 3⁄4 ". Eachitems lane features a separate pusher the display space and create unique faced. Feature of different widths This cross-selling approach makes paddle to keep products forwarded presentations of similar or related items. via asymmetric lane configurations. Cross and shopping easier for the customer and faced. a Feature of different widths This cross-selling makes merchandise varietyitems of products with more profitable forapproach you. Select from via asymmetric lanetools configurations. easier for the customer and to ease. Trays install without and lift outCross ashopping range of other Trion outfitting merchandise a variety of products with more profitable for you. Select from ® ® for quick restocking or product rotation. maximize selling space from the base ease. Trays install without tools and lift out a range of other Trion outfitting to Full line includes standard and oversize deck to the top shelf and beyond. ® for quick restocking or product rotation. maximize selling space from the base Your Own Merchandising Masterpiece with Trion Fixtures trays, and display, scan andCreate pusher hooks. Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com

N G G TT HH EE AA RR TT OO FF MM EERRCC HH AA NN DD I I SS II N T H EincludesAstandard R andTYour F M E R C H A Fixtures Nto theDtop shelf I S I N G Full line oversizeO and beyond. Create Own Merchandising Masterpiece with Triondeck

Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com trays, and display, scan and pusher hooks.

Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com Create Your Own Merchandising Masterpiece with Trion Fixtures Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com

An Open and Shut Case A n O p e n a n d ®S h u t C a s e

Flip-Scan Hooks Hooks Flip-Scan ®

CO o lv de rFOr4vo5en0r t 4PF5ro0orfPei rcl oae fsitl e s

Clear Air E xClear cScan i t iFlow nScan g Label C r oBaffle s s Holders S e l Holders ls Label F o r forecast E a s y Ssolutions eisl eaccold t i o ncooler a n dany Ffront a slabeling t Swhen ales Storewide for The Mini Dualsolutions Lane for Trays Storewide any labeling ®

Zip Track Merchandiser ®

need. Available inFlow a variety of profiles you use Trion’s Air in coolers. need. Available inBaffle a variety of profiles This mini tray leads to maximum revenue, (shapes), these ®bright, clearbelabel holders Product(shapes), temperature can difficult to these bright, clear label holders Use ZIP Track in multiple categories because it allows complimentary items to are easily positioned maintain the front ofina all cooler. areateasily positioned instandard all This standard to featured showcase manyDual different types be together. lanes adjust to C-channel configurations, asairwell C-channel configurations, well as Air Flow Baffle that cold is as of narrow product. It's ensures not justsizes foras coolers or fit merchandise as small as displays incorporating metal, glass, forced forward toiskeep items atwood, theirwood, displays incorporating metal, glass, 3 This the most versatile 1beverages. features separate pusher ⁄4 ". Each wirelane baskets, wireaas shelving, wire fencing, ideal temperature. Use part of wire baskets, wire shelving, wire fencing, system to of keep its kind on theforwarded market. your Easy paddle products and and scanning hooks. Plain paper labels cooler outfitting strategy, along with ®Plain paper and scanning hooks. labels components clip to install, ZIP Track faced. Feature items aofclear different drop ®in behind flexiblewidths PVC front, WonderBar Bar Merchandisers and drop in behind a clear flexible PVC front, on a front rail allowing lanes to adjust via asymmetric lane configurations. Cross and allowing to be changed quickly TM labels hooks, EWT Wire allowing labels toExpandable be changed quickly and quickly, even when full or to Tray add inexpensively without messy with adhesive merchandise a variety of products System, andfacings. cooler capable Clear Scan® inexpensively without adhesive additional Usemessy actual product backing. label holders ease. Trays installAdhesive without tools and lift 3out and backing. Adhesive label2" holders label holders. /4 ". to set lane width from up to 3and strips also available if that is your need. for quick restocking or product rotation. strips also available if| TrionOnline.com thatvisibility, is your Slide800-444-4665 product to need. “ZIP” Call Save time,front-to-back increase and boost Full line includes standard and oversize each time, track together. Custom spring Save and boost salesincrease with this visibility, storewide labeling system. trays, and display, scan and pusher hooks. tensions and lane depths are sales with this capable, storewide labeling system. Cooler color, and available built-in promo Call | and TrionOnline.com to fit800-444-4665 any andcolor, all shelf and Cooler capable, promo Clip label holders andbuilt-in stripsproduct available. needs. The sturdy is durable, Clip label holders and plastic strips| available. Call 800-444-4665 TrionOnline.com with an extended merchandising life.

Flip-Scan® hooks are an open and shut Flip-Scan shut O v e r s hooks i z e ? are N oanPopen r o band lem ! case for ease F o rease t h of eof®use. Buse. u lThe kThe y articulated S articulated tuff TM case for label holder lifts up and out of the way label holder lifts up and out of the way for easy product access, then falls back for easy product access, then falls back If you think the WonderBar EWT is This bottom isviewing tops for displaying heavy, to vertical for product and price to vertical product and price great, waitfor tillviewing you meet its big brother! bulky, or hard-to-fit items. Display info. Our unique label holder flexes open info. Our unique label holder flexes open Oversized just like some of your them and neatly using so plainattractively paper labels can be inserted so plain paper labels canstays be inserted products, this weightlifter strong front fencing and toshort customize effortlessly. Available with short label effortlessly. Available with label on both metal anddividers open wire shelves holders or full length label strips and the bar. display space and create unique holders or full length label strips and and One-piece installation means constructed of long-life materials, these presentations similar or related constructed long-life materials, these you can dropofof this bad boy right items. into durable, attractive scanapproach can outfit This cross-selling makes durable, attractive scanhooks hooks outfit place, adjust as needed, andcan watch all display surfaces, including pegboard,and shopping easier for the customer all display surfaces, including pegboard, the revenue increase. The EWT takes slatwall, grid, crossbar, and corrugated. more profitable for you. from slatwall, grid, crossbar, and Select corrugated. over there, automatically Fully from compatible with the Clear feeding Scan® ® a range ofthe other Trion outfitting Fully compatible with thebillboarding Clear Scanto product to front and Label Holder System for C-channel, maximize selling space for from the base Label Holder System C-channel, merchandise forbasket, maximum visibility. shelf edge, wire and refrigerated deck storewide. to thewire top basket, shelf and beyond. shelf and refrigerated areas edge, ®

WonderBar EWT Large Base Deck Fencing

Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com areas storewide. Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com

800-444-4665 | info@triononline.com .triononline.com/Art

A n EOx pc ietni n ag nC dr o Ss sh uS et l lCsa s e S u p e r H o® o k s ! Containers Well Contained Over 450 Profiles ®

Cooler Clear ScanCapable Label AMT Holders ®

Neatly and effectively display cooler Storewide solutions for any labeling and freezer items, including yogurt, need. Available in a variety of profiles dips, puddings, ice cream, single-serve (shapes), these bright, clear label holders foods, and more. Our small Adjustable are easily positioned in all standard Merchandising Tray (AMT) fits a range C-channel configurations, as well as of 4- to 6-ounce cups; the medium AMT displays incorporating metal, glass, wood, organizes mid-range offerings; and the wire baskets, wire shelving, wire fencing, large AMT gives ice cream lovers pause and scanning hooks. Plain paper labels to browse and choose a pint of their drop in behind a clear flexible PVC front, favorite flavor (hmmm ...why not get both allowing labels to be changed quickly and Cherry Vanilla and Rocky Road?). This inexpensively without messy adhesive manual-feed tray ensures that products backing. Adhesive label holders and remain faced and accessible. Time to strips also available if that is your need. re-stock? Just lift out and refill. Add Clear Save time, increase visibility, and boost Scan® Label Holder, and you’re finished! sales with this storewide labeling system. Call 800-444-4665 Cooler capable, color,| TrionOnline.com and built-in promo

Clip label holders and strips available.

Flip-Scan Hooks Mini Dual Lane Trays WonderBar Hooks ®

Flip-Scan hooks are an open and shut This mini tray ® leads to maximum revenue, WonderBar Displays are the versatile case forit ease ofcomplimentary use. The articulated because allows items to heroes of the Trion product family, label holdertogether. lifts up and out of adjust the way be featured Dual lanes coming to the rescue when you needto fornarrow easy product access, thenasfalls back fit merchandise sizes small as muscle and good looks to merchandise 3 vertical for viewing product and price 1to ⁄4". Each lane features a separate pusher items of all sizes. These Bar Hooks can info. Our label holder flexes open paddle tounique keep products forwarded and lift heavy loads in their capable arms. faced. Feature different widths so plain paperitems labelsof can be inserted Display or Scan, Saddle Mount or Plug via asymmetric lane configurations. effortlessly. Available with short Cross label in, there are Trion WonderBar Hooks merchandise a variety products holders or full length of label strips with and forTrays everyinstall need.without tools and lift out ease. constructed of long-life materials, these for quickattractive restockingscan or product rotation. durable, hooks can outfit Full line includes standard and oversize all display surfaces, including pegboard, trays, and display, scan and pusher hooks. slatwall, grid, crossbar, and corrugated. Fully compatible with the Clear Scan® Label Holder System for C-channel, shelf edge, wire basket, and refrigerated ®

areas storewide.

T H E T H H E E T

A R TT A R R T A

O FF OF O

M EE RR CC HH AA N D I S I N G ME N G G M R C H A NN DD II SS II N

® ®

CreateYour YourOwn OwnMerchandising Merchandising Masterpiece Masterpiece with Create withTrion TrionFixtures Fixtures Create Your Own Merchandising Masterpiece with Trion Fixtures

U nUlnilm i mi ti teedd cCoo n f iigguur raat itoino n

Cold Front Forecast™ Expandable Wire Tray Tray Expandable Wire Air Flow Baffle Product offerings come in different sizes, Product offerings come in different TM

The is a cold cooler front when so itforecast makes sense that displays should sizes, so it makes sense that displays you usein Trion’s Air Flow Baffle in coolers. come different sizes, too. That’s should come in different sizes, too. ® ® Product temperature can be difficult to why Trion created the WonderBar That’s why Trion created the WonderBar maintain at Wire the front of aSystem. cooler. This Expandable Wire Tray We Expandable Tray System, aka EWT. Air Flow Baffle ensures that coldwant air is included every feature you would if We included every feature you would forced forward to keep items powderat their you created it yourself: powder-coated want if you created it yourself: ideal temperature. Use as part your galvanized wire that stands up to coated galvanized wire that of stands cooler outfitting strategy, along with harsh adjustable width; up to environments; harsh environments; adjustable ® WonderBar Bar Merchandisers and easy custom configuration; rail mount width; easy custom configuration; rail TM hooks, EWT Expandable Wire Tray and freestanding units; wire or clear mount and freestanding units; wire System, and cooler capable Clear Scan acrylic product stops. EWTstops. mounts on® or clear acrylic product EWT label holders. pegboard, gondola shelf, table mounts on slatwall, pegboard, slatwall, gondola top and cooler. shelf, table top and cooler. Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com Call 800-444-4665 800-444-4665 || TrionOnline.com TrionOnline.com

M Fa ki en iasnhA pt pheea rJaonbc e O v e r s i z e ®? N o P r o b l e m !

Base Deck Fencing ZIP Track WonderBarMerchandiser EWT Large ®

Bin there, organized that! Trion’s deck ® Use ZIP Track storewide for neat If you think the WonderBar EWT is fencing youbeauty bin small, bulk and tidyhelps health, andlarge, wellness great, wait tillitems you meet its big brother! or packaged while keeping them displays. This is the most versatile Oversized justcustomers. like someCustomize of your accessible system of itstokind on the market. Easy products, thisto weightlifter stays strong ® your display create closed-front or to install, ZIP Track components clip on and open using wire shelves open-front compartments on aboth frontmetal rail allowing lanes tostraight adjust and bar. One-piece installation means or offset front when fence, then our quickly, even full or add to add you can drop this Use bad boy right into convenient labeling systems to finish additional facings. actual product place, adjust as needed, andtowatch theset joblane right.width to from 2" up 3 3/4 ". the revenue increase. The EWT takes Slide product front-to-back to “ZIP” Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com over from automatically each trackthere, together. Customfeeding spring product to the front and are billboarding tensions and lane depths available merchandise for all maximum visibility. to fit any and shelf and product needs. Manufactured from durable, Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com modern plastics, ZIP Track® provides an extended merchandising life.

Yeah, We’ve Got That

A n Announce n o u n c e PProduct r o d u c t Presence Presence

Extruded Holders Extruded Sign Holders Cooler Capable AMT

Containers Well Contained ®

Think of these extruded Think of these extruded signs signs as as aa GPS GPS for your retail setting. Quickly guide for your retail setting. display Quickly cooler guide Neatly and effectively customers to products they and customers to the the products they want want and and freezer items, including yogurt, need puddings, with these versatile holders. need with theseice versatile sign holders. dips, cream,sign single-serve Plan your your customer’s then Plan routes, then slide slide foods, andcustomer’s more. Our routes, small Adjustable in signs signs when you’re ready. in when Tray you’re ready. Creative Merchandising (AMT) fits Creative a range merchandisers might these sign merchandisers might also use theseAMT sign of 4- to 6-ounce cups;also theuse medium holders for monthly or weekly specials, holders formid-range monthly or weekly specials, organizes offerings; and the buy-one-get-one specialized buy-one-get-one offers, specialized large AMT gives iceoffers, cream lovers pause category (think gluten category definition (think gluten free, to browsedefinition and choose a pint of free, their organic,flavor fair etc.), or promotion organic, fair trade, trade, etc.), ornot promotion favorite (hmmm ...why get both of in-store in-store loyalty of of loyalty cards. A A variety variety of Cherry Vanilla and cards. Rocky Road?). This mounting options are available including mounting options are available manual-feed tray ensures that including products hooks, push foam hooks, push pin, pin, and foam tape. tape. The remain faced and and accessible. TimeThe to

Slatwall Hooks WonderBar Hooks Super Hooks!

Let’s review® your wish list Yeah, We’ve Got That of slatwall hook features: ® flat back plate are base? Trion’s WonderBar Displays the versatile got it. Even loadproduct distribution? heroes of the family, Let’s review yourTrion wish list of slatwall Check. Customizable with Clear Scan coming to theflat rescue when youbase? need hook features: back plate Labels? Yep. Flip-front ordistribution? metal plate muscle and merchandise Trion’s got it.good Evenlooks loadto Label Holder, gotcha. Like varied items of all sizes. These Baryour Hooks can Check. Customizable with Clear Scan products, Trion’s Hooksarms. are lift heavy loads inSlatwall theirorcapable Labels? Yep. Flip-front metal plate offered in aorrange of standard, medium, Display Scan, Saddle or Plug Label Holder, gotcha. LikeMount your varied heavy, andTrion’s extra heavy gauges. Our in, there are Trion WonderBar Hooks products, Slatwall Hooks are hooks allrange industry standardmedium, slatwall for fit every need. offered in a of standard, slots, and manyheavy workgauges. with slot heavy, and extra Ourinserts. hooks Call a sample to check the fit with fit all for industry standard slatwall slots, and

Slatwall Hooks

your design. many work with slot inserts. Call for a sample to check the fit with your design.

opportunities use are opportunities forout useand areendless. endless. re-stock? Just for lift refill. Add Clear

Call ®800-444-4665 || TrionOnline.com Scan Label Holder, and you’re finished! Call 800-444-4665 TrionOnline.com Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com

T H E T H E T H E

A RR TT A A R T

O FF O O F

M EE RR CC HH AA NN DD II SS II N G M N G M E R C H A N D I S I N G

T H E T H E

A R T A R T

O F O F

M E R C H A N D I S I N G M E R C H A N D I S I N G

CreateYour YourOwn OwnMerchandising Merchandising Masterpiece Masterpiece with Create withTrion TrionFixtures Fixtures Create Your Own Merchandising Masterpiece with Trion Fixtures

® ®

Create Your Own Merchandising Masterpiece with Trion Fixtures Create Your Own Merchandising Masterpiece with Trion Fixtures

The Problem Solver

Endless Baskets Endless Baskets The number of products Air Flow Baffleyou can CT oh le d P Fr roobnl te mF oSroe lcvaesrt

effectively, attractively merchandise The number you when can The forecast cooler front l ePaisrnoaofabcold slproducts in these is, T h Cebaskets eawell, mW hSiendless, os tll ve e r as is effectively, attractively merchandise ® Flow Baffle you use Trion’s Air in coolers. T h ebaskets P r ouses. bis,l ewell, m S o llevel v e r or the length and Mount in in these as to is Product temperature can endless, be difficult gravity-feed mode from pegboard or ® the and uses. Mount or in Use length ZIP Track storewide tolevel organize maintain at the front of a cooler. This The number of on products you can slatwall, or place shelves or table gravity-feed mode from pegboard or various types of cleaning products, Air Flow Baffle ensures that cold air is The number of products you tags, can effectively, attractively merchandise tops. Pair the baskets with hang slatwall, or place on shelves or table insect forward repellent and various other forced to keep items at their effectively, attractively merchandise in these baskets is, well, endless, as is efficiently both products and tops. Pair displaying the baskets with hang household items. ItUse is the most versatile ideal temperature. asendless, part of tags, your in these baskets is, well, as is the length and uses. Mount level or in prices. Customize your baskets with efficiently displaying both products and system of its kind on Mount the market. Easy cooler outfitting strategy, along with the length and uses. level or in gravity-feed mode from pegboard or handy dividers to create exactly the ® ® prices. Customize your baskets with to install, ZIP Track components clip WonderBar Bar Merchandisers and gravity-feed mode from pegboard or slatwall, or place on shelves or table compartmentalization you need. TM allowing handy dividers to create exactly the on a front rail lanes to hooks, EWT Expandable Wire Tray slatwall, orthe place on shelves or adjust table tops. Pair baskets with hang tags, ® Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com quickly, even when full or toScan add compartmentalization you need. System, and cooler capable Clear tops. Pair the baskets with hang tags, efficiently displaying both products and

Zip Track EndlessMerchandiser Baskets

Endless Baskets

additional facings. Use actual product label holders. Call 800-444-4665 |both TrionOnline.com efficiently displaying products and prices. Customize your baskets with to set lane width from 2" up to 3 3/4 ". prices. Customize your baskets Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com handy dividers to create exactly with the Slide product to “ZIP” handy dividers front-to-back to create exactly the compartmentalization you need. each track together. ZIP Track® offers a wide range of adjustability for everCall 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com evolving package designs. compartmentalization you need. Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com

When Visibility is Your Goal

Clear Acrylic Dividers Clear Acrylic Dividers customers spotEWT andisbrowse neatly WonderBar Large The way can to profits clear when When Visibility is Your Goal Oversize? No Problem! The way to profits is clear when ®

displayed, h e n think V ican s i upscale bthe i l i WonderBar t yand i s merchandise. Y o u r EWT Gneatly o a lis customers spot browse IfWyou W h e n V i s i upscale b i l i t y i s merchandise. Your Goal Adjustable, displayed, great, wait tillmulti-functional you meet its big dividers brother! allow you to customize change Adjustable, multi-functional dividers Oversized just like depth someand of your The way oftodisplays profitsjustisasclear when the width fast as new allow you to customize depth and change products, this weightlifter stays strong The way to profits is clear when customers can spot and browse neatly products are delivered. Sturdy, clear the width of displays just as fast as new on both metal and open wire shelves customers canupscale spot and browse neatly displayed, merchandise. presentation products looking products are keeps delivered. Sturdy, clear and bar. One-piece installation means displayed, upscale merchandise. Adjustable, multi-functional dividers their best, highlighting the colors, presentation keeps products looking you can drop this bad boy right into Adjustable, multi-functional allow yousizes, to customize depth anddividers change options, quality, and billboarding their best, highlighting the colors, place, adjust as needed, and watch allow you to customize depth and change the width of displays just as fast as new brands. Trion’s Clear and Acrylic Divider options, sizes, quality, billboarding the width revenue increase. The EWT the of just as fastlooking astakes new products aredisplays delivered. Sturdy, clear Systems are among the best brands. Trion’s Clear Acrylic feeding Divider over from there, automatically products are delivered. Sturdy, clear presentation keeps products looking and adaptable merchandising systems. Systems arethe among the looking product to frontproducts and best billboarding presentation keeps their best, highlighting the looking colors, Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com and adaptable merchandising systems. merchandise for maximum visibility. their best, the colors, options, sizes,highlighting quality, and billboarding Call | TrionOnline.com Call 800-444-4665 800-444-4665 options, sizes, and billboarding brands. Trion’squality, Clear Acrylic Divider brands. Trion’s Clearthe Acrylic Divider Systems are among best looking Systems are among the bestsystems. looking and adaptable merchandising

Clear Acrylic Dividers Clear Acrylic Dividers

and merchandising systems. Call adaptable 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com

Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com Fast and Easy

F a s t a n d E Hooks asy Attached-Back Attached-Back Hooks You read that right. These two-piece TM TM

straight-entry hooks These arrive already You C o nread t a i nthat e r sright. W e l l C o n two-piece tained assembled dream come for F a– s at hooks a n d Earrive a s y true ® straight-entry already TM F a s t a n d E a s y speeding labor intensive assembled – a dream come projects. true for TM Because the labor hooks are already assembled, Neatly and effectively display cooler speeding intensive projects. You readdisplay that right. These two-piece you can merchandise as quickly and freezer items, including yogurt, Because the hooks are already assembled, You read that right. two-piece straight-entry hooks These arrive already as you can say “profits.” Once dips, puddings, ice cream, single-serve you can display merchandise asinstalled, quickly straight-entry arrive already assembled –come a hooks dream come true for these apart easily, making foods, and more. Our small Adjustable as youhooks can say “profits.” Once installed, assembled – a dream come true for speeding labor intensive projects. merchandising changes in tight displays Merchandising Tray (AMT) fits a range these hooks come apart easily, making speeding labor intensive projects. Because the hooks are already assembled, fast and easy. Reinforced to host even of 4- to 6-ounce cups; the medium AMT merchandising changes in tight displays Because the hooks are already assembled, you can display merchandise asavailable quickly heavy items, these hooks are organizes mid-range offerings; andeven the fast and easy. Reinforced to host you can display merchandise as quickly as you can say “profits.” installed, in standard, medium andOnce heavy gauge large AMT gives ice hooks cream lovers pause heavy items, these are available as youhooks can say “profits.” these come apart Once easily,installed, making frontwires with engineering grade to standard, browse and choose pint ofgauge their in medium anda heavy these hooks come apart making merchandising changes ineasily, tight displays plastic backplates to provide durable favorite flavorwith (hmmm ...why not get both frontwires engineering grade merchandising in displays fast and easy. changes Reinforced tokeep host even and attractive ways totight your Cherry Vanilla and Rocky Road?). This plastic backplates to provide durable fast and easy.these Reinforced to host even heavy items, hooks are available merchandise accessible. manual-feed tray ways ensures products and attractive tothat keep your heavy items, medium these hooks are available in standard, and heavy gauge remain facedaccessible. and accessible. Time to Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com merchandise in standard, medium and heavy gauge frontwires with engineering grade re-stock? Just lift out and refill. Add Clear Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com frontwires with engineering grade plastic backplates to provide durable ® Scan Label Holder, and you’re finished! plasticattractive backplates to provide durable and ways to keep your Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com and attractive ways to keep your merchandise accessible.

Cooler CapableHooks AMT Attached-Back Attached-Back Hooks

merchandise accessible. Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com

Call 800-444-4665 | TrionOnline.com

Extend Your Revenue Super Hooks! E x t e n d Y o u r® R e v e n u e

Pegboard Extenders WonderBar Hooks Pegboard Extenders

Extend your opportunities to ® WonderBar Displays arewith the versatile increase revenue Trion’s Extend your opportunities to heroes of the Trion product family, pegboard extenders. Use E x t e n d Y o u r R e v ethem nTrion’s u e to increase revenue with coming to the rescue when you need E x display t e n dextenders. Ysurfaces o u r RUse eso v eyou n u e to layer pegboard themcan muscle and goodshow looks to merchandise simultaneously layer display surfacestallsoand youshort can Extend opportunities to items of all your sizes. These Bar Hooks can items. Commonly used to merchandise simultaneously show tall and short Extend your opportunities to increase revenue with Trion’s lift heavy loads in their capable arms. mops, brooms, long handled tools and items. Commonly used to merchandise increase revenue with Trion’s pegboard extenders. Use them to Display or Scan, Saddle Mount or Plug more, cross sells and accessories mops, with brooms, long handled tools and pegboard extenders. Use them to layer display surfaces so extenders you can in, there are Trion WonderBar Hooks directly in front. Pegboard more, with cross sells and accessories layer display surfaces soand youshort can simultaneously show tall for every need. extend merchandising directlyyour in front. Pegboard reach. extenders simultaneously tall and short items. Commonlyshow used to merchandise extend your merchandising reach. items. Commonly used to merchandise mops, brooms, long handled tools and mops, with brooms, long handled tools and more, cross sells and accessories more, with cross sells and accessories directly in front. Pegboard extenders directlyyour in front. Pegboard reach. extenders extend merchandising

Pegboard Extenders Pegboard Extenders

extend your merchandising reach.

HOOKS | lAbElING | SHElF & COOlER MERCHANDISING HOOKS || SHElF HOOKS || lAbElING lAbElING SHElF & &COOlER COOlER 800-444-4665 | info@triononline.com MERCHANDISING MERCHANDISING .triononline.com/Art 800-444-4665 800-444-4665 || info@triononline.com info@triononline.com .triononline.com/Art .triononline.com/Art HOOKS | lAbElING | SHElF & COOlER MERCHANDISING HOOKS | lAbElING | SHElF & COOlER

T H E

A R T

O F

M E R C H A N D I S I N G

THE ART OF MERCHANDISING

Merchandising is more than ﬁtout and ﬁxtures. It’s the art of creating an attractive, well-organized retail presentation. As with any artistic composition, a wide variety of tools

may

used

create

your

Nov. 10-12, 2026 The Hilton Chicago

Grocery’s Next Competitive Advantage Starts In-Store Digital influence is growing, but store conversion is harder to predict. Media, commerce marketing and loyalty teams are more connected, yet activation at the shelf is inconsistent. Brands can drive traffic and awareness, but struggle to control the final moment of decision. From smarter merchandising and retail media integration to stronger shopper engagement and conversions, InStore Ignite is an event that will explore how CPG brand and retail leaders can make the store a more powerful engine for growth.

As a valued Progressive Grocer reader, receive

Reader Offer

10% off your ticket. Use code: PGIGNITE2026

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

ALL’S WELLNESS

By Barbara Ruhs, MS, RDN

Winning Shopper Trust in the Influencer Era

ENLIST YOUR RE TAIL DIE TITIANS TO HARNESS THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA. ocial media has become the new nutrition aisle, where shoppers discover food trends before they ever enter a store. From fibermaxxing to the protein revival of cottage cheese, a new viral food trend takes off online every few weeks. For many shoppers, these trends are not background noise; they are the starting point for what goes into the cart. Retailers that connect viral food curiosity to credible nutrition guidance, smart merchandising, simple meal solutions and private label options can grow sales while building trust.

or affiliate relationship should be disclosed clearly where shoppers can see it. Health and nutrition claims should be reviewed for accuracy, and posts should avoid implying that a product can diagnose, treat, cure or prevent a disease, unless the claim is legally supported.

Measure Trust, Not Just Likes

Social success should be measured by more than impressions, views or likes. A better gauge of success is whether dietitian-led content helps shoppers take action. Useful measures include recipe clicks, QR code scans, loyalty app saves, digital coupon redemptions, event signups, store tour participation, basket Put Dietitians in the Feed Retailers that connect viral food lift on featured foods and If shoppers are learning about food on social merepeat engagement with curiosity to credible nutrition dia, the store’s nutrition expert needs to be part of dietitian content. guidance, smart merchandising, that conversation in the formats shoppers already Equally important are use. TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and podcasts qualitative signals: Are simple meal solutions and now influence how consumers think about ingreshoppers asking better private label options can grow dients, health claims, meal planning, supplements questions? Are associates sales while building trust. and better-for-you purchases. Making registered more confident answering dietitians the credible, relatable and trusted voices on these platforms turns common nutrition concerns? Are comonline curiosity into practical, safe and affordable food choices. munity partners sharing the content? Are Dietitians don’t need a studio crew to be effective. Short videos filmed in local media outlets turning to the retailer’s the produce aisle, dairy case, frozen section or family meal aisle can explain dietitian for perspective? These are signs what a label means, compare affordable options, demonstrate a quick meal that the retailer is building authority, not or respond calmly to a trending claim. Start with a repeatable cadence: one simply renting attention. weekly “Ask the Dietitian” reel, one budget-friendly recipe post, one seasonal shopping tip or one myth-versus-fact response to a trending topic. The goal The Bottom Line isn’t perfection; it’s consistency. Over time, shoppers will begin to associate the Social media is now part of the shopping retailer’s social channels with nutrition clarity, not just promotions. journey, especially for consumers trying to make sense of wellness trends, product claims and conflicting nutrition advice. For Turn Viral Trends Into Practical Shopping Solutions Supermarkets don’t have to endorse every viral nutrition trend to benefit from retailers, registered dietitians can be the the attention. Dietitians can use trends as entry points, and then redirect the differentiator. They can translate viral interconversation toward safe, balanced and affordable choices. A “trend-to-table” est into realistic meals, protect the retailer’s post can link to a weekly ad item, a loyalty app offer, a simple recipe, a shelf tag credibility, support merchandising teams or a QR code in the aisle. The content should answer the shopper’s next quesand become trusted local voices in a noisy tions: What should I buy, how much will it cost, and how do I use it tonight? digital marketplace. In an era when anyone can post nutrition advice, supermarkets have a powerful chance to help shoppers Team With Creators, But Have Dietitians Set Standards Local content creators, store fans, chefs, community health partners and find advice they can trust. registered dietitian creators can help supermarkets reach shoppers who may never open a circular. The best partnerships combine relatability with accountBarbara Ruhs, MS, RDN, is a registered dietitian ability. A creator may bring energy and reach, while the dietitian ensures that nutritionist (RDN) and owner of MarketRD.com. She is the message doesn’t exaggerate benefits or demonize foods. That balance a leading voice in retail health promotion and a former protects the retailer and strengthens the shopper relationship. Any paid, gifted supermarket dietitian. Connect on LinkedIn @BarbRuhs

12 progressivegrocer.com

ONLY AOP TURNS GRUYÈRE INTO GOLD. AOP isn‘t just a seal, it‘s a guarantee. As a protected designation of origin, it means the Gruyère you‘re buying is the original: Made only in Switzerland, from cows grazing in local meadows. Copied around the world, but never equaled. Every wheel must meet 16 pages of strict requirements, upheld by dedicated farmers, master cheesemakers, and affineurs who‘ve been perfecting this craft since 1115. That‘s the noble character — and the gold standard — of Le Gruyère AOP.

LEARN MORE

Scan the QR code to view the interactive online version

HOW GROCERS ARE TACKLING WHAT’S NEXT IN SUPPLY CHAIN, LOYALTY, ROBOTICS AND BEYOND. By Emily Crowe and Julia Tabisz POWERED BY

ood retail operations continue to become more complicated, all while consumers demand the simplest possible shopping journey that crosses seamlessly from the physical store to apps on their smartphones. It’s this balance between managing complexity behind the scenes while offering a smooth grocery shopping experience that will define the future of food retail. In this special report, six experts talk about what the store of the future will hold for fulfillment, retail media, supply chain, loyalty, robotics, and the way everything will come together in the connected store.

BUILDING TRACEABLE, FLEXIBLE FULFILLMENT IN THE STORE

Separating Operational Complexity from the Customer Experience

Mailhot says that store fulfillment must continue to evolve to meet rising expectations for fast, omnichannel options. While he believes that back-end technology and operations will become highly complex, the front-end customer journey must remain intuitive and fluid. By shifting picking operations to the back of the house, retailers can eliminate what Mailhot calls the “fight in the aisle” between shoppers and order pickers, freeing up store associates to focus on customer service. “The best store-of-the-future experience will feel simple, right?” Mailhot says. “It’s like a phone. It needs to be simple but do multiple things ... and the complexity … is going to be magic in the back.”

s the options for shoppers to get the purchases they make Building Trust Through Intelligent Zoning become more complex, so do the systems that fulfill those and Traceability orders. At the same time, however, those shoppers crave a In the store of the future, Mailhot says that guaranteeing buying journey that’s as simple as possible from their point of view. food safety across different temperature needs like To Sébastien Mailhot, general manager at Storix, moving into frozen, chilled, ambient and hot will be crucial for brand the future of grocery fulfillment credibility. To support this, requires a connected, hybrid automated fulfillment will rely on “The best store-of-the-future experience model – one that balances a what he refers to as “intelligent will feel simple, right? It’s like a phone. It complex back end with a simple zoning” and precise sequencing needs to be simple but do multiple things shopping journey, establishes so that a single order containing ... and the complexity … is going to be trust through traceable fulfillice cream, hot food and fresh magic in the back.” ment and uses a flexible “hublettuce is assembled without and-spoke” approach. compromising product integrity. —Sébastien Mailhot, Storix

14 progressivegrocer.com

“People are really getting very good at not reading digital banner ads, and the eye-tracking studies show we are evolving so fast to not see those anymore.” —Gil Phipps, Advantage Solutions “Traceability will become the competitive advantage, as retailers will need to know where a product was stored, how long it stayed there, when it was picked and mostly, ‘Was my product stored respecting the climate control during all the process until the food is at home?’” Mailhot says.

Adapting Footprints and the “Hub-andSpoke” Approach

According to Mailhot, the store of the future won’t force a choice between shopping space and fulfillment space – they’ll have to function together. He estimates that about 15% to 25% of a store’s footprint will be dedicated to fulfillment, although this ratio will fluctuate based on urban versus suburban locations. The physical store has often been overlooked in automation discussions, Mailhot says, but it remains critical for keeping items fresh and reducing last-mile delivery costs. He envisions a “hub-and-spoke” model in which large fulfillment centers automate high-velocity bulk goods, while local stores handle fresh items to finalize orders.

5 Priorities for Future Fulfillment

Above all, Mailhot recommends that food retailers focus on five operational guidelines:  Inventory Accuracy: Omnichannel fulfillment fails if products are out of stock when ordered.  Space Productivity: Every square foot is expensive; retailers must optimize layouts to preserve revenue-generating spaces.  Labor Productivity: Automation should help current employees do more and focus on value-added tasks.  Freshness and Safety: Delivering high-quality fresh food is key to maintaining brand loyalty.  Network Flexibility: Retailers should deploy scalable step-by-step solutions that can adapt to changing consumer behaviors, rather than locking into massive, rigid infrastructure projects.

RETAIL MEDIA TREADS A PATH TO BECOMING MORE PHYSICAL AND LESS DIGITAL

etail media has always been a very digital business. But as digital channels become noisier and shoppers get better at tuning out that noise, the retail media of the future will move further into the physical realm, according to Gil Phipps, SVP of global customer solutions at Advantage Solutions.

Phipps says that retail media in the store of the future will be located much closer to the physical point of sale and on the physical store shelf, and that experiential marketing and tactics like product sampling will be important strategies in the retail media space.

Bringing the Store into Retail Media

Historically, Phipps says that retail media has focused heavily on off-site digital channels because they’ve been easier to measure. But retailers are realizing that communicating with shoppers closer to the physical point of purchase is yielding real results. In the store of the future, he believes that the physical store will be an important piece of the retail media ecosystem. “The closer you are to the register, the more likely you are to turn into a transaction,” Phipps notes, “and so there are some savvy retailers that are really starting to figure it out and starting to view in-store as part of retail media.”

The Future of Smart, At-the-Shelf Personalization

Looking ahead to the store of the future, Phipps says that retail media will rely on smarter, personalized messaging directly at the shelf. While navigating data privacy changes will be a balancing act, he observes that proximity to the transaction will be the primary goal. “We are going to be communicating more at the shelf because that’s once again closer to the end of a transaction,” Phipps says. “Over time, it will get a little bit smarter. It will get a little bit more personalized by some sort of ping rate.”

Combating Digital Ad Fatigue

According to Phipps, consumers are evolving to ignore standard digital banner ads. Because of this digital fatigue, he says, brand building and direct communication inside the physical store – where 80% of purchasing decisions are made – will be at the forefront of retail media in the store of the future. “People are really getting very good at not reading digital banner ads, and the eye-tracking studies show we are evolving so fast to not see those anymore,” Phipps notes. “It’s really fascinating. I happily used them before, and I don’t think it’s a good spend anymore.”

Experiential Marketing and Product Sampling as Retail Media

Along those same lines, Phipps says that in-store demos and product sampling are increasingly being categorized as retail media. By allowing shoppers to try products before buying, brands effectively remove the financial risk for the consumer. He believes that there will be more of this heading into the future. “The samples are a really interesting opportunity, because demos effectively take away the risk,” Phipps says. “All of the risk is on the consumer to try a new product, unless they try it and they know they like it, at which point there’s no risk.” PROGRESSIVE GROCER September 2026

SPECIAL REPORT

Store of the Future

SUPPLY CHAIN’S DIGITAL EVOLUTION EXPANDS FROM THE FIELD TO THE FLOOR

raditional supply chain visibility stopped at the warehouse doors. The supply chain of the future will rely on seamless end-to-end data sharing from the field directly to the cash register, according to Bill Senn, senior manager of digital solutions and business development at CHEP. Senn notes that by pairing established supply chain expertise with new data insights and analytics – driven by platforms like Brambles Digital – retailers and manufacturers can collaborate to resolve downstream issues before they ever affect the shopper.

Bridging the Data Gap

The most critical step that manufacturers and retailers can take today is integrating their data. Senn explains that, while stakeholders have long known what happens inside a distribution center, they’re often blind to what occurs in transit. “We feel that when the retailers and the growers are collaborating, when they’re actually agreeing to share what’s going on with that product on the road – now we can [do that],” Senn says. “We have traceability, visibility from the field to the [distribution center] to the store and onto the sales floor.”

“When you have an AI that can sort of tie all that together … you’re giving the retailer [in] that last mile the opportunity to tell the consumer this is a safe product.” —Bill Senn, CHEP

Embracing AI for Precision

To manage thousands of new data points – from temperature reads to physical impacts on the pallet – that artificial intelligence is the path that will get retailers there, according to Senn. “When you have an AI that can sort of tie all that together … you’re giving the retailer [in] that last mile the opportunity to tell the consumer this is a safe product,” Senn says. “I just implore the retailers and the supply chain leaders to get out there and take that AI, take that data, and weave it together.”

Empowering Shoppers with Transparency

In the store of the future, this end-to-end visibility translates directly into consumer trust, Senn says. Shoppers increasingly demand to know the origin of the products they buy, treatment, temperature history and more. Senn points to the rise of consumer-facing QR codes that trace products back to their exact starting points. “Consumers now want to see not only what the temperature may have been, but it’s fascinating to me how there are companies ... providing the consumer with a QR code or some kind of a scan barcode on the product, all the way back to where it actually came from,” Senn says. “Unless you have technology, unless you have data tracking, visibility, true end-to-end visibility, you can’t provide that to the consumer.”

Integrating with In-Store Marketing

This connected data also has the potential to revolutionize in-store promotions. By tracking pallets and cases from the back room directly to the sales floor, Senn says that retailers can power live app feeds that tell customers exactly what’s in stock and suggest complementary promotional items. “The vendor needs to know that their product has actually left that back room and moved on to the sales floor through promotional tracking,” he says. “We could not do that without technology on the pallet, on the product, on the case, and now we can.”

16 progressivegrocer.com

TRANSITIONING FROM PERSONALIZED MARKETING TO VERIFIED COMMERCE

oday’s grocery shoppers are value-conscious, digitally assisted and still strongly attached to the physical store. Grocers are realizing that adapting to these characteristics requires more than just a good loyalty app. According to Jay Loeffler, strategic sales advisor at SKUx, the store of the future will rely heavily on “verified commerce” and seamless technology to bridge the gap between digital intent and physical execution.

The Digitally Connected Shopper Journey

Despite the massive growth in e-commerce, the physical grocery store isn’t going away. Loeffler points out that more than half of shoppers still use physical stores as their primary grocery destination. However, he notes that in-store shopping is no longer a purely analog experience, as roughly three-quarters of shoppers engage digitally before and during their trip. “Value-seeking is no longer a temporary inflation response. It’s actually become a learned behavior,” Loeffler says. “So the right framing is not online versus offline, it’s digitally connecting the shopper journey.”

The Rise of Agentic Commerce

Looking five years ahead, Loeffler predicts a surge in AI agent assistance. A shopper might ask an AI agent to plan five healthy high-protein dinners for under $140. The AI will build the basket, check inventory and apply brand-funded offers. However, he says, consumers will still want to review AI-curated baskets and visit physical stores for certain items. “Routine and specific-driven purchases such as paper products, beverages, pantry staples and recurring household items ... they’re going to automate first,” Loeffler predicts. “Fresh products, discovery and emotionally important purchases will likely remain human.”

Overcoming Fragmented “Plumbing”

While there’s no shortage of AI ideas, Loeffler believes that grocers are held back by underlying “plumbing”: Product data, inventory, loyalty programs, retail media and point-of-sale systems often live in separate environments. To overcome this, Loeffler says that the industry must transition from tracking vague metrics like clicks or basic redemptions to proving incremental sales at the item level. “The store of the future won’t be won by whoever sends the most personalized message,” Loeffler asserts “It’ll be won by whoever can understand intent, deliver relevant value with minimal friction and prove what is actually happening at the item level. This is the transition from personalized marketing to verified commerce.”

5 Considerations for Grocer-Brand Partnerships

As grocers and brands work together to customize the store of the future, Loeffler recommends five essential guidelines:  A Consumer Covenant: The value exchange must be obvious. Loeffler says that shoppers must clearly see how sharing their data saves them money or time, and they must retain the ability to override AI recommendations.  Shared Outcomes: Brands and grocers must agree on their goals before launching a program. Loeffler says that success should be measured by incremental units, larger baskets or new households, rather than just basic offer redemptions.

“The store of the future won’t be won by whoever sends the most personalized message. It’ll be won by whoever can understand intent, deliver relevant value with minimal friction and prove what is actually happening at the item level.” —Jay Loeffler, SKUx

 Merchant-Controlled Architecture: Product data and loyalty rules must be machine-readable, but Loeffler says that the physical store’s role as the seller of record must be preserved so it doesn’t become a mere fulfillment utility for AI platforms.  Verification and Privacy: The ecosystem needs to verify that the correct discount was applied to the correct item, but Loeffler says that this should be done with selective data use rather than exposing the shopper’s entire basket.  A Unified Commercial Model: Pricing, loyalty, retail media and AI can no longer be siloed programs competing for the same budget. Instead, Loeffler says that they must operate as one cohesive commercial system.

STORE ROBOTICS MOVE FROM DETECTION TO RESOLUTION

he success of store robotics relies on adapting to the dynamic store environment, rather than forcing the store to adapt to them. According to Chris Green, chief commercial officer at Badger Technologies, the autonomous platforms in the store of the future will have to be able to safely navigate moving shoppers and changing displays while operating unobtrusively. Green notes that, when implemented thoughtfully, technology solves operational challenges while occasionally becoming a beloved part of the shopping experience, with some young shoppers even forming personal connections with familiar store robots.

Reallocating Labor and Earning Buy-In

A primary operational goal of store robotics is automating repetitive tasks like manual shelf auditing, which can consume upwards of 20 to 30 labor hours per week. Green emphasizes that securing associate buy-in requires upfront communication to ensure that store teams understand the technology is there to remove tedious tasks and not to replace their jobs. “The technology should be working in the background quietly, supporting the associates, making the customer experience better at the end of the day,” he advises. By reallocating those hours, Green says that staff can focus on more valuable work like replenishment and face-to-face customer service.

Closing the Visibility Gap

Despite having more data than ever, retailers frequently struggle to answer exactly what’s happening on the sales floor in real time, according to Green. For example, an inventory system might indicate that a product is in stock, but if it’s sitting in the back room or missing a price tag, it’s effectively invisible to the shopper. “From a system perspective, you have inventory, but from a shopper’s perspective, you don’t,” Green points out. Autonomous systems close this gap by continuously scanning aisles and identifying out-of-stocks and pricing exceptions before the customer ever encounters them. PROGRESSIVE GROCER September 2026

SPECIAL REPORT

Store of the Future

A Unified Intelligence Platform

“The environment is moving from ‘here’s what I have found’ to ‘here’s what matters, here’s what you should do next, and here’s how we got it fixed.”

Redefining the Electronic Shelf Label

Moving forward, the store of the future won’t rely on a single hardware solution. Instead, Green says that retailers will integrate data from robots, fixed cameras, RFID and hand-held devices into one comprehensive retail intelligence platform. —Chris Green, Badger Technologies “What matters most is bringing those different inputs together to create a reliable view of what’s happening across your store and making that information useful to the people who have to act on it,” he notes.

Historically, electronic shelf labels (ESLs) were viewed simply as a tool for price automation. But in the connected store of the future, Propes says that digitizing the shelf edge will allow grocers to automate everything from promotional execution to order picking. This will free up associates to focus on higher-value tasks like customer service, fresh operations and merchandising. “Employees no longer spend hours printing, sorting and replacing paper tags,” Propes says. “Modern shelfedge platforms also support stock-to-light and pickto-light capabilities, helping associates quickly identify product locations and required quantities.”

Moving from Identification to Action

Elevating the Shopper Experience

Ultimately, intelligent systems will evolve from simply flagging hundreds of floor issues to prioritizing exactly which ones matter most, Green says. By leveraging AI to recognize patterns, platforms will guide associates to the out-of-stocks that represent the highest lost sales or the most urgent pricing discrepancies. “The environment is moving from ‘here’s what I have found’ to ‘here’s what matters, here’s what you should do next, and here’s how we got it fixed,’” Green says. “That’s when robotics become much more than a way to collect information.”

FROM PRICE AUTOMATION TO PRECISION COMMERCE IN THE CONNECTED STORE

truly connected store needs to go beyond isolated digital upgrades. In the store of the future, the connected store will have to unite products, shelves, associates and shopper touchpoints and operate as a live, synchronized, data-driven environment. According to Mark Propes, chief business development officer at Vusion Group, the connected store of the future will use real-time visibility to seamlessly synchronize pricing, inventory and fulfillment, among other things, to make the store environment more accurate and responsive for both shoppers and associates.

This connected ecosystem creates a much more reliable shopping trip in which shoppers benefit directly from more accurate pricing and inventory visibility, as well as richer engagement through digital coupons. But Propes notes that the benefits to shoppers are also indirect when automation frees employees from repetitive tasks. “When employees spend less time managing paper processes, they spend more time helping customers, keeping shelves stocked and maintaining store standards,” he goes on to observe. “The connected store ultimately makes shopping faster, easier and more transparent.”

The Shelf Edge as an Operating System

Looking ahead, ESLs will evolve from basic digital displays into a broad, strategic layer of store infrastructure. According to Propes, these systems will support location-aware services, computer vision and retail media, and will provide real-time intelligence that drives decision-making across the entire store. “Future shelf systems will increasingly serve as a foundation for real-time store operations,” he says. “In many ways, the shelf edge is becoming the operating system for the physical store.”

The Next Decade of Precision Commerce

“Future shelf systems will increasingly serve as a foundation for real-time store operations. In many ways, the shelf edge is becoming the operating system for the physical store.” —Mark Propes, Vusion Group

18 progressivegrocer.com

Over the next five to 10 years, Propes believes that connected stores will become heavily automated, shifting from digitizing individual tasks to creating a complete, real-time digital representation of store operations. This shift will enable predictive replenishment and automated task prioritization, which, in turn, will help retailers stay agile. “The most successful grocers will use connected-store infrastructure to make stores more productive while improving service levels,” Propes says. “The end goal is a store that operates with greater precision, delivers a better shopper experience and continuously adapts to changing consumer expectations and market conditions.”

ADVERTORIAL

Interstore transforms stores into revenue drivers.

DeCicco & Sons Greenwich, USA | Opening: End of August 2026

Interstore is the only retail design agency that has its own shopfitting company, Schweitzer.

Strategic retail design for high-performance stores Interstore transforms retail spaces into brand experiences that attract customers, guide their journey and drive commercial performance. With more than 35 years of international experience, the retail design agency combines strategic thinking, design expertise and consumer insight to create retail concepts that are functional, distinctive and commercially successful. Every project is developed from a holistic perspective, integrating store layout, customer journey, product presentation, visual communication and brand identity. The objective is not simply to create attractive stores, but to develop retail environments that enhance the shopping experience while directly contributing to business performance. Interstore delivers tailor-made solutions for new store concepts, flagship destinations and international expansion programmes. Through its

integrated Design & Build and Design & Rollout models, the company ensures design consistency, scalability and efficient implementation across multiple markets. Premium Shopfitting. Precision Execution. As a specialist shopfitting partner, Schweitzer brings Interstore‘s retail concepts to life with premium craftsmanship and engineering excellence. Extensive technical expertise, in-house manufacturing capabilities and meticulous attention to detail enable the company to deliver even the most complex projects with precision, reliability and exceptional quality. The close integration between Interstore and Schweitzer combines retail design and shopfitting under one roof. This integrated approach streamlines project delivery, safeguards the original design vision and ensures that every concept is realised exactly as intended. The result is a comprehensive solution for brands and retailers seeking far more than a store refurbishment. It is the combination of strategy, retail design and premium shopfitting that creates commercial environments that are distinctive, future-ready and built to deliver lasting business success. Interstore designs the potential. Schweitzer brings it to life.

With more than 15 years of experience in retail innovation, international expansion and the development of scalable, profitable business models, Vera Leonardelli supports retailers in turning strategic concepts into successful store projects. As Director of International Sales at Schweitzer, she helps transform proven retail concepts into practical solutions that improve operational efficiency, enhance the customer experience and strengthen commercial performance. For retailers, this means actionable ideas and proven strategies that can be implemented to optimise store performance.

GET IN TOUCH WITH US: Vera Leonardelli, Director of International Sales vera.leonardelli@interstore-schweitzer.com Tel.: +39 0473 670656

Get Comfortable with the Future of Sustainable Refrigeration The Evolve Experience stops at retailers' front door allowing them to encounter new CO2, R-290, and A2L solutions and learn about the new technology to help them make informed decisions moving forward.

Scan here to learn more about the Evolve Experience

ADVERTORIAL

Retail Support Hits the Road —

ONE MARKET AT A TIME Navigating today’s ever-changing consumer preferences, workforce demands and regulatory environment doesn’t have to mean going at it alone. Hussmann’s cross-country roadshow is ready to embark on a journey to new markets, bringing hands-on training and expert guidance to help retailers cut through the complexity and navigate what’s next for their stores. Progressive Grocer asked Hussmann CEO Tim Figge how this mobile classroom meets retailers where they are — and sets them up for success.

Progressive Grocer: What are the biggest questions you’re hearing from customers today? Tim Figge: From my perspective, the biggest questions retailers are asking are what to replace, when to invest, and which refrigeration technologies make the most sense for their business. They’re also thinking about how to ensure their people and economics can support those decisions over the long term. Ultimately, retailers want flexibility and options — so the investments they make today continue to serve them as regulations, technology and business conditions evolve.

PG: Why did Hussmann choose a roadshow as the best way to help customers address those challenges? TF: Hussmann is the only OEM that offers a true end-to-end solution, from store design to a full portfolio of products with service and install — all backed by the expertise to bring it together. The roadshow has received overwhelmingly positive customer response because it brings teams from across the business together in one place, eliminating the need for multiple trips. It enables deeper conversations and training around what matters most: operational success, customer experience and building stores designed for the future.

PG: How has the roadshow evolved for 2026, and what can visitors expect to experience when they step inside? TF: Since our last roadshow, we’ve expanded our Evolve Technologies portfolio with A2L refrigerants — comple-

menting our CO₂ and R-290 low-GWP solutions. We’ve also enhanced StoreConnect and temperature monitoring to improve leak detection and give retailers real-time visibility, while maintaining a strong focus on food safety. While merchandisers and systems remain at the core of what we do, Hussmann never stands still. We continue to innovate based on our customers’ evolving needs, while using the roadshow to provide the education, stewardship and partnership that deliver on the Hussmann Promise.

PG: Beyond refrigerants, what aspects of Hussmann’s business and product portfolio are being showcased during the roadshow? TF: Inside the roadshow, retailers experience merchandisers, microDS, our proprietary water-cooled propane cases, CO2 and Krack systems, electronic shelf labels (ESLs) and more. It brings our end-to-end capabilities to life—from cases and refrigeration systems to connected technologies and aftermarket solutions. Hussman is a partner that retailers can rely on to optimize operational costs across the entire store.

PG: What feedback have you received from retailers who have participated in the roadshow, and what do you hope attendees take away from the 2026 experience? TF: What we hear most often from retailers is that they’re surprised by the breadth of Hussmann’s full-store solutions and how much we can support across the entire customer journey—from design and installation to service. Attendees are also surprised to learn of the retail operational capabilities enabled by ESLs. With a complete portfolio of refrigerant options and solutions, we can help retailers evaluate what’s right for their business without adding complexity. That’s really what we want attendees to take away from the 2026 roadshow: Hussmann can make the complex simple. Retailers don’t need to be refrigeration experts — we are. Our role is to help them understand their options, make confident decisions and build stores that are ready for what’s next. Most importantly, our people meet customers where they are and make it easier to navigate the challenges of today while preparing for tomorrow.

COVER STORY

C-Suite Insider

IGA MARKS 100 YEARS

With an Eye Toward the Future By Emily Crowe hen most people think about a company’s 100th anniversary, their minds conjure old stories and dated tales of bygone eras. The Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) has plenty of those, but as it celebrates this major milestone, the organization is keeping all eyes on the future instead of the past. To take a quick look back, IGA was formed in 1926 when J. Frank Grimes, a Chicago accountant who specialized in wholesale grocery, created a union of independent grocers who could take advantage of volume buying and mass marketing in an effort to stay competitive against rapidly expanding grocery chains like the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. (otherwise known as A&P). Over the decades, IGA has expanded across the United States, Canada, Australia and beyond. Today, the alliance includes more than 8,000 stores globally, with operations in 46 of the United States and more than 25 countries, and it’s the world’s largest voluntary supermarket network, with $80 billion in annual sales globally. 22 progressivegrocer.com

By many accounts, 2026 has been IGA’s best year to date. The power of independent food retailers is stronger than ever, and the organization is just getting started helping them reach their fullest potential.

Embracing the Magic of IGA

While IGA represents a hometown network of independent grocers, it is, by nature, a global alliance and not an association, an operating retailer or a franchise. As CEO John Ross explains, the word “alliance” is critical and purposeful, and though it’s a tricky space to occupy, it’s also a defi ning part of the magic behind IGA’s mission and membership. “At a corporate level, we have all the services that you would see if you went to visit a Kroger, a Tesco or a Carrefour,” Ross tells Progressive Grocer. “We’re going to have visual merchandising, analytics, e-commerce, and content and marketing, and we’re going to negotiate with suppliers for national funds.”

John Ross has served as president and CEO of IGA since September 2017.

What IGA does not do, Ross says, is operate stores or buy and sell products. Those parts of the equation are left to the independent store owners, who thereby preserve their autonomy to manage and make decisions for their own stores. “We’re going to rely upon the local knowledge to make decisions on assortment, on pricing and how to operate their stores, and how to hire and buy in the culture of their communities,” Ross explains. “We’ll provide all the other structure around them that will allow them to compete against big national, and now global, retailers.” For today’s members, part of maintaining their local magic and competitive edge against those large national chains is having the ability to complement inherent knowledge of their markets and neighborhoods with IGA’s modern data and technology tools. “All the data allows us to know exactly who’s in the store and how they’re behaving. We’ve got visibility into the marketplace,” Ross says. “That visibility lets you see how the marketplace is changing around you. It allows you to see trends in the economics of those neighborhoods that you may be missing. Obviously, that data is really valuable.” He continues: “So that’s the magic. You know your store, you know your known shoppers; let us help you understand the marketplace and move those two things together. That makes you really powerful.”

extension of it. “The physical store remains the center of trust,” he shares. “Omnichannel is not about becoming less local, it’s about making local more accessible.” IGA is also helping its independents level the advertising playing field against national retailers through high-impact connected TV (CTV) advertising, data targeting and video storytelling. Those marketing services are offered through ADvay Media Group, which was established by Leigh Engelbrecht in 2017 and brought under the IGA umbrella in 2021. Grand Rapids, Mich.-based ADvay helps IGA members target specific geographic areas and create multilingual ads, with production crews fi lming in-store content to create advertising spots. This is all done within a not-for-profit structure with lower markups than typical agencies, and according to Engelbrecht, the exposure is making a big impact on stores’ bottom lines. In addition to advertising, IGA better enables its members by holding 11 tentpole marketing events throughout the year, with activations based on shopper insights and current trends, such as back-to-school supplies or summer grilling. The events are designed to be turnkey for retailers, explains Megan Drazer, associate director of marketing, with IGA handling the heavy lifting of coordination with CPG brands

Evolving for a New Generation

Part of IGA’s forward momentum is its ability to use the data and technology Ross describes to keep its members ahead of an ever-changing curve and in line with evolving shopper demands. That includes bringing the physical and digital worlds together by employing connected, actionable data, while also making it easier for independents to adopt practical technology that has a positive impact on operations. Offering omnichannel shopping options is just one of the moves that IGA is helping its members make. Michael La Kier, SVP of brand development, points out that e-commerce isn’t a replacement for the physical store, but an

“The physical store remains the center of trust. Omnichannel is not about becoming less local, it’s about making local more accessible.” —Michael La Kier, SVP of Brand Development, IGA PROGRESSIVE GROCER September 2026

COVER STORY

C-Suite Insider

“The reality is, our stores were built by our grandparents to serve our parents. And now, increasingly, we’re going to be serving their children. So, if the shopper is changing, you have to become a really good student on what customers want.” —John Ross, CEO, IGA

IGA member stores are evolving along with today’s consumer demands.

and providing digital advertising, social media assets and in-store signage. Drazer emphasizes how IGA has evolved from stores without websites to offering modern marketing tools like Instagram Reels, CTV and digital display ads, helping independent retailers stay competitive and innovative. A different kind of evolution for IGA is a focus on adapting to younger shoppers with a changing set of needs, as well as a growing tendency to prioritize fresh and local products. “The reality is, our stores were built by our grandparents to serve our parents. And now, increasingly, we’re going to be serving their children,” Ross explains. “So, if the shopper is changing, you have to become a really good student on what customers want.” To do so, Ross says that IGA is using data and shopper engagement to work backwards from customer demand to build the business in a way that caters to this younger generation seeking both monetary value and value of time. “We’ve really got to look at these stores and say, how can we redesign them in a way that they provide local and fresh, that are committed to these departments that shoppers want, and be an ally for them in having to make it all work when they’re value-constrained and time-starved?” Ross says. One fi nal piece of IGA’s evolution that goes hand in hand with fresh and local is a strategic shift toward more prepared food offerings as a key growth driver for its members. In fact, according to Ross, the IGA stores with the highest comparable-store sales are those that offer fresh prepared meals. “They’re providing nutrition for families in whatever way that they need,” Ross notes. “Right now, they need it fast, they need it fresh, they need it healthy and they need it in a portion size that makes sense. They need a value proposition.” Independents have a unique opportunity, Ross says, to compete with restaurants by offering healthier, more cost-effective options, transforming their businesses into a legitimate competitor in the foodservice space. 24 progressivegrocer.com

The International Imperative

While IGA has been a stateside fi xture for a century, Ross contends that many people are still unaware of the organization’s international presence. Today, IGA supports about 5,000 independent retailers outside the United States, in such countries as Canada, Australia, Fiji, China, The Philippines, Ireland, Poland, South Africa, and nations throughout the Caribbean, to name just a few. According to Ross, this global reach allows IGA to share with U.S. stores innovations and learnings from overseas, ranging from AI and consumer-facing technology to unique private label product offerings. “We are a global industry, so it’s painfully obvious that if you only focus on domestic, you’re missing some of the levers that are causing things to change,” Ross shares, adding that “innovation is not limited to the United States.” Testament to that global innovation is IGA’s recent Merchant’s Choice private label launch. Lee’s IGA Sanctuary Cove is located on Australia’s Gold Coast.

COVER STORY

C-Suite Insider

An IGA Retailer in Action

IGA’s Merchant’s Choice private label includes a sub-brand with Italy-made products ranging from pasta sauces to olive oil.

The company partnered with Coop Italia, a network of IGA independent grocers in Italy, to introduce a premium line of imported-from-Italy products under the That’s Italy sub-brand. Spanning pastas, sauces, olive oil and more, the product line is authentically made with the highest-quality ingredients, in accordance with time-honored recipes. According to IGA, the brand delivers premium-tier Italian quality at a private label price, which gives independents a credible way to compete with premium national brands while protecting margins. “There are real advantages to looking for pockets of innovation everywhere and deploying them everywhere,” Ross asserts. Mark Batenic, chairman and former CEO, is a champion of IGA’s global work, explaining that the company’s international growth really took off in the mid-1990s with entry into Australia and Japan. “And from there, we kept growing,” he shares. According to Batenic, IGA is committed to further international growth, naming its fi rst global director just this year. He highlights Australia as a particularly successful example of an international network where a single wholesaler, Metcash, partners with retailers to create a unified marketing approach while maintaining local independence. Batenic notes that IGA’s global license fee model ensures that earnings stay within local Australian communities rather than being repatriated to headquarters. He also explains that the country’s IGA retailers have a heavy focus on digital transformation, as well as on store reinvestment.

Making a Greater Impact

While IGA stores have always been an integral part of their local communities, the organization is widening its reach to help even more communities in several impactful ways. To start, IGA is strategically opening up certain resources, including cybersecurity training and active-shooter training, to the broader independent grocery community, not just IGA members. 26 progressivegrocer.com

arlier this year, IGA named nine Retailers of the Year, each recognized for demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation and dedication to serving their communities. Among this year’s winners, and a prime example of IGA’s focus on the future, is Kj’s Market in Lake City, S.C., led by Store Kj’s Market in Lake City, Manager Ricky Dow. S.C., was named one of As part of a larger Kj’s brand IGA’s Retailers of the transformation two years ago, Year for 2026. Dow’s store rolled out several innovative services, including fresh deli and bakery options, a full-service butcher shop, and a restaurant-style kitchen that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The store is using that new butcher shop to help feed consumers’ desire for value with a product called “butcher bundles.” Each bundle includes enough meat for three meals at $5-, $7-, $10- and $12-per-pack price points. Associates have also begun celebrating the arrival of fresh biscuits, which the retailer is famous for, with a Do-Si-Do dance. Additionally, shoppers can now ring a cowbell when they’ve received great service, to which associates respond with a resounding “Yee-haw!” According to Dow, customer service is the No. 1 priority at his location. “When you come into my store, every one of my associates is speaking to our guests,” he says. “We make sure they feel welcome and at home.”

“There are real advantages to looking for pockets of innovation everywhere and deploying them everywhere.” —John Ross, CEO, IGA

According to Ross, this helps stabilize the entire industry while also demonstrating IGA’s value to potential new members, a strategy that has contributed to growth in the number of IGA stores. “If you go back to our mission statement, my instructions are as crystal clear as any company I’ve ever worked for,” Ross explains. “My job is to help independent grocers succeed and prosper relative to the growth of national, and now global, chains. It’s really simple. We’ve got to help independents win, and it doesn’t say they have to have a red oval on the front of their store.” The company also solidified its wider impact through the official launch of the IGA Community Development program earlier this year. The initiative aims to expand access to affordable groceries in food deserts by matching

PACK SOMETHING YOU FEEL GOOD ABOUT 100% US GROWN ORGANIC APPLES. THAT'S IT. NATURALLY SWEET - NO ADDED SUGAR

COVER STORY

C-Suite Insider

funding from communities, nonprofits and other developmental entities with independent retailers. “Over the last five years, we’ve started to work rather closely with a number of government organizations,” explains Ashley Page, SVP of marketing and public affairs, and general manager of IGA Community Development. “Through that, those government organizations have learned

“Our mission has evolved not just to help independent grocers, but to help the communities they serve.” —Ashley Page, SVP of Marketing and Public Affairs, IGA

IGA member Geissler’s Supermarkets celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023.

about IGA’s resources. We have found that IGA is kind of the best-kept secret in the industry – and outside of the industry – in terms of bringing things to independents, at very low cost or even no cost, to help them better compete.” Page continues: “So our mission has evolved not just to help independent grocers, but to help the communities they serve.” The program offers support for communities and burgeoning independents in key areas, including entrepreneur recruitment and development; retail training, education and workforce development; market and media analysis; fi nancial forecasting and planning; and store optimization and retail counseling. Jimmy Wright, director of community store development and owner and operator of Wright’s Market, in Opelika, Ala., is on the ground helping these communities and

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.

COVER STORY

C-Suite Insider

retailers. He stresses the importance of the program, based on the fact that independent grocery stores can’t survive unless small communities survive, and vice versa. “Independent grocers do more than sell food. They support health, dignity and economic opportunity,” Wright asserts. “This is deeply rewarding work because it directly impacts families, neighborhoods and local economies. Our role is to walk alongside these grocers, providing the hands-on support, technical expertise and longterm partnership they need to succeed in communities that depend on them. Not just today, but for generations to come.”

The Next 100 Years

As for IGA’s 100th anniversary, Ross says, “Certainly, it’s a celebration of where we came from and where we are now, and that’s valuable,” but he also notes that “looking backwards doesn’t prepare you for looking to win and survive going forward.” He continues: “I think we need to be very sober about the kind of headwinds that we’re facing going forward, but we also have to be very pragmatic about playing the hands that win, because we’ve got a lot of really strong cards.” Batenic believes that Ross is the right leader and representative to take IGA into its next century of business.

NEW!

“Local Equals Fresh” is IGA’s core branding and marketing slogan.

“We’re fortunate to have him, and our selection committee did a good job as we moved on to the next generation,” he shares. “He’s a phenomenal marketer, as well as terribly digitally knowledgeable, and he knows what it takes to reach the shopper today,” Batenic further says of Ross. “The shopper, as he says, is always screaming at us what they want, and we’re just not listening sometimes.” For La Kier, IGA is not 100 years old, but 100 years young. He continues to think about setting the company up for growth and to position it as a venerable, highly relevant brand for the future. In looking toward that future, he shares: “The next century of grocery will not be defi ned by scale alone, but by connection, trust and local relevance.”

CREATE ATTRACTIVE DISPLAYS AND PROTECT SHOPPERS FROM EXPOSED PALLETS. Interlocking, adjustable Pallet Guards install in seconds.

SEE MORE STORAGE AND MERCHANDISING SOLUTIONS AT MASONWAYS.COM

PLT777

PALLET GUARDS

Display Bases

Dunnage Racks

masonways.com | 1.800.837.2881

Merchandisers

BUILD A BETTER BURGER. Start with authentic French brioche.

Explore the full Brioche Gourmet lineup Contact us | info@kltglobal.com | 877.302.5710

ADVERTORIAL

Combatting Retail Shrink & Store Security Shrink is a moving target for grocery retailers. Loss prevention teams juggle tough questions: How do you secure merchandise without making shoppers feel like suspects? How do you catch scan errors before they add up? And which new security tech is worth the investment? Progressive Grocer asked Kurtis Johnson, VP of Cash Products at Fifth Third Bank, how the bank’s Cash Automation System helps grocery retailers tackle shrink and tighten Kurtis Johnson security without alienating shoppers.

Progressive Grocer: How problematic are shrink and store security? Kurtis Johnson: They remain two of the most significant operational challenges grocery retailers face. Grocery operates on thin margins — typically 20-35% gross, but only 1-3% net after expenses — so even modest shrink improvements meaningfully impact profitability. Shrink extends beyond shoplifting. It includes employee theft, administrative errors and vendor discrepancies, averaging around 1.5% of sales. Grocery is further complicated by perishables, pushing shrink rates slightly higher once you factor in spoilage, damage and process failures. The industry has shifted from simple theft prevention to a layered strategy combining technology, operations, analytics and cash management. Success now means more than reduced losses. It’s a safe environment for employees and customers, better inventory accuracy, protected highvalue assets, and full shelves.

PG: What accounts for the majority of shrink? And how can cash automation systems can help? KJ: External and employee theft remain major contributors to shrink, and cash automation directly addresses the portion tied to cash handling. Smart safes, cash recyclers and automated back-office systems authenticate notes and coins, maintain an electronic chain of custody, and log which employee handled each transaction, reducing cash touchpoints to a single accountable person. Analytics and reporting add visibility that helps retailers spot discrepancies faster, reducing opportunities for both error and internal theft. Cash automation delivers real-time reporting, reconciles cash against point-of-sale automatically, and secures store funds in one seamless event. Provisional

credit goes a step further, giving retailers access to deposited funds before cash leaves the store or reaches the bank. The result: tighter control, fewer touchpoints, and less employee exposure to unsecured cash. Just as important, staff spend less time counting cash and chasing discrepancies and more time serving customers and running the store.

PG: What are the security challenges retailers face? And how can cash automation systems tighten security in-store? KJ: Organized retail crime keeps evolving, labor shortages mean fewer experienced employees, and managers are asked to do more with less — all while retailers balance strong security with a welcoming shopping experience. Cash is especially vulnerable because it changes hands so often. Every touchpoint (counting drawers, prepping deposits, transporting to a safe, reconciling totals) is a chance for error, theft, or robbery. Cash automation tightens security by cutting out those touchpoints. Smart safes and recyclers validate currency, secure it on receipt, and log a full electronic record of every transaction. Access is credential-controlled, transactions are auditable, and managers get real-time cash visibility across one store or hundreds. It also improves employee safety by minimizing unsecured cash in registers and cutting back-office trips. Ultimately, cash automation goes beyond securing cash. It builds a more controlled, efficient, accountable operation, with stronger loss prevention and a safer environment for employees and customers alike.

PG: How can retailers eliminate shrink and balance security without negatively impacting the customer experience? KJ: Consumers expect fast, convenient shopping. Long waits to unlock merchandise, excessive self-checkout interventions, or clunky payment processes quickly breed frustration. Yet retailers must still protect people, assets and profitability. The best approach is technology that removes risk without adding friction. Cash automation is a good example: By handling cash behind the scenes, retailers improve security and accountability without touching the shopping experience. Employees spend less time counting cash, investigating variances or prepping deposits, and more time on the sales floor. The same philosophy applies store-wide. Rather than leaning on visible security alone, retailers increasingly use data, analytics, and automation to catch issues before they become problems, keeping the store open and inviting while strengthening loss prevention. *Source: IRI Circana – Total Retail Sales July 2024 Launch through 12/28/25.

Fifth Third Bank, NA. Member FDIC

CENTER STORE

Beverages

Rewriting the Rules FUNCTIONAL DRINKS THAT TARGET HEALTH AND WELLNESS BREAK INTO THE MAINSTREAM.

By Samantha Schober hoppers used to browse the beverage aisle by category, but in the midst of a major bounce toward health and wellness, that logic is fading fast. Increasingly, consumers are reaching for bottles and cans based on what they want their beverages to do for them, whether that’s settling someone’s stomach or getting through a midday slump without a third cup of coffee. Chicago-based market research firm Circana recently reported that the global functional beverage market was valued at $149.75 billion in 2024 and is projected to crack $248.5 billion by 2030. These staggering numbers reflect the reality that functionality is no longer confined to a dedicated wellness set: It’s showing up in cola, energy drinks, hydration beverages, coffee, tea and even the non-alcoholic beverages adults reach for when they’re skipping booze altogether. “Consumers are rewriting the rules of the beverage aisle,” says Rob Holston, leader of the global and Americas consumer products sector at London- and New York-based Ernst & Young (EY). “Wellness isn’t a niche segment, but a baseline expectation shaping formulation, claims and pricing strategy.” “Consumers’ beverage-purchasing behavior is evolving faster than traditional category definitions,” notes Steve Markenson, VP of research and insights at Arlington, Va.-based FMI – The Food Industry Association. “As shoppers increasingly buy beverages based on functional benefits and specific occasions, food retailers have an opportunity to organize the category around how consumers make decisions rather than how products have historically been classified.”

Niche to Daily Necessity

While once a somewhat niche habit, ingredient scrutiny has become more important than ever for mainstream shoppers. EY research found that more than half of consumers now pay close attention to what’s showing up in their beverages, with gut health emerging as one of the most visible benefits. This has resulted in an influx of prebiotics and probiotics turning up in beverages that shoppers would never have expected even just a few years ago. Energy, meanwhile, is blitzing past caffeine alone with a slew of new wellness-focused additives. Brands are now folding

34 progressivegrocer.com

Karviva Energy Juices pack 80 milligrams of natural caffeine from green coffee beans in every serving.

in electrolytes, adaptogens, mushrooms and cognitive-support ingredients to market their drinks with a more sustainable approach. None of that matters, though, if the drink doesn’t taste good. According to Circana, the category is becoming a vehicle for “meals, medicine and moments,” with flavor doing more to drive trial than just claims of functionality on their own. Value brings “value” of its own, too; a beverage over $3 has to offer shoppers a reason to make the switch when budgets are tight.

Prebiotic Soda Goes Mainstream in Soda Aisles

When it comes to functionality, the shift into mainstream formats is most apparent in the soda aisle. Soft drinks that help with digestive health aren’t strangers to grocery store shelves – brands like OLIPOP and poppi have become beverage aisle mainstays as prebiotic

“As shoppers increasingly buy beverages based on functional benefits and specific occasions, food retailers have an opportunity to organize the category around how consumers make decisions rather than how products have historically been classified.” —Steve Markenson, FMI – The Food Industry Association

Key Takeaways  With sales of functional drinks on the rise, food retailers have an opportunity to organize the beverage category around how consumers make decisions.  Ingredient scrutiny has become more important than ever for mainstream shoppers.  Big soft-drink brands are moving into the prebiotic soda segment, while energy drinks are offering up new formulations and dialing back on sugar and caffeine.

REFRESHERS FUELING THE DRINK MIX ENERGY TREND Bold Flavor. Proven results. Refreshing convenience for the energy and wellness-driven consumer. Dunkin’ Refreshers Drink Mix bring a fastgrowing segment into a portable format – no matter how you run. Backed by strong Amazon performance and positive consumer demand, Dunkin’ Refreshers are expanding into the PSD aisle – driving incremental interest and energizing the category with recognizable flavor and everyday functionality.

TOP 5 AMAZON BEST SELLERS IN POWDERED DRINK MIXES 81% OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS SAID THAT DUNKIN DRINK STICKS WOULD BE INCREMENTAL TO THEIR USUAL BEVERAGE PURCHASE1 88% 5-STAR REVIEWS

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. 1 Numerator concept test April 2025 | n=408 (50/50 split Drink Stick shoppers and Dunkin Brand Shoppers at retail. Would your purchase of Dunkin’ Refreshers powdered drink sticks in place of or in addition to other beverages you drink regularly?

CENTER STORE

Beverages Pespi Prebiotic Cola is said to colas continue to win popularity be the first prebiotic offering contests with consumers – but from a legacy cola brand. even bigger names are starting to move into the niche. For instance, Purchase, of low-sugar, antioxidant- and N.Y.-based PepsiCo brought prebiotic-forward beverages Pepsi Prebiotic Cola to shelves for everyday occasions, while nationwide in February, following Purple Drop, a ready-to-drink a Black Friday online debut that chicha morada made from fully sold out the year before. Peruvian purple corn, brings a Billed as the first prebiotic ofglobal-flavor angle to the table. fering from a legacy cola brand, Beyond the show floor, Karviva it delivers 3 grams of prebiotic Energy Juices – named among fiber, 5 grams of sugar and 30 PG’s 2026 Editor’s Picks – pack calories per serving, with no 80 milligrams of natural caffeine artificial sweeteners. from green coffee beans in Coca-Cola made its own move into the category with the Simply every serving, alongside ginseng, sesame-derived brand, launching Simply Pop with 6 grams of prebiotic fiber per electrolytes and prebiotic fiber. serving, alongside vitamin C and zinc for immune support. The line Mushrooms have also notably become a centerpiece includes 25% to 30% real fruit juice from concentrate across its for a lot of new energy beverage offerings. MushroomStrawberry, Pineapple Mango, Fruit Punch, Lime and Citrus flavors. based drinks meant to boost calm, focus and immune “We found that consumers, especially wellness-focused Gen systems have added lion’s mane, magnesium and other Z-ers and Millennials, were really interested in juice and prebiotic nootropic combinations to the mix. sodas,” says Becca Kerr, CEO of nutrition at The Coca-Cola Co., in Adapting to Shoppers “We found that consumers, Atlanta. “And since many brands Buying by Need especially wellness-focused in this category are new, they were As shoppers increasingly hunt by need Gen Z-ers and Millennials, were looking to align with names they rather than beverage type, marketing really interested in juice and know and trust for both quality and has become a tricky tightrope for taste. This was particularly true for prebiotic sodas. And since many brands to walk. Education, sampling those curious about prebiotic sodas clear on-shelf messaging can go a brands in this category are new, and but who hadn’t yet taken the leap.” long way toward converting traditionthey were looking to align with That combination, which Kerr al beverage drinkers into functional refers to as the “perfect balance of ones, whether the mission is energy, names they know and trust for innovation and trust,” is becoming hydration, gut health, calm or a betterboth quality and taste.” the playbook for legacy beverage for-you soda. As greater numbers of —Becca Kerr, The Coca-Cola Co. makers looking to make their own younger shoppers hop on the wellness forays into functional territory. trend train, digital discovery is also becoming an increasingly powerful vector to grab consumer attention. Private label is adding pressures of its own. ALDI’s Energy Drinks Ascend Beyond High Sugar and development of Summit Popz, Summit Waves Caffeine Energy drinks are still evolving as well, with brands layering in Energy and PurAqua Hydration Sticks shows hydration, gut-healthy ingredients, protein and adaptogens how retailers can respond quickly to funcwhile dialing back on sugar and caffeine. They also aren’t tional wellness trends on their own while confined to cans anymore: Products like V8’s Energy Drink also keeping value in the equation. According Mix and ALLDAY Energy Spray show that portability and to Batavia, Ill.-based ALDI US, the products customization are becoming major selling points, espewere all developed in nine months or under. cially among younger shoppers. As functionality continues to transform into Hydration is also following a similar path away from an attribute of the beverage aisle rather than a its sports-drink roots. At the 2026 Summer Fancy separate section within it, the brands that win will Food Show, Progressive Grocer spotted Greater be the ones that successfully marry credible benefits Than, a coconut-water-based hydration drink with genuinely good flavor, strong formats and prices designed specifically for women, among a wave shoppers are willing to pay. For retailers, this may mean that their merchandising strategies may have to evolve to help shoppers find the drink that provides what they Energy drinks aren’t confined to cans need it to, be that a jolt of energy, a calmer afternoon or anymore, as shown by products like a healthier gut. ALLDAY Energy Spray.

36 progressivegrocer.com

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

ECREMMOC

RE WRIT TEN

CHICAGO

OCT 20-21 2026

M AST E R N E W F R A M E WO R KS G a i n a c t i o n a b l e ro a d m a p s to n a v i g a te m u l t i p l y i n g c h a n n e l s .

F O R G E CO L L A B O R AT I O N C o n n e c t w i t h h i g h - c a l i b e r sa l es , m a r ket i n g , a n d a n a l y t i c s p e e rs . A N T I C I PAT E T H E S H I F T I m m e rse yo u rse l f i n t h e l a test re a l - t i m e c o n s u m e r t re n d s .

S e c u re yo u r s e a t a t c g s m s u m m i t .c o m

FRESH FOOD

Produce Outlook Produce’s biggest climate challenge isn’t just one weather event, it’s the volatility of weather patterns.

Key Takeaways  Economic and climatic challenges are affecting produce prices, causing consumers to be more selective about what they buy.  The convergence of health and wellness with value, flavor exploration and convenience is driving innovation.  The long-term outlook for produce is positive because consumer demand continues to be strong.

Driving Fresh Value GROWERS AND RE TAILERS GR APPLE WITH GLOBAL ECONOMIC AND WE ATHER E VENTS TO CULTIVATE SALES AND MARKE T SHARE FOR FRUITS AND VEGE TABLES.

F By Jim Dudlicek

or many, food provides a sense of identity. Take, for instance, the fresh produce that grows in one’s own region. In Louisiana, for example, products like Creole tomatoes, okra, sweet potatoes, strawberries and fresh greens “all carry a sense of place here,” says Blake Lee, director of produce for Schriever, La.-based Rouses Markets. “When those crops are in season, customers don’t just see them as another item in the produce department, they expect to see them at Rouses, and they recognize the difference that local freshness and flavor can bring.” Economic and climatic challenges don’t just threaten supplies of fresh produce – they also imperil retailers’ ability to deliver on their customers’ expectations. “Industry consumer data shows us that shoppers aren’t necessarily walking away from produce; they’re becoming more selective,” Lee notes. “The answer can’t simply be passing every increase on to the consumer. We must be more strategic. That means protecting price perception on high-volume staples, using ads aggressively when markets create opportunities, broadening sourcing when possible and balancing opening-price-point items with premium varieties. Most importantly, value must include quality.”

38 progressivegrocer.com

Factors like labor, transportation, fuel, packaging, growing costs and trade policy all play roles as well. As for Mother Nature, Lee says: “The biggest challenge today isn’t just one single weather event, it is the frequency and volatility of weather patterns. We’re dealing with droughts in some growing regions, excessive heat in others, and then significant rain events that can affect quality, yields, harvesting and transition periods.”

Market Pressures

Produce is showing growth in mass, clubs and online channels, while the supermarket channel continues to lose share of total dollar and unit sales, notes Anne-Marie Roerink, principal at San Antonio-based 210 Analytics. “Produce is still fundamentally valued, but consumers are under pressure for sure,” Roerink says. “I’m seeing 360 degrees of change in how they buy.” For example, Baby Boomers still spend the most in the produce department, accounting for roughly one-third of spending, but growth lies with Gen Z and Millennials. “They’re accounting for 70% of all growth, and they plan, shop and cook very differently,” Roerink observes. “Routine meals are being replaced with digital inspiration, and AI is making inroads into the kitchen. ... [Meals] lean heavily on semi- and fully prepared items.”

LS T S

Flavor You Can Trust

s o

c.c

TS TO

FRESH FOOD

Produce Outlook Plus, more consumers seek functional benefits from food. “Produce has always had a health halo, but now is the time to lean into specific benefits,” Roerink advises. Additionally, external factors like use of GLP-1 drugs and outbreaks like Cyclospora come into play. Another factor is global economic policy. “The biggest issue is that produce doesn’t have one supply chain: Some products are heavily dependent on imports, while others are predominantly domestically supplied,” Roerink says. “Then there’s weather, labor, transportation, water and crop yields. We’ve already seen significant differences across commodities. Consumers are seeking value and balancing price with freshness, quality USDA’s June data showed tomatoes up nearly 20%, and convenience, as well as pursuing new snacking opportunities. while potatoes were up only 1.4%.” Consumers are responding food waste. We’re also seeing by becoming more selective, opportunities through snackRoerink notes. “They’re subing, new eating occasions and stituting within the category, digital inspiration, particularly buying what’s on promotion, among younger consumers.” choosing different varieties or Inflation continues to affect formats, and shifting between fresh produce prices, but the fresh, frozen and shelf-staimpact varies significantly by ble options,” she says. “For commodity, growing region and retailers, I think the answer is, market conditions. don’t let price volatility make “Fresh fruits and vegetables the entire department feel ex—Anne-Marie Roerink, 210 Analytics have experienced the highest pensive. Promote the commodinflation of any food-at-home category from 2025 to 2026. Fresh ities where there is good availability, lean into seasonal fruits increased 4.9% and fresh vegetables increased 6.3%, acvalue, manage pack sizes and price points carefully, cording to the July [Consumer Price Index] release,” notes Samatha and make substitutions easy.” Ayoub, IFPA’s director of workforce and business policy. “Produce also experiences outsized impacts from rising oil and gas prices, Weathering the Storm as fruits and vegetables are the most diesel dependent of any Health and wellness remains one of the strongest agricultural commodity.” drivers of produce sales, the Washington, D.C.-based Tariffs can influence costs for certain products and inputs, Ayoub International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) reports. adds, but they are just one of several factors. “Labor, transporAccording to IFPA’s Global Intelligence: “Shoppers tation, packaging, energy and weather-related disruptions also continue to prioritize fresh, minimally processed foods contribute to pricing pressures,” she says. and are looking for products that support healthy lifestyles. Convenience is also a major factor, with strong In fact, weather continues to be one of the most significant varidemand for fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, salad kits, ables, Ayoub observes. “The industry is managing a wide range of grab-and-go options, and meal solutions. At the same conditions, including prolonged heat, excessive rainfall, hurricanes, time, consumers are seeking value, balancing price flooding, freeze events and drought,” she points out. “These events with freshness, quality, convenience and reduced can impact yields, quality, harvest timing, transportation and the transition between growing regions.” Fruit, vegetable and salads & leafy greens volume sales vs. year ago Salads & leafy greens Vegetables Fruit 15% Recent examples include 10% weather-related challenges affecting tomato production in 5% both Florida and Mexico, and 0% weather impacts on strawberry -5% supplies. -10%

“Don’t let price volatility make the entire department feel expensive. Promote the commodities where there is good availability, lean into seasonal value, manage pack sizes and price points carefully, and make substitutions easy.”

-15% -20%

40 progressivegrocer.com

8/2/26

7/26/26

7/19/26

7/12/26

7/5/26

6/28/26

6/21/26

6/14/26

6/7/26

5/31/26

5/24/26

5/17/26

5/10/26

5/3/26

4/26/26

4/19/26

4/12/26

4/5/26

3/29/26

3/22/26

3/15/26

3/8/26

-30%

3/1/26

-25% Sales of leafy greens took a hit following the Cyclospora outbreak, according to Circana data.

First in Season Buy

First in

Flavor !

Celebrating America 250

Shoppers are more likely to purchase products displaying the Fresh From Florida logo.

Scan Here

For more information on sourcing Florida products. FreshFromFlorida.com/Retail Email: RetailMKT@FDACS.gov

FRESH FOOD

Produce Outlook Sunshine Outlook

Calif.-based Fresh For its part, Florida’s freeze events Express. earlier this year came at a critical Latest to the shelf time in the state’s growing season, are Roasted Poblano which bounced back better than Caesar and Fire Roasted expected, according to Christina Queso Crunch. “These Morton, communications director products reflect several for the Tallahassee, Fla.-based Florbroader trends we’re seeing ida Fruit and Vegetable Association. across food — bold flavors, “Our growers are currently preprestaurant inspiration, interping the land and will soon begin esting textures and globally planting for the fall season,” Morton influenced taste experiences says. “Florida growers anticipate a delivered in an extremely strong season ahead and are comconvenient format,” Pereira mitted to providing reliable quality notes. “The next era of proand consistent volumes to their duce growth isn’t just about customers.” convincing consumers to The Florida Department of eat healthier. They already Agriculture and Consumer Services want to. It’s about making (FDACS) partners with retailers fresh produce easier, to promote Florida commodities New Fresh Express salad kits reflect several broader more convenient and more food trends, including bold global flavors and restaurant via the Fresh From Florida brand. exciting to eat every day.” inspiration delivered in a convenient format. Participating grocers – including Publix, This is particularly important Sam’s Club, Winn-Dixie, Walmart, ALDI, with younger consumers. “They The Fresh Market and Sprouts – spotlight Florida-grown products expect bold flavors, variety, convenience and products with customized promotion components such as circulars, digital that fit naturally into their lifestyles,” Pereira observes. placements, in-store signage, recipes and sampling events. “In salads, we’re seeing the category continue to evolve “These tools give retailers a clear advantage by pairing strong from a traditional side dish into a much broader meal brand visibility with products that meet seasonal demand, creating and eating experience. Produce doesn’t just compete compelling profit opportunities,” says Susie McKinley, director of with other produce anymore. We compete for every FDACS’ division of marketing and development. eating occasion, and that means fresh has to deliver on Retailers also get a boost from TV, radio and print ads, digital taste, convenience and excitement just as strongly as displays, and social media advertising as well as promotions on every other food category.” online shopping platforms, cashback and coupon apps, and inFresh Express collaborates with retailers to identify store advertising. growth opportunities and is making significant invest“With nearly 1.6 million social media followers and over 35 years ments in connected television, social and digital media, of trusted branding, Fresh From Florida continues to drive produce creators, recipes, and shopper marketing to drive exsales and increase consumer awareness,” McKinley notes. citement and frequency. “We don’t want to simply grow The campaign aims to stimulate demand for Florida-grown proour share of the category,” Pereira asserts. “We want to duce amid the rise of imports. “Years of surging Mexican produce help our retail partners grow the category.” shipments during Florida’s season prove the extent of that risk Companies like Spice World encourage retailers to and the urgent need for corrective measures,” Morton says, citing cross-merchandise produce with adjacent categories significant market shifts over the past 10 to 20 years. “Since 2014, to drive incremental sales – for example, a garlic display Mexican blueberries have increased their U.S. market share by near steaks or chicken. nearly fourfold, while Florida’s share has been reduced by half. The “Retailers increasingly seek solutions that simplify market share for Mexican bell peppers has doubled since 2004, the shopping experience while inspiring consumers while Florida’s has declined by 73%. Similar trends are evident to cook at home,” says Mike Smith, SVP of sales and across tomatoes, cucumbers, squash and additional crops.” marketing for Orlando, Fla.-based Spice World. “Our

Cultivating Innovation

The convergence of health and wellness with value, flavor exploration and convenience is driving innovation in the produce sector. “Consumers continually give permission to bring more flavor, variety and excitement to salads,” says Fabian Pereira, VP of marketing, innovation, international at Salinas,

42 progressivegrocer.com

“The next era of produce growth isn’t just about convincing consumers to eat healthier. They already want to. It’s about making fresh produce easier, more convenient and more exciting to eat every day.” —Fabian Pereira, Fresh Express

“Put the right products together. Give customers usage ideas. Explain the difference between varieties.”

QR-enabled displays encourage shoppers to discover recipes and meal inspiration directly from the produce department, potentially helping —Blake Lee, Rouses Markets increase basket size and product usage.” Spice World recently relaunched its three seasoning blends and pesto under a single product line, Smith notes. “The relaunch sits at the intersection of global flavor exploration, meal prep simplification and pantry efficiency,” he says. Flavor varieties include Garlic & Ginger Fusion, Chili Onion Crunch, Italian Pesto, and Italian Herb & Garlic. “Organic produce items are still trending upward,” Smith adds. “We are seeing Gen Z and Millennials select organic produce as their first choice. According to the Organic Trade Association, organic products grew 5.9% in 2025, which was quadruple the sales of conventional produce for same period.”

Future Growth

IFPA describes the long-term outlook for produce as positive because consumer demand continues to be strong, even as the industry navigates ongoing challenges related to inflation, weather volatility, labor availability and supply chain costs. “Investments in areas such as automation, traceability, diversified sourcing, forecasting and technology will continue to play an important role in strengthening supply chains and supporting consumer confidence in fresh produce,” IFPA’s Global Intelligence reports. Roerink doesn’t expect 2026 to emerge as an easy growth year for produce. “The consumer is operating Convenient products like Spice World’s minced garlic make it easier for consumers to incorporate fresh ingredients into food prepared at home.

with a much more rationalized grocery budget,” she says, pointing to recent 52-week data showing lower fresh produce dollar and volume sales. “We’re seeing a category that is still important but is facing real volume pressure.” The good news? “These are broad trends and not produce-specific,” Roerink says. “I would expect fairly steady demand with considerable commodity-to-commodity volatility, and retailers that manage value, quality and availability well should be positioned to outperform.” Roerink sees several opportunities for grocers. First, own the value conversation: “Produce is one of the strongest ways a retailer can demonstrate that healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive. Seasonal produce, promotions, good-betterbest price points and smart alternatives can make a big difference.” Second, make produce easier to eat: “Convenience formats can help bridge the gap between wanting to eat healthy and actually doing it. Cut fruit, grab-and-go vegetables, snack packs, and meal solution components all have an important role.” Third, focus on quality and taste: “Consumers are willing to pay for produce when they believe the eating experience will be good. Merchandising around flavor, ripeness and seasonality can help create that confidence.” Fourth, merchandise produce around occasions rather than just commodities: “Back-to-school snacking, summer grilling, breakfast, lunchbox occasions, entertaining and healthy snacking all give retailers opportunities to connect produce to something consumers are actually trying to accomplish.” Finally, Roerink advises retailers to use the entire produce ecosystem. “Fresh is the star, but frozen and shelf-stable fruits and vegetables can help consumers maintain healthy eating habits when fresh prices or availability aren’t favorable,” she says. Grocers like Rouses are already on board. “I think one of our biggest opportunities is to stop looking at produce solely as a collection of commodities and bring back consumer experience,” Lee says. “We can tell stories around seasons, growing regions, varieties, flavor and usage. Large promotional events around grapes, berries, citrus, apples, melons or locally grown products can create excitement that a normal weekly price promotion doesn’t necessarily create.” Don’t forget about merchandising and education, though. “Put the right products together. Give customers usage ideas. Explain the difference between varieties,” Lee advises. “[Retailers have] reports that help forecasting, rotation, inventory management and shrink control, but without proper execution and consumer engagement, everything we do behind the scenes will be futile.” PROGRESSIVE GROCER September 2026

SOLUTIONS

Desserts

End on a High Note

DESSERT ITEMS ACROSS CATEGORIES LOOK TO A R ANGE OF CONSUMER TRENDS. By Bridget Goldschmidt

egardless of the state of the economy, consumers will find a way to enjoy dessert. Take the frozen segment, for instance. “July delivered renewed growth for frozen desserts that had lost some momentum in May and June,” notes Anne-Marie Roerink, principal of San Antonio-based 210 Analytics, citing Circana data in an August National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) report. “Frozen novelty sales climbed to $909 million in July, up 2.7% in dollars and virtually unchanged in pounds. Ice cream had a strong month, with $738 million in monthly sales and robust gains in dollars, units and pounds.”

The Novelties of Protein

To aid those gains, frozen dessert makers are embracing strong consumer trends. Launched in January of this year, Scottsdale, Ariz.-based ‘ndulge is the first high-protein ice cream bar to achieve national retail distribution in the United States, with its latest rollout, to Super Target stores across the country, slated for Sept. 4. Delivering 10 grams of protein, 110-160 calories, 4 grams or less of sugar, gut-friendly probiotics and real mix-ins, the product line is already available at 6,500-plus retailers nationwide, among them Safeway, Kroger, Sprouts, Food Lion and H-E-B. The Target rollout will feature four of ‘ndulge’s five flavors: Salted Caramel Almond, Chocolate Caramel Cookie, Vanilla Almond and Mint Chip. Meanwhile, protein-rich FØRTE Chocolate Fudge bars became officially available at select Costco Texas warehouses this past July, with plans to expand this fall to Costco Midwest warehouses and such grocery store chains as Sprouts Farmers Market and Whole Foods Market. Each bar delivers 10 grams of a premium blend of whey protein isolate and milk protein isolate (20% of daily value), with only eight ingredients and no erythritol, allulose, stevia or artificial sweeteners. In fact, according to the Plymouth, Minn.-based brand, it delivers one of the highest protein densities in the category today, at 3.64 grams per fluid ounce, as well as fewer carbs than competitors – just 11 grams per bar. The full flavor lineup for fall will be Chocolate Recently launched frozen novelties have embraced the ubiquitous high-protein trend.

44 progressivegrocer.com

‘ndulge is the first high-protein ice cream bar to achieve national retail distribution in the United States.

Fudge, Vanilla and Birthday Cake, with more on tap for 2027. Other entries in the fast-growing high-protein frozen dessert segment include Protein Pints and Protein Pops, David Frozen Dessert, and regionally available Oberweis High Protein Ice Cream.

Let Them Eat Ice Cream Cake

Elsewhere in the frozen aisle, venerable dessert brands can help keep sales from stalling with exciting makeovers. For instance, Carvel Ice Cream Cakes introduced

Key Takeaways  Recent frozen dessert offerings include protein-rich items, new branding and packaging, and premium, indulgent, alcohol-free flavor profiles based on wellknown spirits brands.  The refrigerated case is welcoming such innovations as ready-made dessert dips in decadent flavors.  In-store bakery is exploring novel flavors, while convenient shelfstable baking ingredients and fun seasonal items in various categories aim to generate interest among consumers.

SOLUTIONS

Desserts new packaging at grocery stores nationwide this past January, with the aim of turning everyday moments into memorable occasions. The update comes from I Love Ice Cream Cakes (ILICC), a division of Buffalo, N.Y.-based Rich Products, which also includes some of the other most popular ice cream cake brands in the freezer aisle, among them Oreo, Reese’s, Funfetti and Jon Donaire. Reimagining the on-shelf appearance of one of the category’s favorite frozen desserts, the redesign incorporates elements from Carvel’s modernized brand system, including a brighter color palette, refreshed iconography and heritage cues that reinforce the brand’s nearly 90-year history. “This bright new look for our ice cream cakes is playful and eye-catching and continues to capture the spirit of Carvel founder Tom Carvel,” said Kim Mrowczynski, brand marketing manager, ice cream cakes for Rich Products, at the time of the redesigned packaging rollout. Additionally, this past March, I Love Ice Cream Cakes responded to continued consumer demand for premium, indulgent, alcohol-free flavor profiles, particularly those inspired by well-known spirits brands, with the first-ever Baileys Ice Cream Cake, now available nationwide at Walmart. The launch marked a meaningful extension of the Baileys brand into the grocery freezer aisle.

Dip Into Dessert

Meanwhile, the $951 million refrigerated dessert segment saw dollar and unit sales gains of 3.9% and 3.0%, respectively, from the

Boar’s Head Greek Yogurt Dessert Dips expanded the brand’s growing dessert portfolio.

year-ago period, although volume sales were down 2.3%, according to the NFRA report. Brands are turning to innovation to keep customers coming back, like Boar’s Head’s Greek Yogurt Dessert Dip in three sweet flavors: Key Lime, Cinnamon Churro and Chocolate Espresso. Although Sarasota, Fla.-based Boar’s Head is best known for its premium meats and cheeses, the introduction of the creamy dips earlier this year represents its continued evolution within the deli category. Combining indulgence with intention, the low-fat, gluten-free, probiotic-rich SKUs can accompany fruit, pretzels or graham crackers, or just be enjoyed on their own. The launch expanded Boar’s Head’s growing dessert portfolio, which already contained Pumpkin Pie and Dark Chocolate Dessert Hummus.

Bakery Evolution

The bakery aisle has seen some challenges of late. “Demand for aisle and perimeter baked goods continued to experience some softness in July,” notes the July 2026 Bakery Playbook, from the American Bakers Association. “Bakery dollar sales were decreased by 0.9%, while dollars remained ahead of year-ago levels in the 52-week view. Unit sales fell by 2.7% in July, which was an acceleration from the -1.5% seen in the past year.” Inventive flavors may be able to turn things around, however. This past March, Phoenix-based wholesale bakery Strictly From Scratch introduced a fresh lineup of sweet pastry items that can work as desserts, including Ube (Southeast Asian yam) Cream Cheese Danish, Carrot Cake Cinnamon Roll, Irish Cream Volcano Brownie and Lemon Raspberry Pastry Roll. “Part of the longevity and the fun of our business is trying out new products and evolving with the desires of our clients,” said Thomas DePaola, SVP of Strictly From Scratch, at the time of the rollout. “We love working with new, trending ingredients and elevating classic flavors.”

Easy as Pie

For those who enjoy making their own desserts – with a little help – Bonne Maman has created a line of pie fillings, with the latest flavor, Peach, having debuted in August 2026.

Bonne Maman’s latest pie filling flavor is Peach.

46 progressivegrocer.com

Tap into the season of giving

L N O A R TI FI C IA FL AVO R S, C O LO R S O R ES P R E SE R VATI V

✓ Peanut/Nut Free ✓ No Artificial Colors or Flavors ✓ No Preservatives ✓ Safe for Schools Upcoming ms Seasonal Items

Distributed by KLT Global info@kltglobal.com | 877.302.5710

OliviasPops.com

SOLUTIONS

Desserts “These fillings serve as a convenient shortcut for home bakers, delivering the rich taste and experience of a scratchmade dessert without the time-consuming prep work,” explained a company representative of the at Biars-sur-Cère, Francebased company, whose U.S. operations are in Rye, N.Y., earlier this year. “The line has shown strong year-round performance, particularly during the winter holidays and specifically at Whole Foods.” On the better-for-you convenience front, iconic dessert brand JELL-O has launched JELL-O Simply, made with no Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C) color additives or artificial sweeteners. Containing real ingredients and 25% less sugar, the ready-to-eat gelatin and gelatin and pudding mix lines arrive on the scene as consumer demand for clean-label foods continues to shape the food industry. The three ready-toeat gelatin flavors are Orange and new-to-the-category Raspberry Lemonade and Blueberry, all available in 4-packs, while the Gelatin and Instant Pudding Mixes boxes comprise Vanilla, Chocolate, Banana and Strawberry. “We know families are looking for treats that strike the right balance between great taste and ingredients they can feel good about – and they don’t want to sacrifice the brands they know and love to get there,” noted Kathryn O’Brien, head of marketing, desserts at Pittsburgh- and Chicago-based Kraft Heinz, this past May. “JELL-O Simply delivers everything people love about JELL-O – the delicious taste, the iconic jiggle and the vibrant fun – now made with no FD&C colors or artificial sweeteners. It’s a meaningful evolution for the brand and an important milestone in Kraft Heinz’s broader modernization journey.” The company has committed to remove FD&C colors across its U.S. portfolio by the end of 2027.

Now in Season

Yet another way to generate interest in dessert is to introduce limited-time products. For instance, in the refrigerated case, NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE recently introduced several autumn-inspired cookie doughs to usher in a cool-weather season of desserts or anytime treats. Available in 14-ounce packs, the products are Fall Cinnamon Cookie Dough, topped with rich cinnamon flakes and festive sprinkles; Football Cookie Dough, with Milk Chocolatey Flavored Football Morsels; and Pumpkin Spice Cookie Dough, which includes premier white candy morsels. “Whether you’re combining nostalgic, comforting tastes with fresh seasonal classics, nothing brings loved ones together like a plate of freshly baked cookies,” said Andrew Kneale, senior manager of Limited-edition seasonal items are another way to generate interest in dessert.

48 progressivegrocer.com

Above: The JELL-O Simply line offers a better-for-you version of the iconic brand’s gelatins and puddings. Below: To mark the return of fall sports season, Carvel has brought back its Game Ball Cake.

brand marketing at NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE, a brand of Arlington, Va.-based Nestle USA, this past July. “From the comforting warmth of cinnamon and pumpkin spice to the playful game-day spirit of our football-shaped morsels, we’re making it easier than ever for fans to create memories in the kitchen and experience a little fall magic in every bite.” Additionally, baking aficionados will appreciate two seasonally appropriate shelf-stable items from NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE: Milk Chocolatey Flavored Football Morsels, which give fans a fun way to show their creativity in the kitchen, and Pumpkin Spice Flavored Morsels, a combination of cinnamon and clove that brings warm fall flavor to any baking project. In a similar vein, to mark the return of fall sports season, Carvel has brought back its Game Ball Cake, a football-shaped creation featuring layers of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, separated by a layer of chocolate crunchies, and then finished with chocolate crunchies and whipped topping. The item comes in a variety of sizes serving 6-12 people.

192

t h i n

Authentic traditional ﬁne pastry, crafted in Verona since 1905 Distributed by KLT Global - info@kltglobal.com - 877.302.5710

c r i s p y

l a y e r s

SOLUTIONS

Natural/Organic

Natural Progression CONVENTIONAL AND SPECIALT Y GROCERS ALIKE ARE OPTING FOR AFFORDABILIT Y AND ACCESSIBILIT Y IN SELLING NATUR AL AND ORGANIC PRODUCTS.

N By Bridget Goldschmidt

atural and organic products have been around for a long while, but they still hold strong appeal for certain consumers. First, however, it’s important to understand how shoppers are engaging with these segments. “Consumers are choosing organic and natural products in a few different ways,” explains Jonathan Lawrence, VP of sales, natural and specialty at St. Louis-based Advantage Solutions. “To start, social media has a significant influence. You used to have to seek out resources or read a book to learn about what’s good for you. Now everyone’s feed is full of information and suggestions for healthier eating,” he says. “Lifestyle changes can play a major role, too. We’re seeing more and more new parents choosing organic for their kids and also seeing people who are being more mindful about wellness making better-for-you food decisions.” An important thing for retailers to understand, however, is “that very few consumers eat 100% organic,” Lawrence notes. “For most, it’s something they’re trying out or layering in.” On the subject of sales performance, he observes: “Though growing more slowly than it once did, the organic and natural foods industry as a whole is up slightly and showing growth. But the economic environment is still influencing the industry in some ways, and retailers need to be mindful that different income levels are behaving differently. What we’re seeing is less a change in whether people buy organic and more a change in where they buy it. Higherincome consumers are largely staying with their premium organic stores, but mid- and lower-income shoppers are migrating their organic shopping to alternative channels. That means organic is performing well at retailers that aren’t traditionally known as natural or premium grocery stores.”

Building on Momentum

One such operator is Schenectady, N.Y.-based Northeast Grocery, parent company of Market 32, Price Chopper and Tops Markets. Price Chopper and Tops are considered conventional grocers, while Market 32 offers a more modern, food-focused experience. All carry a wide selection of natural and organic products, many sold under the Full Circle Market private brand. Natural, organic and specialty products have continued to show strong momentum at Northeast Grocery, with sales through its primary specialty distributor up nearly 9% versus the prior year. Growth has been particularly strong in such areas as natural and organic frozen foods, snacks, cereals and granola.

50 progressivegrocer.com

Key Takeaways  Many consumers are buying natural and organic products at retailers that aren’t traditionally known as natural or premium grocery stores.  Fun experiential marketing campaigns encourage discovery, while merchandising should make product selection easier and drive trial.  Natural and organic will go beyond what’s in the product to how it’s produced and the benefits it provides.

It’s important for retailers to understand the ways in which shoppers are engaging with the natural and organic segments.

“Higher-income consumers are largely staying with their premium organic stores, but midand lower-income shoppers are migrating their organic shopping to alternative channels. That means organic is performing well at retailers that aren’t traditionally known as natural or premium grocery stores.” —Jonathan Lawrence, Advantage Solutions

Oolie gives imperfectly peeled Free-Range eggs a delicious second life as protein-packed dips

EXTRA CREAMY. EXTRA PROTEIN. EXTRA DELICIOUS.

and yogurts. Complete protein, clean ingredients, bold flavors—no dairy, fillers, or eggy taste. Just deliciously extra nutrition thanks to the mighty egg.

Get deliciously extra

Try Oolie and see for yourself.

at ooliefoods.com

SOLUTIONS

Natural/Organic “Shoppers are paying closer attention to ingredients, how products are made and where they come from, while also considering sustainability and environmental impact.” —Liz Cassella, Northeast Grocery “Consumers are increasingly choosing natural and organic products because they want foods that are healthier, cleaner and more transparent,” notes Liz Cassella, category business manager for Northeast Grocery. “Shoppers are paying closer attention to ingredients, how products are made and where they come from, while also considering sustainability and environmental impact.” She continues: “For retailers, the key is making these products accessible and easy to shop. That means offering natural and organic choices across a range of price points, clearly communicating product benefits and attributes, and keeping assortments fresh with emerging brands and trends. Ultimately, retailers need to meet shoppers where they are by providing choices that align with their health goals, values and budgets.” Of course, even likely purchasers of such products could use a push. “In-store displays, sampling, digital promotions and loyalty offers give shoppers an opportunity to discover new products while learning about their unique benefits,” Cassella observes. “Seasonal wellness events and promotions that bring several brands together can also create excitement and encourage trial. Because price can sometimes be a barrier, highlighting value and offering targeted promotions can help make these products more accessible and turn first-time buyers into repeat customers.” Convenience is also a must when it comes to product placement. “The most effective merchandising makes natural and organic products easy to find and discover,” Cassella advises. “Integrating these items alongside conventional products helps shoppers compare options, while dedicated displays, endcaps and seasonal wellness destinations can create additional visibility and encourage trial. Clear shelf tags highlighting attributes such as organic, non-GMO or gluten-free also help customers quickly identify products that meet their needs. Cross-merchandising complementary items and featuring new or emerging brands can further inspire discovery and increase basket size.”

Fresh Thyme Market is continuing to expand its organic produce assortment.

manager, community affairs, who notes that the retailer is “investing heavily in being first to market in both organic and natural products,” he says. “This is about meeting, and exceeding, our customers’ expectations by delivering healthier product choices and giving our customers – our North Star – the information they need to make informed choices along their health-and-wellness journeys.” Fresh Thyme intentionally curates a high-quality organic and natural assortment at approachable price points. “For example, in produce, we continue to expand our organic assortment, with several categories now offered exclusively organic,” Etlin points out. “These decisions are driven by customer feedback and demand.” Beyond its signature produce offering, the company is beefing up its organic assortment throughout the store. “Our customers are asking for more organic grocery items, so we’ve doubled down to ensure they can find all their items [in] one stop at Fresh Thyme,” says Kristen Ready, director of grocery merchandising. “Dairy serves as an especially important organic destination for our customers, so we’re delivering a strong assortment of essentials – from milk and eggs to yogurt, cheese and pantry staples – while introducing exciting new products and emerging brands.”

Exceeding Expectations

Meanwhile, “organic and natural products have always been core to who we are” at Downers Grove, Ill.-based Fresh Thyme Market, according to Brad Etlin, senior

52 progressivegrocer.com

A Crafted in Illinois display at Fresh Thyme Market features many natural and organic selections.

SOLUTIONS

Natural/Organic Like Lawrence and Etlin, Etlin notes. “Bringing products to “The most effective campaigns Ready links organic and natural life through displays and storytellconnect with how customers see products to consumers’ desire ing creates this buzz and sense themselves and the values they care to improve their health: “By of discovery that differentiates the providing trusted organic options Fresh Thyme experience.” about. People are drawn to products across a range of price points, that feel aligned with their lifestyle, we are helping customers make Certifiably Trustworthy beliefs or aspirations. Campaigns better-for-you choices within their At Lakewood, Colo.-based Natthat create a sense of belonging and budgets.” ural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, The retailer’s other value-concustomers “know they can trust optimism tend to resonate more scious options include smaller cations like organic [and] strongly than those that rely on guilt, certifi pack sizes and lower dose fair trade, and animal welfare fear or pressure.” counts on vitamins and supplecertifications like Certified Huments, notes Kenny Hausmann, mane,” asserts Christie Z. Pettys, —Christie Z. Pettys, Natural Grocers at Vitamin Cottage Fresh Thyme’s director of Natural product standards manager, Living merchandising. food. “Organic and natural products with meaningful Fresh Thyme leans into fun experiential marketing campaigns claims and healthy ingredients help people take their that encourage discovery, such as chain-wide quarterly openhealth into their hands upfront, by controlling what goes house events tied to seasonal moments like summer grilling and in their body. Retailers can best accommodate these healthy eating in January. There are also Meet the Makers events shoppers by instituting meaningful standards as a where customers can talk with local farmers and vendors in perbaseline. Do the homework for your customers so they son, and in-store sampling across categories. know they can trust the products on your shelves.” Further, Fresh Thyme is “constantly finding ways to make organic Lindsay Wilson, nutrition education-editorial director, and natural products easier to shop for,” Etlin notes, “so we feature adds that “it’s important for employees – in our case, products in our weekly ads, digital channels and through MyThyme our Crew – to continuously have these conversations Rewards offers, and we educate and inspire by leveraging Cecily with customers on the floor, and that can only happen Martinez, Fresh Thyme’s registered dietitian, through her highly inwith education. … It’s important to have in-store formative blogs, many recipes and wellness content. By connecting employees that are up to date and educated to provide the dots to seasonal moments, simple meal ideas and everyday this ongoing education for consumers.” needs, our goal is to take some of the complexity and guesswork Asked about marketing at Natural Grocers, Pettys out of the mix.” notes: “The most effective campaigns connect with Key to the retailer’s merchandising approach is creating an intuitive shopping experience in which customers can encounter new items alongside old favorites. “Many organic and natural products are dispersed around the store, instead of being lumped into a dedicated area for specialty items,” Etlin says. “This way, it’s easier for customers to incorporate natural and organic into their baskets regardless of where they’re situated in store or online.” The Natural Living section, which offers holistic vitamins, supplements, homeopathy and clean beauty products, makes shopping the area less intimidating via clear wayfinding signage, and every store boasts at least one certified natural product advisor to provide a personalized experience for each customer. Fresh Thyme also works closely with partner brands to create immersive moments through signage. The produce department similarly makes use of “carefully crafted displays, wayfinding and signage while offering additional information about our product and vendors via QR codes, to spotlight organic and make product comparisons so much easier,”

Natural Grocers offers organic products spanning multiple categories under its private brand.

54 progressivegrocer.com

playing it cool

Natural Grocers carries 100% organic produce across all of its retail locations.

how customers see themselves and the values they care about. People are drawn to products that feel aligned with their lifestyle, beliefs or aspirations. Campaigns that create a sense of belonging and optimism tend to resonate more strongly than those that rely on guilt, fear or pressure.” With merchandising, the company takes an all-inclusive approach. “While great shelf placement is always important, we’ve found that products perform best when they’re part of a larger solution for the customer: Cross-merchandising related items, creating seasonal or event-driven displays, and providing clear product information all help drive discovery and trial,” explains Nicole Paquette, director of purchasing, food categories. “The easier we make it for customers to find products and understand their benefits, the greater the impact at shelf.”

In grocery stores, there’s more to being cool that just keeping products fresh and palatable. There’s organizing and messaging. This kind of “cool” is one of Popco’s specialties. We’ve got food-safe, cooler-ready, sign bases meant for organizing grocery coolers, and we can help grocers produce branded inserts to bring marketing messages to their cooler sections.

The Next Evolution

What’s on the horizon in the natural and organic space? “We expect the demand for transparency and education to continue to grow, and more shoppers will start to take a more holistic view of the products they purchase, from how and where they’re made to sourcing practices and overall value,” Etlin predicts. “As these expectations evolve, retailers have an opportunity to make that information easier to understand while continuing to introduce shoppers to innovative products and brands.” “The next evolution of natural and organic will go beyond what is in the product to how it is produced and the benefits it provides,” Cassella notes. “We expect continued growth around functional foods, including products focused on protein, fiber, gut health and other wellness benefits. Consumers are also becoming more interested in sustainable sourcing, soil health, reduced food waste and greater transparency around where their food comes from. At the same time, shoppers still expect convenience, great taste and value. The brands that can bring all of those elements together in an authentic and understandable way will be well positioned for the future.” PROGRESSIVE GROCER September 2026

Reach out to Popco — learn how our sign bases with your branded inserts are the coolest.

hang, stic

stand out

popco-usa.com 5405 Opportunity Court, Minnetonka, MN 55343 sales@popco-usa.com | 800.557.6726 | 952.352.0887

FRESH FOOD

Bakery

The Future of Brioche PROGRESSIVE GROCER FINDS OUT WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THIS KE Y BAKERY SEGMENT.

A By Bridget Goldschmidt

lthough it’s been rising in popularity for some time now, brioche still has room to grow. To learn more about this prime opportunity, Progressive Grocer caught up with Kurt Burmeister, SVP of national sales and importing at KLT Global, which offers the Brioche Gourmet brand and is a division of Warren, Mich.based Lipari Foods. The following conversation has been edited for length and clarity. Progressive Grocer: What are some of your newest products, and what has the consumer reception been? How does this success inform your future flavor development? Kurt Burmeister: Introduced as a limited pre-book opportunity, our new Peanut Butter Brioche has received an incredible response. The enthusiasm from customers has exceeded expectations and demonstrates the demand for distinctive premium products that bring something genuinely new to the bakery category. In Q4, we’ll continue that momentum with two exciting additions: Cinnamon Swirl and Mocha Babka — products designed to deliver the indulgence, craftsmanship and exceptional quality customers have come to expect from Brioche Gourmet. We’re not simply following trends — we’re focused on creating products that excite customers, differentiate the bakery set and give our retail partners new opportunities to drive incremental sales. PG: You’ve identified Gen Z as a key growth target. What specific behaviors or purchasing patterns have you observed in this cohort that differ from your lifelong segment buyers? KB: What we’re seeing with Gen Z is a willingness to explore and discover. Unlike some of our lifelong segment buyers, younger consumers are much more likely to seek out something new, unexpected and highly experiential. Gen Z is interested in products that take something familiar and give it a new twist — whether that’s an unexpected flavor combination, a more indulgent experience or a product that simply feels different from what they typically see in the bakery aisle. They are also highly visual consumers, and packaging, presentation and the overall experience of discovering a product can be nearly as important as the product itself.

56 progressivegrocer.com

At the same time, quality still matters tremendously to Gen Z. That creates a tremendous opportunity for Brioche Gourmet because we can combine the quality and craftsmanship our longtime consumers expect with the innovation younger consumers are looking for. PG: With shoppers becoming increasingly cautious with grocery budgets, how have you seen the “affordable indulgence” positioning of brioche evolve? KB: Shoppers may be more cautious about larger discretionary purchases or dining out, but they still want moments of enjoyment at home. Premium brioche can provide that experience without requiring a significant spend. The rich flavor, soft texture and quality of authentic brioche create a premium experience that is accessible at a grocery-store price point. We also believe innovation strengthens that “affordable indulgence” positioning. PG: How are sustainability initiatives influencing your product portfolio and manufacturing processes? KB: Sustainability is increasingly part of the conversation at every stage of product development for us, from the ingredients and suppliers we work with to packaging, manufacturing and, ultimately, the consumer experience. Whenever possible, we look for packaging solutions that are not only more environmentally responsible, but also functional for the consumer. For example, a resealable format helps maintain freshness after opening and can potentially reduce food waste by allowing consumers to enjoy the product over multiple occasions. As we develop new products, we continually evaluate opportunities to improve efficiency, minimize unnecessary waste and make thoughtful choices throughout the supply chain without compromising the quality of the finished product. PG: Are there untapped eating occasions – dayparts or holidays – you are currently prioritizing for new product concepts? KB: One of the biggest opportunities we see is expanding the perception of brioche beyond breakfast. We’re particularly interested in the snacking and afternoon indulgence occasions. Consumers are increasingly looking for small moments of enjoyment through-

“We’re not simply following trends — we’re focused on creating products that excite customers, differentiate the bakery set and give our retail partners new opportunities to drive incremental sales.” —Kurt Burmeister, SVP of National Sales and Importing, KLT Global

out the day, whether that’s something paired with coffee, an afternoon snack or a dessert alternative. That opens the door for more indulgent and flavor-forward innovation. We also see significant opportunity around entertaining and seasonal celebrations. Holidays give consumers permission to trade up, try something different and bring products into the home that feel special. Rather than simply changing packaging for a holiday, we want to think about flavors, formats and occasions that can genuinely add something to the consumer’s experience. Another area we’re watching closely is the continued growth of at-home meal occasions. Brioche can give consumers a relatively simple way to create a more premium experience at home. PG: Are there new texture-focused innovations in the pipeline that address the demand for artisanal-style products? KB: Consumers increasingly want bakery items that look and feel handcrafted — products with visible layers, interesting contrasts and a texture that delivers on the expectation created by that first visual impression. Beyond traditional braided and filled formats, we’re exploring ways to create greater textural contrast through layering, swirls, inclusions and different filling applications. The opportunity is to combine the soft, rich texture of authentic brioche with elements that add another dimension to the eating experience. We also believe the visual component of texture is becoming increasingly important. A beautiful swirl, an irregular layer or a generous filling can communicate an artisanal experience in a way that traditional uniform bakery products sometimes cannot. PG: Since your success with secondary placements like the meat case or deli, have you seen a shift in how retailers approach “usage-based” displays? KB: We’ve seen retailers become much more receptive to thinking about merchandising around the eating occasion rather than simply around the individual category. A year ago, the conversation might have been, “Where does the brioche belong?” Today, we’re increasingly having conversations around, “What meal or occasion can we create around the brioche?” Further, because we also own and manufacture complementary products, including a wide variety of cheese applications, as well as jarred jellies and jams, we have the ability to create cross-category promotions built around a complete eating occasion. When you bring all of those components together, you can be incredibly creative with product tie-ins, merchandising and promotional programs. More importantly, it allows us to help the retailer move beyond selling an individual product and instead create an occasion, giving the

Brioche Gourmet’s Peanut Butter Brioche has received an enthusiastic response from consumers.

consumer a solution while helping the retailer drive incremental purchases and grow the overall basket. PG: As the brioche segment matures and more commoditized offerings roll out, how are you working with retail partners to help them differentiate between premium and lower-quality options? KB: Growth naturally attracts more competition and more value-oriented offerings, which is healthy for a category. The risk comes when the definition of brioche begins to be driven primarily by price rather than by the quality and experience that attracted consumers to the category in the first place. Private label absolutely has a role to play, but there can be a temptation in any maturing category to focus heavily on achieving the lowest possible cost. When that comes with a trade-off in ingredients, texture, flavor or overall eating experience, retailers need to consider the longer-term impact on the category. Our conversations focus on helping them understand what differentiates premium brioche: the quality of the ingredients, richness, softness, texture, consistency and ultimately the eating experience. The first purchase can sometimes be influenced by price or promotion, but the second, third and 10th purchases are driven by whether the product delivered. We also encourage retailers to think about the economics beyond the individual item’s cost. What does a premium product contribute to repeat purchases? Does it create a destination within the bakery? Can it generate incremental purchases through secondary placements? Can it be paired with other products to increase the total basket? Those are important considerations when evaluating the true value of a premium offering. Ultimately, commoditization doesn’t have to diminish the brioche category, as long as we preserve the quality, craftsmanship and sense of indulgence that make the product special. PG: What do you see as the biggest opportunities for the brioche category in the U.S. market? KB: We still have tremendous runway to establish brioche as a premium platform that can participate in multiple eating occasions throughout the day. When you combine that versatility with continued product innovation, the opportunity becomes much larger than the traditional definition of the brioche category. There is also a significant opportunity at retail to merchandise brioche around the occasion rather than simply the bakery department. If we do that, we’re helping create a larger basket. However, the greatest opportunity isn’t simply to put more brioche on the shelf at increasingly lower price points, it’s to give more consumers more reasons to buy a unique product. That’s where I see the future of the category: more occasions, more innovation, stronger cross-merchandising and a new generation of consumers discovering brioche, without ever compromising on quality. PROGRESSIVE GROCER September 2026

SPECIAL SECTION

STORE BRANDS

Multi-Purpose and Value:

Inside the Latest Trends in Cleaning Products DAYMON’S GR ACE TEODOSIO SHARES INSIGHTS ON HOW CONSUMERS ARE MANAGING BUDGE TS WHILE CLE ANING THEIR HOMES.

T By Greg Sleter

oday’s time-strapped consumers are rethinking their household routines, trading complex regimens for streamlined, multi-purpose solutions. As busy schedules squeeze daily life, demand is surging for versatile products, from multi-surface dish sprays to all-in-one floor care tools, that reduce cleaning time without sacrificing results. This push for convenience and efficiency is actively reshaping shelf dynamics, opening up major innovation opportunities for retailers and their store brands looking to capture share in functional home care. At the same time, ongoing economic pressures are creating a distinct market split, where consumers carefully balance budget constraints with selective splurges. While value-conscious shoppers are hunting for larger sizes or flocking to club and dollar channels, others remain willing to pay more for premium fragrances and elevated product aesthetics. Regardless of price point or store channel, however, product efficacy remains the ultimate non-negotiable factor driving repeat purchases. Store Brands recently spoke with Grace Teodosio, senior manager of category solutions at Stamford, Conn.-based Daymon, who discussed how private label cleaning products can leverage high consumer trust to capitalize on these changing shopping habits. Teodosio shared insights on channel shifts, the power of social media marketing and why modern sustainability claims are rapidly blurring into broader consumer demands for health, transparency and personal wellness. STORE BRANDS: When looking at the cleaning habits of consumers, what trends are you seeing currently? GRACE TEODOSIO: Most Americans are really busy and stretched thin, and they are looking to streamline and simplify their routines. The data that we have shows us that over the past few years, people are using fewer and fewer cleaning product types, and multi-purpose products are doing extremely well. The main

58 progressivegrocer.com

Retailers are expanding their selections of private label cleaning supplies to help shoppers save money.

reason why is that using multi-purpose products gives consumers one less thing to buy, and it also makes it easier to clean. People are looking to reduce the amount of effort and want to save time. Some people enjoy having a more experiential cleaning experience, and that is a real audience to tap into. But overall, I think most busy Americans are looking to have a simplified routine. SB: With time-crunched consumers looking to simplify their routines, are you seeing new products being developed that offer a multi-purpose solution in one bottle? GT: Absolutely. We’re seeing two-in-one types of products. For example, a mop that’s also a broom and a duster, so you have to buy fewer refill types, but you can also use it more functionally in one room when

As busy schedules squeeze daily life, demand is surging for versatile products, from multi-surface dish sprays to all-in-one floor care tools, that reduce cleaning time without sacrificing results.

Grocery stores such as those owned by Ahold Delhaize USA offer a broad selection of private label cleaning products.

cleaning. Also, some of the top-selling items in the category are multi-purpose dish sprays that can be used on everything. The growth is tremendous, and we are seeing that development bleed into private brands because it’s really so successful. SB: Given the current economic pressures consumers are facing today, are you seeing any changes in what people are willing to pay for cleaning products? GT: I was recently reading a report that defined shoppers as value-now consumers. They are looking for the best value, and they’re making trade-offs. They’re also trying to navigate when they save money on a product and when they splurge. That’s a decision that is deeply personal. In the current K-shaped market, we have consumers looking at multi-functional products or perhaps willing to try a private brand because they have great trust in store brands and know that they will also save money. But there are also shoppers at the other end of the spectrum as well. These are people who are going to pay more for premium products. Those could be items that are new innovations, have designer fragrances, sustainability attributes or better-for-you formulations. And sometimes, people want a product that is more aesthetically pleasing. There are two ends of the spectrum. The bulk is being driven by tradedown behavior, but we can’t forget about the other end as well. SB: With many looking for a better value, are there more people heading to the clubs to buy in bulk, or do budgetary constraints lead some to buy a smaller package, as they need to save money in the moment? GT: I think in other categories, consumers are buying into the shrinkflation of things. But I don’t think this is the case for the cleaning category. People may change how they spend in the category, but they will keep

buying dish soap because they need to wash the dishes. What I’m seeing is that those products that are doing well are offering value sizing — things like 30% more of a product, or a 2-pack of a refill for a spray wash. The data also shows that cleaning within the club channel is doing really well. We’re also seeing those offerings come into mass, where they weren’t available before. One thing I would stress when we’re talking about the economy and pricing is that at the end of the day, products cannot compromise on efficacy. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t matter. People can get over the bottle and how it looks. They can get over the brand name. But if the product doesn’t perform the way they’re expecting it to perform, they’re never going to repeat the purchase. SB: In terms of where people are shopping for cleaning products, have you seen any notable shifts? GT: We have seen shifts. Clubs are doing really well, as are retailers in the dollar channel, the latter of which is interesting to me. With the dollar channel, I don’t think it’s just the affordability play. Social media also plays a big role, and this is something that retailers have not tapped into with their private brands. Certain dollar channel retailers have really understood that if they put out social content around the dupe products, it drives astronomical sales in categories such as beauty and cleaning. I feel social media combined with current economic times are huge reasons the dollar channel is performing better than expected. SB: How much migration are we seeing to private brands? GT: There’s definitely a shift because of economic pressures, which is something that started some time ago. Daymon’s recent “Private Brand Intelligence Report” found that 96% of consumers

“At the end of the day, products cannot compromise on efficacy. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t matter. People can get over the bottle and how it looks. They can get over the brand name. But if the product doesn’t perform the way they’re expecting it to perform, they’re never going to repeat the purchase.” —Grace Teodosio, Senior Manager of Category Solutions, Daymon PROGRESSIVE GROCER September 2026

SPECIAL SECTION

STORE BRANDS

Introducing SoapMate™ Our latest addition to the MRP line of closures for household cleaners

Clubs such as Costco are seeing greater demand for cleaning products as consumers look for items offering the best value.

view the overall value of private brands as the same or better than national brands. Personally, my trust in the quality of a lot of retail private brands where I shop is much better than I ever would have expected. As the perceptions of quality and the trust in those brands grow, that aura does a lot of heavy lifting, especially when someone’s already kind of thinking about making a switch because of price. SB: Economics are clearly top of mind with consumers, but where does the issue of sustainability sit with them as they shop for cleaning products? GT: Sustainability today is very important, but it also has to be credible. In the past, the sustainability cues legitimized premium price points. Those types of attributes are easier to access for manufacturers now, so they’re less expensive, and shoppers expect a lot more of retailers, regardless of the price. We’re also seeing a lot of private-brand items transition to being more sustainable. We are also seeing sustainability blurring into what I call wellness. For example, things like plant-based formulas and bioavailable formulas are better for the environment and are also safer. They’re more hypoallergenic, they’re safer for sensitive skin, and they’re safer for kids and pets. So it’s no longer just a sustainability play; it’s also a human safety, transparency and trust play.

mrpsolutions.com

60 progressivegrocer.com

RESEARCH & ANALYSIS

Shopper Behavior In-store displays remain the top product discovery channel, according to recent P2PI research.

Shopper Behavior Spotlight THE L ATEST P2PI STUDY HIGHLIGHTS BOTH OPTIMISM AND VALUE-SEEKING BEHAVIOR ACROSS GENER ATIONS

By the Path to Purchase Institute he Path to Purchase Institute’s (P2PI) “2026 Shopper Pulse Study Wave 3,” conducted in August 2026, provides a comprehensive look at evolving U.S. consumer shopping behaviors, sentiment and economic concerns. This quarterly survey, with a nationally representative sample of 1,001 shoppers, tracks trends across generations and genders, offering actionable insights for retailers and brands. For the most recent quarter, P2PI found that shopping sentiment is rebounding, especially among younger generations. Persistent economic pressures, though, are driving shoppers to prioritize value, embrace digital tools for planning and discovery, and approach both everyday and holiday spending with heightened caution and strategic deal seeking.

45% for the latter. Cognitive load is another story, however, with women continuing to experience twice the rate of shopping stress compared with men, who are more likely to view shopping as routine and simple. Shopping stress is coming in other ways as well. More than half (54%) of shoppers cite rising prices and stagnant incomes as their top concerns, with many adjusting meal-planning and purchasing habits to stay within budget. Moreover, 22% of respondents are worried about unpredictable incomes and job security, leading to cautious spending. Even more outside forces are keeping consumers awake at night, with 17% saying they’re anxious about inflation and fluctuating prices, especially those shoppers nearing retirement or on fixed incomes. Additionally, 7% mention global and political factors, such as tariffs and changes to Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, as sources of anxiety.

Pre-Trip Planning: Digital Integration and Deal Seeking

Unsurprisingly, nearly all shoppers engage in pre-trip planning, with coupon-hunting and price comparison as top activities. Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to use digital shopping lists, check stock online, seek out recipes and interact with AI or social media for shopping advice. Rebounding Optimism Amid Persistent Stress Overall, shopping sentiment has reboundIn fact, a substantial portion of A substantial portion of ed, with 52% of shoppers reporting net shoppers, especially Gen Z and positive feelings about grocery and houseshoppers, especially Gen Z and Millennials, routinely purchase hold-essentials shopping. This represents in-store products that they first Millennials, routinely purchase a six-point increase from earlier in the year, discovered online, highlighting the with negative sentiment dropping to 27%. in-store products that they first importance of digital discovery in Gen Z (57%) and Millennials (61%) are the discovered online, highlighting pre-trip planning. most optimistic, while Boomers lag, at 41% When forced to make tradethe importance of digital net positive. Men report higher positivity offs, shoppers are most willing than women, at 60% for the former and to switch brands or package discovery in pre-trip planning. PROGRESSIVE GROCER September 2026

RESEARCH & ANALYSIS

Shopper Behavior sizes, but less likely to sacrifice premium features or ethical values. Younger shoppers are more flexible with convenience and product specifications, while Boomers are less willing to adjust their preferences. Looking ahead, most shoppers plan to manage spending through tighter pre-trip planning and reduced trip budgets, rather than switching stores or brands. Gen Z is especially likely to increase planning efforts, while Boomers are most likely to maintain their current habits.

In-Store Dominance With Digital Influence

As for that online-to-offline purchasing pipeline, 38% of shoppers often buy products in-store that they first discovered online. This habit is strongest among Gen Z (56%) and Millennials (55%), compared with Gen X (29%) and Boomers (13%). Discounts, in-store browsing and product displays most often drive unplanned purchases, with younger shoppers being more influenced by digital cues, samples and push notifications. As for product discovery, in-store displays remain the top discovery channel (28%), followed by retailer websites/apps (15%) and social media (13%). Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to discover products via digital channels, influencers and AI. At the end of the day, 51% of shoppers complete purchases at their primary physical store. Millennials lead in retailer website/app purchases (30%), while Gen Z is most likely to buy through social commerce, although only 10% said that they do so.

Millennials and Gen Z are highly receptive to digital and interactive retail technology, P2PI has found.

displays such as digital screens, QR codes and lifestyle imagery. Millennials, like Gen Z, are highly receptive to digital and interactive retail technology, and they also lead in using retailer websites and apps for purchases. Gen X shoppers fall between younger and older generations in their tech preferences, and while they use digital tools, they are less likely than Gen Z and Millennials to be influenced by interactive or digital displays. As for Boomers, they prioritize simplicity and familiarity, and are most resistant to further digital integration, with 12% wanting less tech. Overall, price-focused messaging, seasonal themes and high-visibility endcaps are most effective. As mentioned, younger shoppers are drawn to digital displays, interactive elements and QR codes, while Boomers prefer traditional endcaps.

Retail Tech: Value Optimization Takes Center Stage For shoppers, price and value optimization is the top requested retail tech feature, far outpacing inventory tracking, frictionless checkout and even personalization. As for generational demands, Gen Z wants tech to help with healthier or sustainable choices, and is also more likely than other cohorts to be drawn to digital and interactive in-store

62 progressivegrocer.com

What should shopping tech or retailer apps focus on to improve your shopping experience? Price & Value Optimization

Inventory & Location

Frictionless Checkout

Personalizatiom

43%

17%

14%

11%

Data Source: “2026 P2PI Shopper Pulse Wave 3” (Aug 2026)

Holiday Shopping Outlook

With economic

With economic headwinds still pushing back headwinds still on consumers, only 10% plan to increase holiday spending this year. Most (28%) will spend pushing back less by cutting back or choosing lower-cost on consumers, alternatives, while another 28% will be more only 10% plan to strategic about where they shop. Delayed planning is at play this year, though, increase holiday with 27% of Boomers saying they have not yet spending this considered their holiday budgets, indicating year. later planning compared with younger generations. As for holiday inspiration, shoppers look to a mix of digital and physical channels, with social media, in-store displays and search engines leading. Overall, this wave of the “2026 Shopper Pulse Study” reveals a consumer landscape marked by cautious optimism, persistent economic pressures, and a growing reliance on both digital and in-store experiences. Retailers and brands that prioritize value, integrate technology thoughtfully and adapt to evolving shopper behaviors will be best positioned to succeed in this dynamic environment.

Key Takeaways for Retailers and Brands

 Emphasize Value: With price and value optimization as the top tech priority, retailers should invest in dynamic pricing, deal-find-

ing tools and clear value messaging both online and in-store.  Leverage In-Store Displays: Physical displays remain critical for product discovery and impulse purchases. High-visibility endcaps and interactive elements can capture attention, especially among younger shoppers.  Integrate Digital and Physical: The routine nature of online-to-offline shopping, especially among younger generations, underscores the need for seamless integration between digital discovery and in-store experiences.  Support Pre-Trip Planning: Offer robust digital tools for list making, price comparison and personalized recommendations to meet the needs of digitally savvy shoppers.  Prepare for Cautious Holiday Spending: Retailers should focus on strategic promotions, social media campaigns and in-store displays to capture selective holiday spending.  Address Shopper Stress: Recognize the higher cognitive load on women and provide solutions that simplify the shopping process, such as streamlined navigation, clear signage and stress-reducing services.

Get industry news, trends, and insights to drive your business forward. Be the First to Know!

Scan to Get Our Daily Newsletter.

EDITORS’ PICKS

Food, Beverage & Nonfood Products

 Functional Fizz

The latest from Premier Protein aims to help consumers meet their protein goals: Sparkling Protein Soda delivers a hefty serving of the trending nutrient, along with a refreshing, fruity fizz. Made with just five ingredients, the bubbly clear beverage contains 15 grams of whey protein isolate in every 12-ounce can, along with 90 calories and 3 grams of sugar. It is sweetened with cane sugar and stevia extract and has no artificial colors. The line comes in four fun, fruit-forward flavors: Lemon Lime, Grapefruit, Black Cherry and Pineapple Orange, the last a Walmart exclusive. Premier Protein Sparkling Protein Soda is available at retailers nationwide including Walmart and Amazon. The suggested retail price for a 4-pack of any flavor is $8.97. Premier Protein is a brand of BellRing Brands Inc., which is focused on growing the convenient nutrition category. https://www.premierprotein.com/; https://bellring.com/

 Peanut Butter Meets Coconut

Cocomo’s Coconut Peanut Butter, the brand’s inaugural product, is made with organic peanuts and coconut that provide 6 grams of plant-based protein but just 3 grams of sugar and 4 net carbs per serving, along with energizing MCTs from coconut. Unlike traditional peanut butter, Cocomo boasts a silky, pourable texture that can be enjoyed on its own; spread on apple slices, bananas or toast; or drizzled over frozen fruit or ice cream, where it firms into a smooth, shell-like coating. The product is also organic, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, kosher, and free from hydrogenated oils. Further, for folks on the go, the brand’s single-serve squeeze packs provide an easy snack. A 10.2-ounce jar retails for a suggested $8.99, while a 100-calorie 0.56-ounce single-serve pack has a suggested retail price of $3. https://snackcocomo.com/

 Chef-Inspired Seafood Meals

 Mac-and-Cheese Innovation

The brand that reimagined boxed mac and cheese, GOODLES, has now launched Twirly Mac, an innovative, category-bending noodle shape in three layered, bold and complex flavors: golden, savory Cheddar Weather; classic, creamy Alfredo Heights, infused with white miso; and Hotshot Jackpot, a chili garlic cheddar mac with a touch of heat. Each flavor contains 14 grams of protein, 7 grams of fiber and 21 nutrients from plants per serving. Further, according to GOODLES Chief Product Officer Molly Michet, product development “ included designing a noodle shape that holds sauce in a completely different way than our classic Mac.” Currently available on GOODLES’ website, Twirly Mac is also at select retailers, at a suggested retail price of $3.79 per 5.25-ounce box of any flavor. https://www.goodles.com/

High Liner Foods Inc.’s Sea Cuisine Skillet Meals are now available at select grocery stores across the United States, bringing globally inspired, one-pan seafood meals to the frozen aisle. Not only does the convenient, easy-to-prepare line expand the category with chef-inspired complete meals, but it’s also ready in a mere 15 minutes. First introduced at this year’s Seafood Expo North America, the line offers three complete meal solutions: Mediterranean-Style Sole Pasta (22 grams of protein per serving), wild-caught sole paired with penne pasta, roasted yellow and red peppers and diced tomatoes in a Mediterranean-inspired lemon caper sauce; Thai Red Curry Salmon (19 grams of protein per serving), wildcaught salmon with snap peas, red bell peppers, carrots and brown rice in a chef-crafted Thai red curry sauce; and Chili Garlic Shrimp (15 grams of protein per serving), premium shrimp with chow mein noodles, broccoli, red peppers and carrots in a chili garlic sauce. A 22-ounce bag of any variety retails for a suggested $10.99. The company is planning broader North American distribution of the product line. https://www.highlinerfoods.com/

64 progressivegrocer.com

 Philadelphia Freedom

The iconic Philadelphia brand has launched Philadelphia Lactose Free, the first lactose-free cream cheese from a major U.S. brand, expanding access to the category for consumers who are lactose-intolerant or -avoidant. Made with real dairy, Philadelphia Lactose Free delivers the same rich, creamy taste as the brand’s original cream cheese brick – just without the lactose. With no added preservatives, flavors or dyes, the product can be used as a one-to-one swap for the Kraft Heinz brand’s original cream cheese in recipes ranging from bagels and sandwiches to cheesecakes. Philadelphia Lactose Free is available at major retailers nationwide at a suggested retail price of $3.99 per 8-ounce brick. https://www.kraftheinz.com/philadelphia; https://www.kraftheinzcompany.com/

 Authenticity With a Healthful Twist

4th-generation St. Louis-based salumeria Volpi Foods has now introduced Reduced Sodium Salame, a modern take on authentic Italian craftsmanship. Made using traditional techniques and containing 50% less sodium than traditional Italian dry salame, the small-batch product features all-natural ingredients and Raised Responsibly pork, with no added dry milk, dextrose or corn syrup, as well as no added nitrites and nitrates. What’s more, the premium option fits a wide range of occasions, from lunchboxes and quick weekday meals to charcuterie boards and pizza nights. Retailing for a suggested $7.99 per 8-ounce package, the product can currently be purchased at Dierbergs, Raley’s, Fresh Thyme Market and H-E-B, as well as through Instacart. https://www.volpifoods.com/

 What a Relief

Topical pain care brand Icy Hot has introduced Icy Hot Revive & Recovery No-Mess Pain Relief Roll-On, a product line that pairs targeted physical relief for daytime with vibrant scents. Formulated with 8% menthol and powered by Icy Hot’s Ice + Heat Therapy, the item features a convenient, mess-free rollerball applicator and comes in three fragrances: Energizing Citrus, blending notes of citrus and white peach, with lime, mandarin, tangerine and eucalyptus balanced by warm amber woods; Refreshing Lime & Mint, delivering mint, lime and eucalyptus layered with subtle floral notes and a cedarwood and sandalwood finish; and Revitalizing Tropical Rush, combining notes of pineapple and lemon with mandarin, sweet orange and eucalyptus, grounded by soft blonde woods. Rather than masking Icy Hot’s customary menthol aroma, these latest fragrances were developed to work with it, delivering unique scent profiles scientifically linked to the awake and alertness centers of the brain. Further, to help shoppers explore the product line, Icy Hot has introduced the topical pain category’s first scratch-and-sniff packaging, enabling each fragrance to be previewed from a sticker on the box before purchase. The roll-ons are now available at select retailers nationwide with a suggested retail price of $7.99 per 2-fluid-ounce package. Icy Hot is a brand of Opella, which provides such over-the-counter drugs as topical analgesics and allergy, constipation and heartburn medications. https://www.icyhot.com/en-us; https://www.opella.com/en

 Easy Baking at Home

Fast-growing refrigerated dough brand JusRol has come out with its latest innovation: Puff Pastry Turnover Kits. Available in the classic flavors of Apple and Blueberry, the kits provide real fruit filling and icing, offering a simple, approachable baking solution for home chefs. Each convenient kit makes four puff pastry dough squares separated by parchment, making handling and prep simple, and the parchment can even be used directly in the oven or air fryer, minimizing cleanup and adding to the product’s ease of use. Once the directions have been followed, the resulting baked turnovers are light, flaky and delicately layered. Further, in common with all JusRol products, the turnovers are made with recognizable ingredients and contain no artificial flavors or colors, high-fructose corn syrup or bleached flour. Puff Pastry Turnover Kits have rolled out to select Walmart stores nationwide at a suggested retail price of $4.67 per 15.45-ounce kit of either variety, with expanded distribution to follow. https://jusrol.com/ PROGRESSIVE GROCER September 2026

AHEAD OF WHAT’S NEXT By Bridget Goldschmidt

Show Up in Miami A NE W SOUTHE AST TR ADE E XPO AIMS TO PROVIDE A CUR ATED, BOUTIQUE E XPERIENCE FOR FOOD RE TAILERS AND OTHERS, ALONG WITH UNIQUE CPG OFFERINGS.

The Miami Beach Food & Beverage Expo will be the first of its kind in the area.

here’s a new trade show coming to the Southeast that’s promising to unite “the next generation of innovative CPG brands with the retailers, distributors, investors, media and hospitality leaders shaping the future know they will actually of CPG.” To find out more about the enjoy it more because inaugural Miami Beach Food & Beverreal business will hapage Expo, which will take place Oct. pen in a quieter, more 28-29 at the Miami Beach Convention focused room.” Center, Progressive Grocer spoke with its founder, seasoned As for the types events entrepreneur Sally Golan. of products to be “I have always dreamed of starting a CPG-focused expo but did featured, “I am focused on spotlighting the not know where or how true innovators,” Golan asserts, “those – until I started going to that are creating a new category or trade shows and seeing redefining one. The Miami Beach Food some major green flags,” & Beverage Expo is about the future of recounts Golan, who first CPG. Who’s doing something bold and came up with the idea wild? I am mostly interested in innovative in 2022. “COVID did not snack brands because during COVID, we kill the expo market – it saw that snack brands took a huge rise —Sally Golan, Founder, Miami Beach Food & Beverage Expo strengthened it. Expos in sales and have not stopped since.” need reimagining, and exhibitors are desperate for it. And lastly, Miami does not have any CPG-focused trade shows. I thought this Meet the Innovators was a huge opportunity, so I snagged it.” Asked why grocery retailers should attend this show, Establishing this event in the Southeast was key “because there she notes: “I care about who exhibits with us, and it is so little representation of CPG brands in this market/region, will show through a variety of CPG brands that these and so many brands, coming from the West, want to get into this retailers might not have seen before elsewhere. Also, market and don’t have a lot of avenues to do so,” she explains. this is a chance for retailers to get in on innovators “Miami is becoming a bit of a business hub, but there are still very and include products that consumers can get excited few platforms championing brands on this side of the coast, only about.” the distributor shows, which not everyone can participate in. [This] Golan’s vision is for the nascent event to become is a region that many CPG brand owners want access to and do “one of the main CPG expos on everynot currently have.” one’s expo circuit, along with the NRA Show, Summer Fancy Food Show and Natural Products Starting Small Further, the show will provide a curated, boutique experience – a Expo West. Miami needs a deliberate choice on Golan’s part, although she can foresee the stage, Miami needs to draw event’s future growth. “I have spoken to so many CPG brand ownbusiness attention, and Miami ers about their No. 1 complaint when participating in other trade is a huge attraction. This will be shows, and [it’s that] they feel ignored and forgotten,” she notes. an annual staple show.” “They spent all that money to be there, and while the attendance was massive and the right people were there, they cannot figure Bridget Goldschmidt out the true ROI of their participation. A smaller show means Managing Editor more time for meaningful conversation and less rush to get to see bgoldschmidt@ensembleiq.com ‘everything.’ There will be under 60 exhibitors for our attendees to discover, and they might feel underwhelmed at first, but I

“I am focused on spotlighting the true innovators, those that are creating a new category or redefining one.”

66 progressivegrocer.com

Nov. 12, 2026 • The Hilton Chicago

How Changing Appetites Are Reshaping the Basket, the Store and Brand Growth Join a limited-access gathering for senior retail, brand, data and commerce leaders focused on how the GLP-1 shopper is changing what people buy, how retailers merchandise and where the next areas of growth will come from.

Reimagining Food as Health

Featured Keynote Colleen Lindholz President, Kroger Health

GET TICKET Learn more at GLP1ShopperSummit.com

Brought To You By:

WHERE THE NEXT ERA OF GROCERY TAKES CENTER STAGE

ORLANDO

NOV 4-6 2026

THE POWER OF

INSPIRING LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVES UNMATCHED PEER NETWORKING AWARD-WINNING PROGRESS GROCERYIMPACT.COM

MADE POSSIBLE BY THE SUPPORT OF OUR 2026 SPONSORS